I’m sure there is still someone out there still writing by hand, but for the most part technology has replaced pen and paper for writers. In addition to my writing hobby I’ve worked professionally as a technical editor/writer and freelance writer. These are the top items I believe every writer, regardless of genre, needs. The may seem common sense, but I think it’s important to think professionally.
- A computer. Duh. It can be any brand, but every writer should have a way of doing research on the internet, reading and responding to e-mail, and a way to produce text in a word processing program.
- Access to podcasts. Podcasts are the radio shows of the future, except they are cheaper and easier to produce. The result is a glut of podcasts, but also a talk show for every hobby, profession, and interest you can think of. Authors are producing their unpublished works as audio files, allowing writers access to unlimited content (and competition).
- An e-book reader. You don’t need to go out and buy a Kindle, though it can’t hurt. Just download the Kindle application, or other e-book app, to your computer, iPod, or smart phone and you can read an e-book. I don’t believe paper books will ever completely disappear, but this is definitely the way many publications are going. Modern writers should be aware of how the format is used and changes parts of the reading experience.
- Electronic calendar. This can be Outlook or even just a function on your phone. Schedule your writing life the way you would any job. Deadlines should be added to your calendar so you are reminded before you miss something.
- Digital camera. If your phone takes excellent pictures then that’s good enough too. Unless you are strictly a fiction writer, every working writing needs to create images as well as text. It is a visual world.
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