📲 My Creative OS
A living hub of my go-to tools, systems, resources, and accessories that support my creative process.
HEADS UP: This post includes a few affiliate links, marked with an asterisk (*). If you choose to buy something through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which supports this Substack and my ongoing writing projects. Thank you for reading and for being here!
My Setup for Success
While “my process” leads most of my conversations with writers (and the creatively curious), I do get questions about the logistics that facilitate it.
Gatekeeping is boring, so here’s a hub of my go-to tools, systems, and resources for easy access and sharing: My Creative OS!
This is a living directory, so you can look forward to updates, additions, and new discoveries.
Bookmark it if you’d like! And, if you have any suggestions or recommendations, please send them my way.
One last thing: you will find affiliate links, denoted by an asterisk (*). Most of them link to my Amazon storefront. If that’s a turn-off, or you have a more sustainable retailer, go for it!
My Creative OS
As I mentioned above, this resource is an ongoing project! The following two sections, My Writing Toolboxes and My Writing Tech Arsenal, will be dropping in the next week or two!
[Coming Soon] My Writing Toolboxes
Different writing modes require different tools, so I’ve created two other designated Toolboxes for Novel-Writing and Screenwriting. Within each, you’ll find my favorite digital tools for writing and worldbuilding, as well as recommended reading and resources.
🛠️ My Toolbox: Novel-Writing Edition [Coming Soon]
🛠️ My Toolbox: Screenwriting Edition [Coming Soon]
[Coming Soon] My Writing Tech Arsenal
Creative writing work lives in the overlap between analog ritual and “The Cloud,” and my tech setup reflects that balance. From the tools I use to write and edit, to the gear that keeps me focused and inspired, here’s a peek at my current creative command center.
💻 My Writing Tech Stack: Gear Edition [Coming Soon]
Before you keep scrolling, I have to share one thing I always carry with me:
⏲️ Minee 4 Visual Timer*
I use the Pomodoro method for timed writing sprints, and this timer is worth splurging on. It’s a minimalist, tactile timer that makes focus feel like a ritual instead of a chore.
The Minee 4 Visual Timer* is purely visual, with a soothing ticking color wheel—no numbers or stress-inducing countdowns —and you can customize the timer to match your workflow. I set mine to 25-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks. It looks good on my desk, and mine came with a protective leather case for when I’m writing on the go.
Classic Pen & Paper
Most of my work takes place in the digital world, but nothing beats pen and paper. I’m making a conscious effort to reduce my screen time and ground myself in the real world. I’m still figuring it out, but it sure is more fun with high-quality stationery and supplies!
📓 Cloth & Paper Travel Notebook
Cloth & Paper is a Black- and female-owned brand that balances luxury materials with thoughtful functionality. Their website is a one-stop shop for anyone who geeks out over planning systems and beautifully designed office supplies.
They make it easy to build your own customized, modular setup. Mine includes:
I use Cloth & Paper’s sticky notes, page flags, and the Mini eCLIPse Magnetic Bookmarks to stay organized, and personalize the cover to fit my mood with a rotation of mementos, photos, and postcards.
✏️ Blackwing Pencils*
Crafted with genuine incense-cedar, premium graphite, and their iconic design, there’s something luxurious about writing with a Blackwing pencil*.
Indulgent? Yes. But they make the physical act of writing feel ceremonial, and that’s reason enough.
(For the full Blackwing experience, I also use the Blackwing Pencil Sharpener* and Point Guards*.
🖋️Sharpie Pens*
My go-to since college, and I haven’t strayed since.
🗒️ Notepads
(I’m currently working on custom-branded stationery for my business! Once I land on a supplier, I’ll be sure to share.)
Form, Function, & Fun
Creativity thrives in environments that feel intentional. Whether working from home or from your favorite café, it’s essential to set the scene, create a ritual through senses, and surround yourself with things that spark joy. A more dedicated, expanded post is coming soon, but here’s a taste.
🏡 At Home
Tools that help me transform my workspace into a sanctuary of focus and inspiration:
Grovemade Monitor Stand | Elevate your workstation.
Karst Goods Desk Trays | Modular trays for desktop storage and display.
Mustard The Storyboard | Magnetic board for planning and inspo; doubles as minimalistic wall art.
Jonathan Adler Full Dose Coasters* | Cheeky pop art that protects your desk and encourages hydration.
Abstract Face Pen Holder* | A fun, chic home for your pens and pencils.
TOYO Y-350 Mountain Tool Box* & TOYO ST-350MG 2-Tier Tool Box* | Beautiful Japanese toolboxes to store creative tools, cables, and more.
Voluspa Baltic Amber Candle* & Diffuser* | My home office’s signature scent. Warm, sweet, and grounding.
Vitruvi Ceramic Diffuser* | Ceramic art meets aromatherapy.
✈️ On-The-Go
For days when my office is a café, hotel lobby, or window seat at 30,000 feet:
Nothing Headphone (1)* | Over-ear headphones with noise-cancellation (cooler than Apple AirPods Max and more affordable).
Sharge Flow Mini* & Sharge Retractable 3-in-1 Charger Power Bank* | High-powered battery backup and charging.
Cloth & Paper Essentials Pouch | Grab-and-go supplies storage.
Moft Dynamic Folio* + Connected Case* | Intuitive accessories for my mobile iPad setup.
Attere CTRL Key Crossbody | When my LV Monogram Empreinte OnTheGo GM feels too big, I reach for this playful softbody bag to carry my mobile office setup.
Grams28 173 Vertical Sling | my current small everyday carry bag.
Essential Reading Top Picks
You’ll find more tailored selections in the Novel-Writing and Screenwriting Toolboxes, but here are five picks that have influenced my craft and process.
Conclusion
Every writer’s process is a living ecosystem, equal parts tools, habits, and curiosity. This is mine.
I hope it inspires you as you refine or reimagine your own!
Coming Soon…
🛠️ My Toolbox: Novel-Writing Edition
🛠️ My Toolbox: Screenwriting Edition
💻 My Writing Tech Stack: Gear Edition
🖋️ My Writing Corner: My Altar of Creativity
💫 My Fun & Functional Faves