A Writer's Everyday Carry - Unique EDC | 2024

[@odysseas__]

The first 500 people to use my link skl.sh/odysseas11241 will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare premium!

[@BliniMango]

This is peak quality video. I'm a game developer, with the strong skill in game writing and programming. While I love tech I love brainstorming and writing stories traditionally.

[@k1ng_chicken]

Absolutely. When work is on the screen, analog options seem to make themselves more compatible.

[@douloureux.]

You stroking oscar wildes face with the black gloves killed me 💀

[@kevincourser8717]

I wear a watch. I own several watches. I think a watch serves not only a means to tell time but also as a reminder that your time is valuable and not to be wasted ( tempus fugit et numquam revertitur). I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knife. I've carried a knife since I was young and wearing a uniform. As the boy scouts say "be prepared." It is better to have a multi tool knife and not need it than not have one and really need it.

[@ettorecerchi6671]

Im gonna be honest mate, i have plenty of youtubers that I like and follow, but you are the only one this year i really saw every single video. Please, keep posting only what you think is really valuable, you will grow so fast. Thanks

[@waylonk2453]

It was fun to watch from my desk and pick up some of the same items. Watch, Pen, notebook, light non-fiction, knife, and laptop. The fragrance and mastica intrigue me. Thank you for giving us this view of the life of Odysseas.

[@odysseas__]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Glad some things were new as well.

[@StarlasAiko]

My writing EDC is only two small hardcover notebooks (one Rhodia and one unbranded), and a simple pen. They both fit into the pockets of my cargo trousers and use up hardly any space in my messenger bag. I could even fit them into my regular jeans pockets.

[@t0dd000]

I'm a huge Rhodia fan.

[@t0dd000]

What I carry everywhere, for years… For journaling: - William Hannah A5 hand-made leather journaling notebook. I spare no expense for my journaling experience. - Fountain pen for journaling or whatever. For writing: - A couple Parker Jotter pens: hands down my favorite pen. Both gel ink and ball point. - A mid-tier A4-ish sized notebook. If I spend more than $10 to $15 on this notebook, I am spending too much. - A Rhodia A5 notepad for adhoc notes and idea exploration - laptop running the Joplin application where I write and edit all of my drafts except that first hand-written 1st draft. I also use it to keep organized all transcribed notes and background info and research and whatnot. That's it. And that has worked well for years. But coming soon! I'll be experimenting with a Supernote A5X2 eink device. It may replace that cheap notebooks. But we'll see. It'll be an experiment. And finally … I always have a book to read. Either a physical book or my Kobo. All serious writers read copiously, of course. Usually fiction. And no, you didn't lose track of the book narrative because … you are always reading. :)

[@t0dd000]

An additional note about that cheaper notebook for writing. Sometimes I just use a composition notebook. There is something very pleasurable about filling a cheap notebook with words that you know are going to be tossed eventually. It frees you from becoming too attached to the physical medium and the words contained within. I can be messy and you can rip out sheets and … Yeah. It's great. I highly recommend for this use case.

[@sapperjaeger]

I use a couple of leather notebook covers with replaceable notebooks. I agree it's not essential BUT, it gives me dopamine and adds to the wonderful, calming feeling of hand writing. Also, it feels (to me) as if the nice leather cover gives the notebook more significance/value ... more meaningful to me. Collectively, I think that helps my ADHD brain makes my notebooks and the writing experience something pleasurable.

[@stephenhunt8389]

Many thanks for sharing. That was a masterclass in the "soft sell". A really excellent contrast to all the "hard sell" we see every day. I found it very relaxing just watching you demonstrate why you like all those items. I was reminded of 2 things : #1: a quote from Oscar Wilde and #2: the 1930's stand up comedian Max Miller. Dear Oscar said : "All Art is quite useless". And as for Max Miller, he was famous for coming on stage dressed in outrageous, over the top outfits. But he dressed exactly the same way when he appeared on radio. He said : "I can't be funny unless I look funny ... even if no one can see me".

[@Kawaiilolrofl]

For a writer, your use of paragraphs sure is odd.

[@stephenhunt8389]

@@Kawaiilolrofl True ... just another cheap way to get noticed.

[@documentaries4626]

The way you described that cologne was incredible... straight into my cart

[@odysseas__]

Nice, I hope it delivers (and I described it correctly...)

[@Stormbrise]

I found you today, a fellow autist with videos on my favorite interests. Writing, books, stationary, bags, and tech. Lavender is a great scent, and it would be one that I use. However, as an autist that is hypersensitive to scent, it is one thing you can use around me to make sure you have a nice quiet place to work alone in a public place. Now that I finished at Uni, I can carry real books around again, not just my phone with an ereader app. If you like The Hidden Life of Trees”, I suggest “Finding the Mother Tree” by Suzanne Simard.” Sans the perfume, your EDC is like mine. However, you would have to pry my noise canceling BT headphones out of my dead cold hands. Noise sensitivity.

