"A Bouquet of Newly Sharpened Pencils..."

" I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils..."

I LOVE this quote from the film You've Got Mail!

Many writers (me! me! me!) are obsessed with stationery. My stories may turn into books via screen and keyboard but alongside a whole lot of BICHOK (bum in chair hands on keyboard) I would be lost without my trusty notebooks!

Each book has to have the perfect notebook and pen. It’s all become very ritualistic as I find one that either ties to the theme of the book I’m writing, or, is so completely beautiful I HAVE to use it right now!

I use my notebook every day and it goes with me everywhere. Over the years I’ve developed a favourite layout, divided into three sections: Characterisation & Research, Daily Writing Journal and Edits.

In the daily writing journal I usually list a few pointers of the scene I’m writing that day, my word count, any notes on new scenes that come to me while I’m writing…oh, and a whole lot of doodles, shopping lists, reminders and the odd ranty-swear when the words won’t come!

Here’s a couple of pics of filled notebooks that became published books, including THE WEDDING PLANNER, out today! As it is #NationalStationeryWeek let’s talk stationery obsessions! Do you have one? Are you hoarding post-its? Have a secret collection of kitsch pens you need to admit to??? Consider this a safe place to confess…