Welcome to the madness in my world

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You’d think writing was this peaceful, poetic thing where I sit under a tree with a leather journal and a faraway look in my eyes. 

But let’s be honest. 

My writing life is more like: slightly frazzled, fueled by masala chai, and full of ill-timed interruptions from my own very little monsters with crises that cannot wait to be resolved (kids...what can i say?) 

Still—there is a method to the madness. 

Here’s what’s actually in my writing bag:

I never seem to have just one. 

Gel pens, ballpoints, clicky pens, those fancy felt-tip ones that bleed if you blink wrong—I carry them all. Don’t even ask if I have a favorite. I have phases.

It’s not pretty. It’s barely holding together. 

But this journal has saved so many half-formed thoughts, weird story sparks, and things my kids said that were way too good not to steal. 

Sometimes I flip through and wonder, “Did I write this at 2AM or was I possessed?”

(Also there’s an entire page titled “Alternate names for Spiky-G,” so yeah… it’s that kind of journal.)

Look. If there’s no chai on my table or somewhere close...then something is very wrong. 

Writing + chai = magic. 

It’s the masala, the warmth, the ritual. 

It resets my brain like nothing else.

Yes, I carry snacks. 

No, I’m not ashamed. 

There’s always something stashed—spicy chips, a granola bar I forgot was in there, sometimes even chocolate if I’m lucky. 

But these aren't for me - they are to keep my little gremlins engaged when they butt into my writing zone.

Writing is emotional (to both me and my kids) and snacks help.

I’ve got a playlist for every mood: rain sounds, snowstorm ambience (don’t judge), even “epic adventure music” when I need to feel like saving the world through dialogue. 

These help me block out the chaos and drop into the world of the story.

This one's on my phone, but it counts. 

It's filled with early sketches, kind words from readers and friends, and random moments I don’t want to forget. 

On the hard days, I scroll through it to remind myself: This is real. I’m doing this.

I almost always have a folded-up doodle or printout of a character—usually Veer or Sia or even Kevin the Intern.

 It’s my little way of keeping them with me. 

Like they’re reminding me, “Uh, excuse us… can you finish our story already?”

Seriously—tell me. Tag me on IG @silpakona with your must-haves. 

Let’s swap creative survival kits. 

You never know what tool might change your writing day.

And if nothing else—make sure you’ve got something to keep you hydrated.

And snacks.