I have two writing mascots on my desk – Kit and Granddad. Kit is well, a kitten – not much imagination there I’ll grant you. Granddad is a vicar troll doll I bought back when troll dolls were a thing, and gave to my Grandfather (a former vicar) for Christmas. After he died, the doll came home with me and he became “Granddad”.
I’m not sharing these guys to show off a la a new parent. I think having a writing mascot is good for a writer. Why? Read on.
Motivation
If you pick a mascot with some meaning to you, looking at it can give you a bit of oomph when you’re feeling down. Granddad does that for me. He’s not here anymore but I still hope to make him proud with what I write.
A (silent) sounding-board
If you told me you don’t talk out loud when you’re writing, I’d call you a liar. Every writer does it and so they should. Reading your work out loud is key to giving your work rhythm and flow. But it can feel a bit y’know, silly. So having something to talk to can make things easier.
Good luck
Luck is undervalued. Many say you make your own, but often people misinterpret what luck is. It could be that a visit to a new place or overheard conversation leads to inspiration. Or it could be a free week to work on your novel. Keep your mascot handy and you never know what “luck” you may get.
Do you have any writing mascots? Why are they important to you? Please share in the comments.
29/07/2015 at 12:43 PM
My Dog, Touch, lays at my feet when I’m at the desk.
22/05/2021 at 7:15 AM
Okay I’m interested in the idea of getting a writing mascot but how do I pick one??
23/05/2021 at 9:54 AM
It’s tricky, but you can have as many as you like if you can’t choose. I’d suggest something small enough to be portable so it can go wherever you might want to write!
25/05/2021 at 6:57 PM
Thank you!!