My office is in the basement. It’s a nice place, full of books and comfortable chairs and plants and (usually) a sleeping dog keeping me company. Much like the Priests of the Temple of Syrinx, I keep my great computer in this hallowed hall. I do most of my writing there or, as I often say, it’s where I do most of my damage. Only one problem … It’s frigidly cold down there this time of year. I run a little space heater in the room, of course, but on the coldest of nights, it’s a little like walking into a blizzard in nothing but my Shazam! underoos. Still, I’ll not be denied my writerly endeavors. To illustrate that I mean business, I figured I’d show you my writing gear for these cold, wintery days.

A – A warm knit cap with ear flaps. This particular hat once had this fuzzy puff on top, but I cut that off because, you know, I didn’t wanna look like an idiot.

B – Dreadful expression because I’m getting ready to descend into the cold. Glowing red eyes to show that, like Teen Wolf buying booze, I’m dedicated to my cause. Extra winter weight to help keep me warm (And you thought I just got lazy. Oh, no. I suffer for my art).

C – Soda for that little extra boost of energy.

D - Candy for another little extra boost of energy. In this case, I’ve stolen my wife’s Swedish Fish. That’s our little secret, okay?

E - A hooded sweatshirt. This one I got during the World Horror Convention in San Francisco.

F - A writer’s uniform, the ratty robe. This one has ripped pockets from too-frequent overstuffing with candy and soda cans.

G – Flannel PJ bottoms. (Underoos not pictured.)

H – Fingerless gloves to keep my fingers warm while allowing me to type.

I – Inspirational reading material. In this case, it’s Mike Oliveri’s Winter Kill.

J – Moleskine and ink pen, for jotting down reminders, notes, and ideas that strike me while I’m working.