Great question! I do a lot of writing and have different 'optimal conditions' for different kinds of writing.
Spiritual type of stuff I have a square and compass, not as any freemasonry tools but as practical ways of designing with sacred geometry. For this sort of art/prayer I also have preferred spots, quiet and private spots and preferably spots I go back to again and again for this mindset.
For much other writing, poetry or blog posts or lectures, I like inspiring music, especially hip-hop beats and/or moving guitar riffs. Listening to Aesop Rock (e.g.
Battery) really gets my writing juices flowing - as his are overflowing! I guess for me '
art begets
art' so in general being in the midst of art helps me write. Sometimes I write my best ideas, poems, and short stories at concerts or art exhibits, out of sudden inspirations!
For general tools, a sharp or mechanical pencil and loose leaf has been my go-to, but I may change that up with ideas from this
thread.