I have often wondered what graced the desks of some of my favorite writers. Were they organized, or did they employ a system of controlled chaos? What objects did they place around them for inspiration? Did they have a favorite writing snack?

A little research led me to some interesting finds. The desks of the incomparable J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, along with the Lewis family wardrobe (!), can be visited at Wheaton College in Illinois. One of my elementary school favorites, Roald Dahl, wrote in a hut. The hut is now on display at the Roald Dahl Museum in England.

In the spirit of my writing daydreams, here’s what you’d find on my desk.

• A hummingbird nest I found that holds a special meaning to me
• Ammonite and trilobite fossils given as birthday gifts
• “Prayer before prose” post-it reminder of where my inspiration comes from and who the glory belongs to
• Stack of beautiful books for inspiration
• Cup of caramel apple rooibos tea
• Notebook of ideas, story setting maps, and notes from research trips
• The only pen I write with, a Sharpie S Gel pen
• Monocular in case I see something good out the window (I receive occasional visits from a barred owl)
• Stack of reference books for my current project
• Inspirational items for my current project (1920’s camera, vintage photo post cards, and vintage National Geographic article chronicling some of the events that inspired my novel)

What’s on your writing desk?