
![]() Lindsay Ward: A friend of mine gave me this mug for my birthday this year, and it's just so happy! I get up to work really early in the morning before my boys get up, when it is still dark-- this mug is a bright spot of sunshine that makes me smile in the morning. Sometimes it's the little things that can brighten your day! |


![]() Carrie Finison: One thing I noticed in 2020 is that my butt hurt. A lot. I finally figured out that the reason was a combination of advancing age, and the hard dining room and kitchen chairs I was sitting in all day. Gone are the times when I can flit about to coffee shops and the library, snuggling into comfy chairs and sipping lattes while working. So, a few months ago, I decide that BIC (butt-in-chair) time does NOT have to equal BIP (butt in pain) time, and gifted myself a lovely office chair. It is supple, sleek, and supportive, and as Goldilocks said, JUST RIGHT. Trust me - the writer in your life will thank you! There are plenty to be had for under $200 at both Staples.com and Wayfair.com. |

![]() Terri Libenson : It’s not very glam, but the one thing I love as a writer and doodler is my Pentel e-sharp mechanical pencil. I get seriously angry whenever someone takes it. I love that it always stays sharp and fine and lets me add the tiniest details or scribblings. The barrel also comes in different colors, which satisfies the kid in me. |





![]() Jordan Standridge: As a marketer, there’s a lot to plan, keep track of, and check off on a daily basis. I recommend Moleskine’s 12-Month Daily Planner. I know what you’re thinking – yes, this is a chunky brick – but it’s necessary when you have a lot to get done! With a page per day, I find this is ideal for all the virtual meetings and author events being scheduled, as well as the to-do reminders to handle. You can also zoom out, and utilize the month-by-month feature, noting tasks for further out consideration. So, if you need an assistant, look no further! This planner lives permanently on my desk beside me. |

![]() Kelly Carey: Sometimes curling up on the couch with a good book seems more doable then sitting down to write a good book. This is where my Verilux light swings into action! This light is just the pick me up I need for those early morning – egad – it’s still dark out writing sessions and those mid-afternoon I could really go for a nap pushes. The Verilux light wards off winter blues by giving you a dose of sunshine. I’m grateful to the writing colleague who suggested it. As a bonus, it works great to shine an extra light on my Zoom meetings so even if I don’t always feel bright and cheery, at least I have a shot at looking it! |


![]() Amanda Smith: My favorite and most useful writing tool this year is my Zen Art bullet journal. I love the just-right B5 size, the two ribbon book marks, the handy-dandy paper pocket inside the back cover, and that it comes in a variety of colors with contrasting Japanese edging. For me it is the perfect combination of pretty and practical. Check out this blog to learn more about how I used it to stay on track this year. |

