Over the last three or four years, I have become obsessed with these high-end writing kits.
Right before I began to click the buy button at this unique retailer, I decided to create my own. When it came to my calling as a writer, I realized I needed a kit that contained writing instruments and supplies that I chose.
It was an opportunity for me to honor some of the exquisite gifts people have given me.
This was also my opportunity to create something meaningful, personal and intimate to my summer writing plans.
What is a writing kit?
A writing kit is simply toolbox for writers. It contains essential tools and materials critical to their craft.
A carpenter’s toolbox, for example, is filled with the basic tools for the craft. It’s that simple.
One day while leaving a local mall, my eyes caught these handmade leather crossbody, satchel and messenger bags in this store as I passed by. I was mesmerized by abundance of styles for men and women.
I felt like a writer in an super-supply office store for a Back-to-School sale!
Ideas immediately filled my heart as touched the bags I admired, unable to choose. Then suddenly, I was drawn to brown, leather backpack that was 17 inches high, 12-inches wide and about 6-inches deep. Perfect!
This would become my writer’s kit for local outings.
Make A Plan
My plan was simple: I needed a portable writing kit that I could carry to a local park to write (or even sketch). I needed a bag I could take with me to my local Starbucks or Panera bread to join my writer friends for afternoon outings.
I wanted my writing kit to be as serious and complicated as I am as a writer. The items inside needed to reflect my faith, passion for the pen and creativity.
I also wanted my writing kit to make a statement among other writers for its usefulness, beauty and personalization.
This meant that everything inside it — from the pens and highlighters to the notebooks and paper – needed to speak “Theresa, the writer.”
Every Serious Writer Needs A Writing Kit
Listen, I believe EVERY serious writer needs a writing kit. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a premade box or bag, there is such affirmation an beauty in creating your own.
My writing kit encourages me every day. It reminds me that being a writer means something in this world. I find myself laughing and enjoying the fact that only OTHER WRITERS would understand how much having your own “mobile office” on your shoulder means.
My writing kit has become a point of conversation with every writer I meet along the way who sees me pop it open and pull out my instruments. Just seeing my writing kits brings me joy, peace and this deep hope in what my created between the pages. I also keep a small sketch pad and a few colored pencils inside for those moments that I long to sketch.
Create One For Yourself
Listen, you could create a small kit that fits in your backpack, purse or to leave in your car. You can create more than one kit for different purposes. I am creating two more: (1) One for traveling by plane; and (2) one to keep in the car for emergencies.
Since I have iced my car internally and externally, I’m creating a second kit that is iced out and hangs on the back of the driver’s side seat. Yeah, I know it is ridiculous — but it is SO ME… SO MEANINGFUL and SO FUN!
Here are some ideas on creating your own:
1. Consider the purpose of your writing kit. The writing kit pictured in this article is for local outings. It’s large, heavy, COMFORTABLE and was a great financial investment for me. I invested in myself with every step of this project. My best tools are in this one.
2. Decide what kind of writing kit you want to create (material, size, thickness). I chose leather because of its scribal style and durability. If your writing kit will have quite a few items, choose a bag, box, etc. that will be able to withstand the weight of those items.
I also wanted a kit or bag that I could easily throw over my shoulder, carry by its straps, and would hold 9×12 notebooks with ease). Your kit could be made of wood, leather or any kind of durable material that suits your taste.
3. Choose your writing instruments. I started with pens first. Your instruments are your most important tools.
4. Tailor your writing kit and its contents to YOU. Choose your favorite paper, notebooks types, and colorize everything to your style or liking. Consider getting monograms or engravings on your tools or the kit itself. I even made a few t-shirts that I plan to wear when going to write! I want everything to SCREAM serious writer.
5. Only place the things in your writing kit that you will use. This is very important. Our writing kits are not show-and-tells (well, they are but…). They should contain useful tools to ignite, guide, encourage or fortify you in writing. Your kit is critical to setting your atmosphere, mood.
6. Be good to yourself. Add things to your kit overtime that you want and love, in addition to what you need. Give yourself permission to be GOOD TO YOU in this area.
7. Interchange the items in your kit from time to time. You don’t have to stay stuck in a particular pattern once you start. For me, I know my tastes will probably shift over time. Try to keep things fresh.
Finally, make this a precious, prayerful journey. Take your time. Even if making kits isn’t for you, you can create a loving kit for the writer in your life.
