Office supply appreciation post
It’s that time of year—when the aisles are full of gel pens, planners, and that back-to-school itch to get your shit together.
“Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” —Joe Fox in You’ve Got Mail
And as I’m heading back to class (I am a teacher by day, novelist by night)—I thought we could sharpen some metaphorical pencils and set up for a new season of writing.
Affiliate links below, because a girl’s gotta fund her Sharpie habit.
📒 Planner of Choice:
I was gifted the You Are a Badass planner by Jen Sincero and baby, I am thriving. It’s full of bold fonts, badass affirmations, and enough go-get-it energy to power me through deadline chaos.
🧽 Whiteboard Wonderland:
At the day job, my classroom has floor-to-ceiling whiteboards—which means yes, I indulged in a rainbow of new markers. And fine-point black ones perfect for making tidy lists across an entire wall.
🖥️ Digital Ride-or-Die:
Google Docs for everything. But don’t be fooled—I still need pen and paper within reach at all times. Drafting a scene? Jotting down a spicy line of dialogue? Plotting where Reed should kiss Ximena next? It often starts on paper. In fact, Holland, My Heart was first plotted out in this gem: Ruth Scripture Journal. The size is super manageable and there’s a ton of room for notes.
In fact, If you’re interested in Bible study (and my novels), I have two journals of my own! Studying Ruth is a companion to Holland, My Heart and Studying Eve goes with When Ivy Met Adam.
🖊️ Pen Addiction, Fully Activated:
Name a version of the Sharpie S-Gel and I own it. Fancy metal barrel? Got you. Jewel tone ink colors? Of course. There is no pen I’d rather use to scribble a thank-you note to a newsletter reader when I send out stickers. (Psst: subscribe if you want in on the next giveaway!)
✏️ My Favorite Pencil:
These unassuming little things are the pencil I love the most (unless you want one for vocal exercises in your drama class then it’s a Ticonderoga No. 2 every time!). Cadoozles Mechanical Pencils are clickable and small—shorter than any other mechanical pencil I’ve found—so they go everywhere. I bought one 30-pack a millennium ago and there are still a dozen of them in my desk drawer!
📓 Notebook of Choice:
Right now I’m writing in a Decomposition Notebook, which feels delightfully academic but with a little edge. The covers are fun, the paper’s satisfying (and 100% post-consumer!), and something about it makes my writer’s heart very happy.
What do you treat yourself to when fall rolls around? Are you a planner person? Pen snob? Do you have a sacred candle that must be lit before you crack open your book? I wanna know.
Leave a comment or tell me what your reading or writing rituals look like this time of year.
