Analog Bags for Writers: What They Are & What to Add to Yours

Analog bags are trending now—or, at least, they were when I started this blog post—and this is one trend that I think every absolutely writer should hop on.

Now, I know that I hear “trend” and expect to spend money, or that whatever I’ve acquired will soon be collecting dust in a corner of my office. I tend to avoid trends at all costs, which is why you’ll find me wearing the same two pairs of jeans I bought, like, ten years ago.

But this? This is one that has value beyond being Instagrammable.

But first, what is an analog bag?

An analog bag is (usually) a tote bag full of screen-free activities. The usual purpose of the bag is to keep you from doom-scrolling; instead of picking up your phone, you can pick up the bag and keep your hands and your brain occupied with something better for you (see below!).

If you’ve already seen this trend on social media, you might be under the impression that you need to buy a special aesthetic tote or go buy hobby kits, new art supplies, et cetera to fill it with. Not so! Grab an old bag you got free at an event, an oversize purse you never use, or one of the umpteen bajillion reusable grocery bags in your laundry room. Or use a basket or a storage cube that sits on your shelf. Basically, whatever works, works! I’ll have suggestions for what to throw in below.

Wait, why should writers specifically make an analog bag?

Creative Benefits of an Analog Bag

Simply put, an analog bag can give your brain somewhere gentle and not so overly stimulating to land when you’re between projects, in the midst of writer’s block, or after a particularly long writing session. They let your mind “breathe,” giving yourself a break from the work in progress and allow time and space for your brain to untangle plot threads in the background. It paves the way for epiphanies later.

Not for nothing, but I think it’s also important that we as writers find multiple ways to use our brains. The various hobbies and activities in our analog bags can help us connect with sides of ourselves we don’t explore as often, and that’s always an important thing for writers to do. Knowing yourself can help you craft better characters.

Personally, I have my analog bag hung on the door of my office, so I can grab it as soon as I’m done with my words for the day and start refilling my creative well.

Mental Health Benefits of an Analog Bag

The most obvious benefit of an analog bag is the escapism. When you’re away from screens, you’re away from the breaking news alerts. I don’t have to tell you we’re in a stressful, chaotic world, and that an hour or two away from it would likely be a welcome respite.

But there are other considerations. By now, you’ve heard of brain rot, and you’ve probably experienced that foggy feeling that comes after hours of scrolling. Heaps of anecdotal evidence—even some of my own—say the longer we’re on our phones, the harder it becomes to use our brains.

Here’s a fun fact: there is one thing I am absolutely terrified of, and it’s losing my mind. As a story coach, author, and freelancer, my problem-solving skills and command of language are my most treasured traits. To hear and feel that they’re under attack genuinely frightens me, and I know I’m not alone in that fear.

Luckily, early science suggests setting aside our phones for a digital detox—and disconnecting from the algorithms—can reverse these effects. There are no eye-catching hooks or earworms to be found in an analog bag, and because they can’t hijack your attention the way our devices can, you’re not going to overindulge in a way that will leave you drained, unable to sleep, or grasping for words that used to be comfortably within reach.

Physical Health Benefits of an Analog Bag

Computer vision syndrome is a real, painful thing, and your vision can actually worsen if steps aren’t taken to minimize it. As a lifelong computer user, I occasionally suffer from screen-induced migraines. And suffer is the word for it. IYKYK.

Switching from staring at a screen to staring at something else half an arm’s length away might not seem like that much of an improvement, but it can be if you’re intentional. As I said earlier, I have my analog bag hanging on the door of my office. Once I sling the straps over my shoulder, I can take it with me outside to have in the sunshine or take it with me on a trip to a café, free from the tyranny of being tethered to a charger. The change in environment makes me more mindful of everything—my thoughts, where I’m choosing to settle in, what I’m hearing, where my eyes are resting, how I feel in my body, everything.

Choosing to tune in instead of check out is the first step to understanding what changes you need to bring about in your life.

What should writers have in their analog bags?

Something to Read

Of course I’m going to recommend adding that paperback you’ve been meaning to crack open.

The idea behind analog bags is that they’re screen-free, but if audiobooks or eReaders are what make reading accessible to you, consider throwing an older device into your analog bag and only accessing the internet with it to download content. If you only have one device, keep it on Do Not Disturb mode. For audiobooks specifically, I like to have my device on Do Not Disturb mode and flipped upside down to reduce the temptation to pick it up.

Paper and Pen(s)

An ugly notebook works so well for this! You’ll never miss it from your shelf, and you won’t feel precious about jotting down whatever your heart desires in the moment—story ideas, lists, journaling sessions, and so on. Just make sure you pair it with a collection of pens and/or other writing instruments.

I also like to keep loose leaf notebook and printer paper in my analog bag. I keep it in one of the pockets of…

A Folder Full of Printed Fun

If you don’t have a printer, your local library probably does! You can also get printed documents shipped to you (which is also an option if you want to edit a manuscript by hand, albeit an expensive one).

The possibilities for this are truly endless. Coloring pages, paper crafts, crossword puzzles, connect-the-dots, cryptograms, sudoku, kakuro, word searches, logic puzzles—almost any kind of puzzle or printable you can imagine exists on its own dedicated website, free to download and print. These activities are nostalgic, of course, but they’re also slow and calming in a way that feels restorative (at least to me!).

Dice & a Deck of Cards

I’ve written before about how dice and a deck of cards can solve all your writing problems, but that’s not their only use! In addition to solo games like solitaire and writing prompt games, dice and cards allow you to play games with your partner, roommate, or child if they want to get in on the analog fun.

If the idea of having games in your analog bag lights you up, consider seeking out mini versions of classic games as well as games with a small “footprint” (like Bananagrams) to leave room in your bag for more activities.

Hobbies & Projects You Want to Make Time For

If you are anything like me, you are not in need of additional projects; you’re in need of time and focus to work on them. To jog your memory or give you ideas, here’s a list of some miscellaneous activities and supplies you might already have in your home, waiting for you to rediscover:

• Activity books like the Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith, or guided activity/journaling books like the Listography series
• Nonfiction texts or books for doing independent research or learning a new skill
• Knitting, crocheting, embroidering, or sewing projects
• Jewelry-making supplies
• Scissors and a ruler for paper crafts like origami
• An instant camera and scrapbooking or junk journaling supplies
• Supplies for writing and sending snail mail (making postcards is easier than you think!)
• Small LEGO sets or jigsaw puzzles

When you’re ready to come back to your novel, consider booking a story coaching session with me.

I help writers like you find the beating heart of your story through carving out your character arcs. A couple hours over a video call later, you’ll close your laptop with a renewed passion for your story and a better understanding of what makes it so brilliant.