Dear Writing Diary Entry #14

A Sneak Peak at My Writer's Desk

August 7^th, 2024

In this entry, I offer a glimpse at my writer’s desk and how each element contributes to my writing and creative process.

Dear Writing Diary,

A writer’s desk is often thought of as a physical thing, and while this is true, it is also a place that exists in the mind. For me, at least, every device or accessory on my desk serves a purpose in either being an integral piece of how I actually write, inspiring my imagination, or transitioning my focus away from my day job along with the stresses and joys of everyday life and back to writing. Currently, here are a few of the most common things you’ll see on my writing desk:

1) Current WIP - The most important element of my desk is my writing of course! I'm currently juggling both some book and short story projects, some of which I am excited to announce publication release dates soon!

2) My Newsletter/Blog – Writing regularly on Substack has given me so many positive interactions with fellow writers as well as allowed me to reflect on my writing rituals, quirks, and processes that I might not otherwise take time out of my schedule to observe and analyze.

3) My Notebook - In reality, I have at least a dozen notebooks in addition to the one in this photo. This is because writing in a notebook is often an easier distraction-free way for me to get into the writing flow as opposed to writing on my laptop where browsing YouTube or social media is one click away.

4) Seashell - Instead of a worry stone, I have this shark eye shell that I found on the beach. It feels smooth to the touch, and running my thumb over it has often focused my attention into finding inspiration. 

5) Aesthetic Calendar - Someone bought me this beautiful time-piece calendar from Japan. Every day or 2 days, you take one layer of paper off the top to reveal a small piece of the paper sculpture inside. In this case, by the end of the year, there will be a cherry blossom and shrine made of this same paper. It's such a beautiful way to keep track of time. 

6) Ambience - Don't worry! This candle isn't real, which is why there is no fire hazard risk by placing it beside so much paper. String lights, snowglobes, and these kinds of flickering fake candles really do help signal to my mind that it is time to put the worries and stresses of my day away and switch to creative mode. 

So there it is: my writing desk and the most common things you can often find on it. For any fellow writers out there reading this diary entry, what are some things I might find on your desk if I were to sneak a glimpse?

As always, here's to seeing what tomorrow holds.
-K

P.S. Whoever’s reading this, if you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into my writing life, could you please hit the subscribe button? I would love to share more of my writing journey with you in the future. :)