With National Novel Writing Month nearly upon us, I thought I would give you a few ideas of what to stock up on now, so you have plenty in November when things like grocery shopping get relegated to the To Be Done Later pile.
Salty
For classics, stock up on chips such as corn chips, maybe with some salsa, potato chips, or for a healthier option, try sweet potato chips.
To control calories look at individual bags, such as ones which are frequently purchased for kid’s sports teams. These typically have fewer than 200 calories and could easily tide you over until dinner.
For salty and a bit more taste, try nuts. Peanuts come to mind, as do pecans and walnuts. The later two are perhaps more savory than salty, but I feel they fall into the same category. You may wish to stock up on one large container of these in October, and then dole out a single serving into baggies.
Sweet
For classic snacks, you may wish to get chocolate, like Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or an assortment of hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers or peppermints.
Remember, it is wrong to raid your child’s Halloween candy for your writing adventures. Especially since November 1st is half priced candy day. Buy the candy, which won’t be good next year, you get all kinds of small little individually wrapped candies to dole out to yourself while you’re writing. And hiding your candy stash is not wrong. It’s protecting your writing fort.
For combination snacks, you may wish to stock up on trail mixes. They come in a variety of flavors and can be portioned out much as the nuts from above.
Healthy
For a candy-like taste, you may wish to stock up on apples, bananas, and grapes. For crunchy, favorites like celery, carrots, and broccoli may be enjoyable.
Don’t forget to drink water while you’re writing to keep your brain fresh.
And as for me? I am a firm believer in the power of popcorn. I like it fresh. Which is why I own a commercial grade popcorn popper. You don’t have to be that fancy. You can buy the microwave type. Or you can cook it on the stove in a large pot with just a drizzle of healthy oil. Lightly salt it afterwards, then toss with dried blueberries or cranberries and perhaps once cooled chocolate chips. That’s my personal favorite way to snack while writing.
Sometimes, when I am busy writing and er, forgetting to eat a real meal, I will sub some apples and peanut butter or perhaps some string cheese and grapes. I like to pair a fruit with a fatty protein to hit all of my brain’s needs.
Lastly, a quick word about eating at your keyboard—keep some napkins on hand. I use a plain old cotton washcloth and wash it twice a week to keep down on my paper waste. Also, you may wish to invest in either some disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray. Lightly wipe your keyboard down when it’s unplugged at the end of the night. If using spray, spray on a cloth then wipe. You don’t want to get the inner workings of your keyboard damp. But you also don’t want a greasy keyboard or the germs that accumulate.