The essential item in a writer’s toolkit

What’s in your toolkit? When you run down the list of all those items a writer needs, what springs to mind?

Pens? Paper? Laptop? Writing software?

All good things. But there is one that, to me stands out about all others.

Living the dream

I’ve always wanted to be a writer but for a very long time I believed it wasn’t possible (that’s a story for another blog). Then, about 2 years ago, the dream became a real possibility.

My job, up until then, had been as a Management Consultant in a big global consultancy firm. It involved frequent travel and, as a single person, it made one thing an absolute impossibility.

Pets.

So, when I made the decision to take the plunge and leave work, I also took the decision to get a cat.

Adding a cat to my toolkit

The day before I left work, Lola arrived. She is an RSPCA rescue cat and, while she wasn’t the victim of cruelty, she had a rather challenged start in life. As  result, she has some interesting idosyncracies.

Such as needing regular reassurance that she is still loved. As I write this, she has twice climbed on to my lap, walked across the keyboard and licked my face. Then, as soon as I try to reciprocate, she gets bored and wanders off. As a first cat, having one Whois so affectionate is wonderful.

Why does it matter?

Well, Cate, that’s very sweet and nice for you, but why is Lola such an essential? 

Why? Because, quite simply, she provides inspiration and helps to promote what I do. If I post a photo of Lola on my business pages, I get more likes and comments than just about anything else. People are interested. My friends know how intertwined the cat and my ambitions to write are.

And she’s good company. Writing is a pretty solitary career, so undemanding company and affection can be very welcome. Lola has even made a cameo in a book recently.

I’m not suggesting that you have to get a cat but do consider a pet and how it will benefit your journey as a writer.

And if you are still unconvinced…

Let’s face it, she has just filled 370 words of a blog for me. That’s not bad!