By Leigh Goff

Writing or working from home is more than just you and your laptop. It’s the small world around you, too. Your writing environment plays an important role in your productivity and focus. I’ve been writing for over ten years and have found a few fun, yet necessary items that add to my comfort, stir my creativity, and get me in the writing mood. Whether you’re trying to achieve a specific word count for the day or put together the perfect outline for your upcoming novel, these are my six must-haves to get comfortable and get writing for 2023!

Lip Balm

I need to be comfortable when I write and that includes my lips. I can’t be without lip balm next to me or in my pocket, especially during the drier, colder months.

Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub $40 at Sephora This beauty is a lip balm, lip exfoliator with sugar grains that melt away, and it has a touch of pink tint.

Burt’s Bees $10 for 4 at Amazon These lovelies are made of beeswax with Vitamin E and peppermint oil. Perfect for moisturizing.

Fun Pillows

Again, it’s all about comfort. If I’m comfortable, I can focus on the writing and get lost in my story. Here are some fun literary ones.

Double double toil and trouble Shakespeare pillow $37+ at Etsy

I blame Mr. Darcy Jane Austen pillow $22 at Amazon

Writing Pad

As a writer, I don’t like to work at a desk. I prefer a comfortable chair, but that means my laptop needs a little support. Here are some cool options to support your laptop and other devices, too.

LapGear Home Office Lap Desk $40 at Amazon This lap desk charges your phone and has a built-in mouse pad. Comes in a variety of colors including black, blush, and silver. It’s portable and the perfect size for laptops up to 15.6 inches.

Sofia + Sam Lap Desk $48 at Target Fits 13 inch-15 inch laptops. It has a USB light and memory foam with an angled shape. (Pictured left)

Candles

Nothing sets the mood for writing like a wonderfully scented candle.

Light Me While Writing $22 at Etsy This candle smells of comfort and spice, which is perfect for writing on chilly fall days. Burns for 50 hours and the label is pretty, too.

A Candle for Writer’s Block $12 at Whisky River Soap Has scents of wood, fruit, sweet caramel, and grass plus I love the funny label.

Snacks

Don’t stop writing because you have a hankering for a snack! Keep these delicious treats nearby.

Homemade Salty Sweet Potato Chips recipe at A Spicy Perspective If you need a salty and sweet snack, these are healthy and delicious!

Macarons from Sweet Hearts Patisserie in Annapolis, Maryland, $15+ at SweetHeartsPatisserie for a box of 6 (delivery is extra). You can order these delights online. The shop requires 5 days’ notice for orders so plan ahead.

Tea

With less caffeine than coffee, these teas will give your creativity a boost without the jittery side effects.

Harney & Sons Paris tea sachets $10 at Harney.com Their Paris tea is infused with notes of black currant, bergamot, and vanilla. Perfect for a quiet writing day.

Fortnum & Mason Rose Pouchong  $33 at Amazon Rose petals are interleaved with the tea as it dries imparting a delicate rose flavor. If you’re writing a romance novel or need to feel a little fancy before returning to your laptop, this is the tea for you.

About the Author

Leigh Goff is an author of three published young adult novels and is represented by literary agent Lauren Bittrich. She is working on her next novel, a young adult thriller, while her current manuscript, Wicked Sweet, is on submission.

You can find her current published novels at Audible | Amazon | Apple  ‎

Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website and blog. Stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkTree