I've lost count of the number of times I've heard the following mantra: "Form Follows Function".

Simply put, this means that whatever you use - from the design of your kitchen through to the software on your computer - has to WORK for you. It has to fit the purpose.

This was brought home to me recently when my husband and I conceded that we'd made a mistake when buying our last caravan (trailer to those who live in America). The van we chose was simply the closest we could find to what we really wanted.

What DID we want? Well, a comfortable caravan that would be a home-away-from-home, equipped with a bathroom, plenty of space to work on the computer, and a TV. We didn't want to be too cramped. We settled for a good-sized van that we thought would do the job, even though it didn't have a permanent spot for the computer.

This was a couple of years ago. On the first longish trip we took (about seven weeks) we realised it was not going to suit us for extended periods. We didn't want to sit on a bench seat, at a table, to watch TV every night. The wind-up TV aerial looked good, but performed poorly. We got sick of packing away the laptop computer every time we wanted to sit at the table. And we didn't need a full bathroom: an all-in-one shower/toilet would do us just fine, since we usually used the amenities block at the tourist parks we visited.

So earlier this year, we sold our van, and ordered one that was custom-built for our needs - especially taking into consideration my needs as a travelling writer. The new van has leather swivel recliner chairs with a fold-up table between them. It has satellite TV, and a permanent workstation for the laptop, with a TV monitor that doubles as a laptop display. There is a second TV/DVD player on a swivel arm in the bedroom end. And we waved goodbye to awkward low cupboards and ordered pot drawers throughout the kitchen for storage... and finally, a two-door refrigerator.

The new van fits our needs perfectly. We can't wait to take it on its maiden voyage.

Which leads me to a discussion of the other things that fit my needs as a writer - and to things that do or do not fit YOUR needs. It's worthwhile giving some thought to how well your writing tools work. Something that seems to have all the bells and whistles that you are likely ever to need might actually be a waste of space (and perhaps a waste of money).

Here are some things to think about:

Word Processors: Do you need a fully-featured word processor to write your novel - or just a simple plain text editor? (I use both. I'm writing this basic article in a plain-text editor, because it's quick to load and there's nothing to distract me from the content. If I want to create an e-book or a flyer, I import the text into the latest version of Microsoft Word, because it's so easy to format a document attractively, and to manipulate images.)

Novel-Writing Software: Do you need specialised software? If so, what kind? (If you find yourself constantly creating extra files for your information about background, plot, character etc then you might find it worthwhile to use purpose-built software. Ditto for screenwriting software - you can obtain software that formats your script in the correct style as you type.)

Plotting and Brainstorming: Do you work better with mind-mapping software, or with a pencil and paper? What helps/hinders your creative flow?

The Writing Process: Do you prefer to write your first draft in longhand and then edit when you transfer it to the computer, or do you work best typing straight into a computer? Do you need to print out your work to edit, or can you train yourself to edit on the computer and save both paper and ink?

Time Management: Does a computer-based organiser (such as Microsoft's OUTLOOK) work best for you for appointments, reminders and to-do lists, or do you work better with a notebook/diary and pen?? Where do you keep your deadlines and reminders? In a computer program, or on a notice board/whiteboard?

Organisation: Where do you keep the notes/reminders/research related to your book? Does it work best to scribble a reminder on a sticky note and put it on the wall near your computer, or do you prefer an electronic 'sticky notes' system? Is it easier for you to use an electronic notebook like Microsoft's ONE NOTE?

Where and how do you store how-to manuals, resource books and user guides for your software? What other software/hardware will help you to get the job done as a writer? An egg-timer? Electronic desktop timers? A set of desk pigeonholes for current projects? A desk-topper suspension file holder, or a filing cabinet? 

Email: How do you organise your email? [A computer-based program such as Outlook, or web-based, such as Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail? Or does a combination of the two work for you?] 

Your Computer: Is a laptop more appropriate for your uses, or do you prefer a desktop computer? [Did you know that you simply use your laptop as the 'brain' of your computer - much like the desktop tower - and hook it up to an external mouse, keyboard and monitor? This makes it easy to take your computer with you when you travel, yet have the larger display at your desk.]

Your Mouse: Does it fit your hand comfortably? Which size is best for you? Does the cord get in the way? Might you prefer a Bluetooth mouse, or one with a USB sensor?

Your Keyboard: Keyboards are available in different sizes, and there are even roll-up versions for travel. [I bought a small keyboard that doesn't have a numeric pad to tuck in my laptop bag.]

Your Printer: No room on your desk? Look at the newer printer models that use wireless technology. You can plug them in on the other side of the room. Also think about the uses for your printer. If you print photos/coloured flyers, then you probably need inkjet or colour laser. If you print only drafts of your novel, then a black and white laser printer might be the best choice.

Your Internet Connection: Are you sticking with what you've had for years simply because you're not brave enough to try something different? Maybe ADSL or cable networking is no longer the best choice for you. Investigate wireless broadband - you can take it with you when you travel.

We've barely scratched the surface of the kinds of tools you might use as a writer. Why not spend a morning doing an audit of the various equipment and software you use? Sort out what works best, what might work better, and what you really need. Then streamline.

"Form follows function". It's not a bad rule for anyone's office!

copyright Marg McAlister 2009