There’s this myth that writers glide into their desks every morning like swans, open their laptops, and effortlessly pour out brilliance while sipping something herbal and morally superior. I, Me. Myself… am just not that writer. Not even close. My process is more “creative gremlin with good snacks” than “ethereal literary goddess.” But it works. And honestly, it’s kind of magical in its own chaotic way. So today, for Chapter 6 of Killer Heel Saturdays, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I actually get words on the page, the rituals, the tools, the playlists, the red soles, and the cozy chaos that somehow alchemizes into chapters I am falling in love with.

Before I write a single word, I must trick my brain into believing we’re entering a sacred creative portal. This involves a few things. I make sure the vibe is set. Cleaning is all done. My space feels feminine and comfy. Everything in my life right now revolves around feeling comfy and cozy. My space needs to feel like home but a very “me” curated cozy home. I typically light a candle. Something that smells warm and even slightly masculine. I have no idea why I can’t light something fun and fruity or citrusy but that’s just my thing, I guess.

I also like my space cold so I can wrap myself up in a huge soft cozy blanket. This typically happens after my “everything” shower. Besides my space feeling clean, I also need to feel exceptionally clean. I also create perfect drinks and snacks. Drinks are usually ice cold water in my water bottle and a cold fruit punch body armor. Sometimes I switch out the body armor for a basic girl Pink Drink from Starbucks. Always Door Dashed because if I leave the space, I get distracted and don’t make it back. Occasionally I also break out the wine. This is for those particularly dramatic scenes. I don’t know why but wine helps when I really need to amp something up. I don’t over think the scene I’m writing and sometimes it’s very needed. Snacks are typically some form of a charcuterie board or “girl dinner” type snacks. I’m a picker so this works best for me. I always get lethargic after meals so I can’t eat full meals while writing.

When it comes to the tools I use, I’m all over the place. Sometimes I use my Notes App for when those 2am ideas hit and I can’t make it to my laptop because I’m too tired. I use Google Docs as one of my many versions of backups, but I live by my thumb drive. I refuse to lose my work ever. I’ve read and heard about too many nightmares. I save everything and every version. Also, my laptop is typically covered in color coded Post Its. Pink for writing. Yellow for work. Blue for basic life things. Green for my other creative side hustles. I’ve mentioned before I have ADHD and a big part of that is I have shiney object syndrome. Post Its is one of the many ways I use to keep myself on track. I also need background noise but it must reflect where I am in my writing. It’ll be Scandal for when I need my boss babe vibes. Made in Chelsea or Real Housewives when I need drama vibes. Music playlists for any of the other vibes. I have no idea why, but it works for me and helps to keep me in the mood I need to be in. Quiet is my worst enemy so you’ll never catch me in that kind of environment. I can’t handle it.

This is just all what works for me. A carefully thought about curated space is just what I like. Here’s the truth, writing isn’t glamorous. It’s not linear. It’s not tidy. For me, it’s a ritual and has rhythm. A little bit of magic and a whole lot of stubbornness. Some days the words pour out like I’m possessed by a Victorian ghost with a deadline. Other days I stare at the computer screen like it’s going to magically appear and do its job. However, every chapter gets written the same way. One chaotic cozy ritual at a time. Honestly, that’s the part I’m learning to love.

XOXO,

Savi Monroe