What’s in a Writer’s Bag?

Hello! I’m Christen Krumm, author of the new Sunrise novel, On the Golden Cliffs. I’m really excited to be here with Inspired by Life and Fiction!

While writing On the Golden Cliffs, my family and I lived in both a two-bedroom apartment as well as a 250-foot RV (after we moved out of said apartment due to a pipe bursting and the apartment flooding). Being in small spaces with three kids between the ages of seven and twelve, meant many times I worked in libraries or coffee shops. My writer’s bag was always packed with what I lovingly referred to as my “office on the move.” We are now in a house, and I’m on to working on my next Big Sky book, but I still have my writer bag packed with all the essentials so whether I’m escaping to my bedroom, or our small-town coffee shop, I always have what I need.

What’s in my writer’s bag

Laptop | 99% of my writing is done on my computer via Scrivner.

Molskine Notebook | I have one of these for every single project. It is my project Bible. I will drop everything from photos for character inspiration, character bios, random notes, scene ideas, and anything else that I drop in here. Generally, this notebook goes everywhere with me (writing or not) while I’m working on the project.

Various Oils and Creams for Sore Muscles | Being a writer means I type — a lot, and as such my shoulders love tensing up on me. I make sure I always have some kind of cream or oil on hand for these moments (and the peppermint oil is because I love putting a drop in my water. It really wakes up the senses, and peppermint is my favorite anyway J)

Lotion | To make sure my hands stay moisturized.

Snacks | When I’m writing, my favorite snack is some kind of sour gummy — worms, bears, octopi. But this week I’m eating all the chocolate.

Earbuds | I love listening to music while I write.

Pens and Other Writing Utensils | For those times drafting via computer just isn’t working or I need to jot down a quick note.

If you’re a writer, what is something that’s always in your writer’s bag? If you’re a reader, what is something you make sure you are never without? I’d love to hear!

Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram (@christenkrumm). If you shoot me a DM and let me know you found me on Inspired by Life and Fiction, I’ll drop some happy mail your way!