Writer's Toolbox

When I think about the idea of a writer's toolbox, I prefer to picture the writer as more of an archer, with his toolbox as more of a quiver for the writer, with each arrow containing a different characteristic. Each arrow in the quiver represents a different element the writer uses to orchestrate the ideas he or she is trying to get across. In my personal toolbox or quiver, I find that vocabulary, a clear routine before I begin writing, and my personal consistency with the way, or voice, I seem to find in my writing when I do so. To go into that last piece of my quiver, I feel that when I go over previous articles or papers that I have written, I find certain touches or aspects that are specific to my own writing. As far as vocabulary, different words to give detail and meaning to my work seem to come quickly to me to better describe the elements that I am speaking on, and it, being my vocabulary, seems to be quite extensive, even surprising myself sometimes. In terms of my routine, there can be some complexity to it because I am somewhat superstitious, and it can be compulsive sometimes as well. My routine helps me "get in the zone," for lack of a better phrase, because I do have a tendency to lose focus if I blindly go into work. I think the most important thing about a writer's toolbox or quiver is for that writer to know and stick to it. Being able to do so makes completing a job so much more efficient, but that's not to say that new aspects or tools can't be added to a person's writing. It simply should be worked on over time to perfect the use of a new arrow or tool.