1. A large chunk of time set aside in which only writing is ideally permitted to happen.
2. Coffee, tea, some form of synthetic stimulation to help you get into “writing mode.”
3. A browser plugin that only blocks the websites you’re inclined to visit when you’re supposed to be writing. (That way, you can still look up words and such.)
4. A laptop charger, extra paper/pens/pencils, a backup plan if all these things fail.
5. Patience.
6. A general idea of what you’re going to work on, even if you’re not sure what you’re in the “mood” for.
7. Some sort of timer (e.g., on your phone) so you don’t have to stop writing to check the time.
8. Snacks!
9. Some kind of short-term plan or list of goals, to be accomplished before your butt leaves the chair.
10. Your preferred form of background noise, even if it’s silence.
11. A distraction-free environment (as much as possible, depending).
12. Fuzzy slippers/socks/comfy shoes (unless you’re OK with sitting in a coffee shop in your socks).
13. Plenty of water within reach so you stay hydrated and clear-headed. (Frequent pee breaks are acceptable as long as you don’t get lost on your way back.)
14. The right attitude. It’s much easier to write when you have a positive mindset.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is a staff writer with The Cheat Sheet, a freelance editor and writer, and a 10-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food and nerdy things.
Meg Dowell Writes 
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