What are the 10 most needed desk items for a writer? (Plus bonus tips!)

 If you are a new writer, here are my top 10 suggestions to get you started. You're welcome! 

1. The Perfect Pen Collection 
Not just one pen - you need a proper arsenal! A smooth gel pen for those flowing, creative thoughts that need to pour onto paper without interruption. A fine-tip for detailed character notes and margin scribbles. A bold marker for headings and important plot points. And that one special pen - you know the one - that makes you feel like a literary genius every time you hold it. I keep different pens for different moods: blue for editing, black for serious writing, purple for fun brainstorming. Trust me, the right pen can literally change how your thoughts flow onto paper.

2. Quality Notebooks (Plural!) 
One notebook is never enough for a proper writer! You need your main story notebook for plot development, a character journal for keeping track of personalities and backstories, a "random brilliant thoughts" notebook for those 2 AM lightbulb moments, and maybe a pretty one just for quotes and inspiration. Each deserves its own beautiful home. Lined for structured thoughts, dotted for flexibility, blank for mind maps and doodles. I personally favour A5 size - big enough for proper writing, small enough to carry everywhere.

3. Sticky Notes in Every Colour 
This is where organisation meets creativity! Pink for urgent plot holes that need fixing, yellow for brilliant ideas that struck during your morning coffee, blue for research notes, green for character development reminders. Create your own colour-coding system and stick to it. I use them for timeline tracking, chapter planning, and those "don't forget to mention this detail" moments. Pro tip: get the super sticky ones - nothing worse than losing a brilliant plot twist because your sticky note fell off!

4. A Reliable Computer/Laptop  
Obviously essential, but here's what matters: comfortable keyboard for those marathon writing sessions, decent screen size so you're not squinting, and reliable performance that won't crash when you're in the middle of a brilliant scene. Consider ergonomics - your wrists will thank you after hours of typing. I also recommend having a backup system (cloud storage, external drive) because losing work is every writer's nightmare.

5. Good Lighting  
Your eyes are your most important writing tool! Natural light is brilliant when possible - position your desk near a window if you can. For evening writing sessions, invest in a proper desk lamp with adjustable brightness. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates shadows on your work. Warm white light is easier on the eyes than cool white. Consider a lamp with different brightness settings for different times of day.

6. Inspirational Quotes or Vision Board 
Something that reminds you why you write when the words aren't flowing and everything feels impossible. A vision board with your writing goals, favourite book covers, or dream publishing deals. Inspirational quotes from authors you admire. Photos of places that inspire your stories. I have a small corkboard with rejection letters alongside acceptance letters - both remind me that this journey has ups and downs, and that's perfectly normal.

7. Reference Books & Dictionary 
Even in our digital age, having physical references within arm's reach is invaluable. A proper dictionary (not just spell-check!), thesaurus for when you've used "said" seventeen times in one page, style guides for your genre, and books specific to your writing niche. For middle-grade fantasy like yours, maybe books on mythology, folklore, or child psychology. Physical books don't need wifi and won't distract you with notifications! (Book recommendations coming soon).

8. Comfortable Chair 
You'll be spending hours in this chair - it's an investment in your writing career and your health! Look for proper lumbar support, adjustable height, and comfortable armrests. Your posture affects your creativity - when you're comfortable, your mind is free to focus on storytelling rather than your aching back. Consider a cushion if needed, and remember to get up and stretch regularly.

9. Organisation System  
Chaos kills creativity, so you need systems that work for you! File folders for different manuscripts, desk organisers for pens and supplies, storage boxes for research materials and printed drafts. Label everything clearly. I use colour-coordinated folders: red for current projects, blue for completed manuscripts, green for ideas in development. Beautiful storage makes organisation feel less like a chore and more like part of the creative process.

10. Something Personal & Joyful  
Writing can be lonely work, so surround yourself with things that bring happiness. A small plant (they improve air quality too!), family photos that make you smile, that quirky little figurine you picked up on holiday, or artwork that inspires you. I have a small succulent called Gerald who's been my writing companion for three years - he's survived several manuscript deadlines and countless cups of spilt tea!

BONUS TIPS:

Bonus #1: The Perfect Mug 
Every writer needs their fuel station! Whether it's coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, invest in a mug that makes you happy. Big enough for proper portions, comfortable handle, maybe with an inspiring quote or beautiful design. I have different mugs for different writing moods - my "serious editing" mug, my "first draft chaos" mug, and my "celebration" mug for when I finish a chapter.

Bonus #2: A Proper Waste Bin 
Sounds boring, but trust me - you'll generate lots of paper waste from printed drafts, notes, and brainstorming sessions. Having a bin within easy reach means you won't have piles of crumpled paper cluttering your creative space.

Bonus #3: A Small Whiteboard or Cork Board  
Perfect for plotting timelines, character relationships, or just jotting down quick reminders. Visual planning tools can unlock creativity in ways that notebooks sometimes can't. I use mine for tracking submission deadlines and celebrating small wins.

Bonus #4: Background Noise Control  
Whether it's noise-cancelling headphones for complete silence, a small speaker for writing playlists, or even a white noise machine - controlling your audio environment can dramatically improve focus. Some writers need complete silence, others need gentle background music. Experiment to find what works for you.

Bonus #5: A "Writing Uniform"  
This might sound silly, but having comfortable clothes that you associate with writing can actually trigger your brain into creative mode. It doesn't have to be fancy - just something that makes you feel like a proper writer. I have a favourite cardigan that's practically become my writing uniform!

What's your current desk setup like? ✨