My desk
The tools I use for writing
Texts and the tools with which they are written—how do they relate? The materiality of writing is not just a topic for media and literary studies; it also has a practical side: Can cool tools facilitate writing, and if so, to what extent and how? In this post, I will geek out about paperweights, pencils, and writing apps.
Choosing the right tools
When it comes to writing, it is not only crucial that things serve their purpose but that they send the right signals and put users in the right mood: I take my job seriously. I am ready to go.
However, the right tools do not automatically make one a (good) author. If only I had this special pen or the latest MacBook Air, writing would come to me easily... It wouldn’t. Searching for the right things should never be an excuse for procrastination or a substitute for actual writing activity. The challenges of hard work always remain.
Some of the best artworks were created with poor tools: barely legible pencil sketches, scrawled on crumpled napkins; novels, painstakingly typed with a cumbersome travel typewriter. Conversely, good tools do not guarantee good results. In short, tools matter; doing the work matters more. Therefore, it’s best to start with the resources at hand. During the writing process, it will soon become clear where the friction lies and what would make the process smoother and bring more joy.
Since searching for good tools and getting to know their functions can take a lot of time or even become an end in itself, one is well advised to be inspired by those whose work one admires. Of course, it is also clear that not every tool suits every life situation, and its usefulness depends on the respective context. Once found, however, the right tools can save many detours and make up for the initial time investment.
My tool stack
My basic selection criteria are simplicity and quality: „Buy less, choose well, make it last,“ as Vivienne Westwood said. The following list contains a collection of robust instruments that make the core work easier, not stuff that creates a lot of overhead and maintenance for a negligible additional benefit. I only list proven things that I actually use, not those I never touched again after the purchase or that seem promising but I haven't tried yet. I have no affiliate deal with any of the mentioned manufacturers.
Since the expression „writing“ not only refers to jotting down letters, words, and sentences but also includes such diverse activities as gathering material, structuring, and formulating, I divide my tool catalog into the following five sections: desk, notetaking, recombining, writing, and workflow.