Writers are an interesting bunch. Most are very sensitive, perfectionistic and maybe even a little bit superstitious. We have a tendency to be very protective of our work but quick to take on something new. Many SEO freelance writers also thrive with order and consistency. For me personally, there are five writing supplies I simply cannot go without. If I want productivity and speed, this is where I start.

A Checklist

Whether it’s a fancy Excel worksheet, a Google calendar or a Post-It note (my preference), we all need something that keeps us organized and on our toes. With all the thoughts and jobs running through my head, I am guaranteed to forget something if I don’t have it on a sticky note in front of me. I know, I know. What is this, 1982? Something about crossing a job off my list is so much more satisfying than deleting it from a document.

The freelance writers who do well are the ones who have developed a system with tools that work for them to stay organized on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

A Beverage

Most mornings, my breakfast consists of a Dr. Pepper with coconut and blackberry syrup, and a granola bar or candy bar. While this may not be the healthiest way to pound calories, I can’t write without a fountain drink in my line of vision. Rarely does the drink get finished, but it seems to soothe me when I need to take a quick break and hydrate. And if I drink all my calories every day, at least I’m getting paid, right?

Two Monitors

This one is tough because many writers work on a laptop and the benefit of freelance writing is that you can work from anywhere, but I almost feel as if I have lost an arm when I’m asked to work without both screens. How can you expect me to go back and forth from my document to my sources without two screens and create high-quality content? I’m sweating just thinking about it. All that time wasted trying to fit everything on one screen gives me anxiety. If you can afford it and it’s an option, invest in two monitors so you can have 5,187 programs open and see all of them at the same time.

A Good Playlist

I’m a Spotify girl myself, and my preferences range from Mumford and Sons to the Killers to Eminem and P!nk, if I’m in a really feisty mood. While I turn it off when I’m working on a particularly hard topic so I can focus, a good playlist of songs I love keeps me upbeat and motivated. It also helps me shut out the total craziness that exists in a basement where four kids are left to fend for themselves while mom makes herself a paycheck.

A Comfortable Chair

I’m only 35 years old, but some days I feel like I’m 90. Back problems, tension headaches and carpal tunnel are all common in writers these days, and these issues can decrease productivity in no time. While I’m encouraged to take a break every 45 minutes and stretch, that isn’t happening if I’m in the zone and moving along. With a comfortable chair that supports my back and improves my posture, the aches and pains that come after a day of writing are minimal. Usually they are just bad enough that I can whine my way into a back massage from my husband.

These are the five things I can’t live without when I’m writing, but every writer is different and particular in their own way. What writing supplies do you absolutely need as a freelance writer? Feel free to comment below!