Watching the ninth season of Stargate SG-1 on DVD, I viewed a featurette about the props department. I never realized that props might stand for property. Also, did you know that if an actor uses an item, it’s a prop? If he wears it, the item is a costume. And if it sits in the background, it’s set dressing. Interesting, huh? That got me to thinking about props for writers.

What do I use, and what sits in my background? The obvious tools are pen and paper, computer and research books. When I travel, that might change to my laptop and PDA. These are the things I use for my writing every day.

But what about the set dressing? I am most comfortable in my home office, surrounded by books: nonfiction texts on writing, my fiction collection, research books on esoteric subjects. Then there’s my collection of paperweights I’ve added to over the years. Also meaningful are the theme-related gifts I bought for myself each time I made a sale at the start of my career, like the crystal globe for Circle of Light. On my shelves sit a "I’m having a Bad Hair Day" doll and mug, a jar of Writer’s Remedy magnets , and other trinkets given me by family, friends, and fans...all memorable to me as a writer. Framed photos of my family. A pencil holder from Area 51. A Brighton desk clock. A letter opener bought in London.. Some people might call this stuff clutter, but to me, they’re all treasures. They chronicle my life, and while they might be mere set dressing to strangers, these items are essential to my writer’s mind.