Brey Willows

Card 14, Writing Down the Bones: What did you bring with you?

An apropos card, as we’re away on a writing week in Norfolk, and as I type this I’m watching the clouds clear over a glassy ocean. These weeks are all about working on our work in progress and getting as many words down as we possibly can. There’s no rambunctious rambling, no playing on trail or in castles. Write, write, write.

I brought determination with me this week.

My writing mojo has been in flux, and it’s not always easy to get my butt in the chair. But I have a deadline and that means the book needs to get done. And because the other person with me is a deadline fiend and she keeps me in motion, I knew I’d get the words down this week. (It’s only day 2. I’m being optimistic.)

I brought my laptop, my leather journal with the story notes in it, and a book to read at night (which I probably won’t open). Oh, and a little pen pouch. And of course various chargers, plugs, etc. And my iPad for when I need a candy crush moment. Headphones, for the times when I want to listen to a book when I’m cooking.

And so many snacks. And coffee.

Our friends got us little snack bowls. I brought mine in some grand effort to retain control of said snacking instead of attaching a bag of crisps to my face and eating like a horse while I type. Hence us also bringing the yoga mats and workout gear.

And I brought a bushel of hope.

I’m hoping I stay well enough to look at a computer screen all week, that headaches stay away and I don’t get so tired I fall asleep while typing. I’m hoping the story flows the way I need it to and I’m hoping it’s as funny as I want it to be. (It’s an Ally McGuire romance.)

What do you bring with you when you travel? What can’t you leave behind?