It’s safe to say that 2020 has thrown up plenty of twists and turns. Home-schooling, working from home, not seeing family and friends, frequently washing our hands and wearing face coverings to name but a few. It’s been a difficult year, but in all the panic and confusion many people have had time to reflect and focus on their dreams and goals.
For some, it was learning how to cook, or successfully training at home whilst gyms were closed, for others, it was online courses and heading back into education. But one of the biggest aspirations to come out of 2020 is the incredible achievement of writing (and finishing) a novel. They say everyone has a novel inside them, and with all this time stuck indoors self-isolating, there’s never been a better time to put pen to paper. But, what do you need to be a writer? Here we’ll explore some essential tools for wannabe writers.
Printing supplies
You may not think you’ll have much need for a printer if you’re happily typing away at your laptop, however having printing supplies at your disposal is incredibly important. Whether you want to print off your notes and have hard copies available, or you’ve finally finished your manuscript and you want to send it to a publisher, you’re going to need high-quality printing inks and plenty of them. Don’t worry about spending a fortune, you’ll find the cheapest Epson ink cartridges online, just click the link to get everything you need.
Notebooks and stationery
Again, your laptop or computer will be your biggest asset in terms of writing. However, all the best writers and novelists carry a small notebook and stationery around with them. These handy little pads are perfect for quickly jotting down ideas and those crucial “lightbulb moments”, rather than letting them slip by! Writing notes on your phone is also acceptable, but you’re more likely to become distracted or simply forget about them further down the line.
Grammar guides
Even the most prevalent of writers still need a little helping hand when it comes to grammar and punctuation. So, installing grammar and spell checking software onto your laptop will certainly make the process a little easier. Always proofread your own work, as it may not pick up on the style of your writing and they’re not always 100% accurate. It’s always worth brushing up on your grammar skills rather than just relying on software. Update your knowledge regularly and you’ll feel more confident as a writer.
Remember: Good grammar and writing are highly transferrable skills!
And finally, access to a writing group
Or any kind of support. Writing can often feel like an isolating process, and you have no idea if what you’re writing is any good. Having access to a writing group that can provide you with feedback and moral support is essential for any budding writer. Seeing the work of your fellow writers can also spur you on to pursue your dream and finally get yourself published!