[@dsz8065]

I'm an editor, and I just want to warn that Elements of Style now feels a bit outdated and overly prescriptive. Not to discourage you from reading it! But don't let it be the only authority on words for you. I prefer the newer Dreyer's English, thought it's not as small lol, because it goes into more detail on why we make certain style choices.

[@odysseas__]

Thanks for the heads up. I have a few others I'll read alongside it.

[@KeithDvorak]

if you can find it, i LOVE the 1980 hart's rules for readers and compositors at the oxford university press. it was useful when i was proofing galleys from clarendon press. and i prefer a great deal of its advice over some american conventions. on the whole, though, i'm a "chicago manual of style" guy.

[@KeithDvorak]

i don't care for the newer verion of hart's at all

[@okaminess]

I was just about to say that. While S & W seems to be the standard, I have only used it as a foundation in studying English, but for anything else, we used whatever style guide was required, like AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style. I was kind of an editor myself. I was more of the “community editor” at a newspaper publisher and did marketing for two years at a small video game company.

[@johntalbot134]

Must disagree.

[@ApexJanitor]

First of all, great channel 👍. One thing I carry is cloves for breath. They do have documented health benefits and clean your mouth, though you may miss out on the jaw exercise. Get the non irradiated non gmo kind. Another thing is a good poncho and a backpack cover. Never know when you are caught in the rain. Or even a good thick mil construction trash bag. You will be the height of fashion, haha, but dry. Pens can freeze in winter, so I recommend pencil for colder times. And a small first aid kit for if you cut yourself with your Swiss knife. A pocket pen light is often useful. Yes, we have light on our phones, but a dedicated light is much better. I never get in a vehicle without a window punch as I was in a bad accident, and I got anxiety now. The one I carry has a belt cutter built-in. I could go on and on. Cheers!

[@macrath]

I have a Ottergami notebook (for daily journaling) which I bought on Amazon a while back, It has served me well keeping up with constant movement in my bag, writing outside and just in simple terms - a hardy notebook - I would 100% recommended.

[@sapperjaeger]

I went back on forth on wearing a watch daily. I settled on wearing one because (1) how much I get out of my Garmin for my fitness and health, and (2) checking the time does not involve me picking up the often-distracting phone.

[@afoxstale]

A great pen I use is a Lamy safari. I got mine last year and have used it constantly since then

[@odysseas__]

Got one recently, but have yet to try it. This is reassuring though.

[@inzainiac]

21:45 I definitely agree here. Spending a little extra on quality items can prevent having to replace them in the near future. Having to constantly replace something not only costs more money over time, but it also adds stress as you're dreading the next time it breaks or wears out. I like how you put it: buy once, cry once. I need a refillable travel atomizer. I didn't even know that was a thing. I have several colognes that I really like, but I only get to apply them a few mornings every week. Thanks for showing that off! One more item I carry are polarized sunglasses. Being in the US, I have to drive if I want to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. Polarized sunglasses help a lot with sun glare.

[@odysseas__]

Clever choice, I like it. It's exactly as you say too -I didn't mention the cost of replacing cheap crap, and that adds up fast.

[@marctestarossa]

it also improves your quality of life. i use my computer all the time, so obviously i spend the money to get exactly the mouse and keyboard that make it more comfortable to use. and they can inspire you to use them in the first place. i always tell my students when they first approach me and don’t know which guitar to get: don’t get the cheapest instrument you can find, it will hinder your progress due to quality issues and even worse you won’t like to practice on them as much. of course you shouldn’t buy a guitar only on looks, but you should get something that you really like, that speaks to you and inspires you to play music. if it sits next to you in its stand and you glance over, and you really want to pick it up, feel it, look at it, put on the strap and play some notes, then you will practice more, promise. that’s why people who are into black metal play guitars with so many pointy ends that you need to be careful not to poke someones eye out. you could play the exact same things on a neon pink strat, but the metal axe is more inspiring to them to create this song about the old witch in the dark forest who eats little children because it’s the only way left to soothe her desperate suffering. ❤

[@odysseas__]

@@marctestarossa Love how you put it and I agree. Aesthetics matter!

[@Noumenon4Idolatry]

I didn’t expect to love my Parker ballpoint pens. They are my favorite pens.

[@jsmxwll]

muji makes my favorite pencil sharpener. beautiful concave conical grind.

[@odysseas__]

I'll pick it up next time! Cheers

[@DF430]

One of my essential EDC items is Saddleback Leather’s leather sunglasses case which I use as a glasses case for my reading glasses. The leather smells amazing, is a beautiful caramel colour and is so aesthetic. That and my 7 year old Saddleback backpack which gets enthusiastic comments whenever people see it.

[@RolieKloeOlie]

I carry a small sling bag with my iPad with Apple Pencil, tums, hand sanitizer, beta blockers, ibuprofen, ginger chews, medical mask, fidget, card wallet, knife, small sowing kit, uconsole handheld raspberry pi computer with rtlsdr radio dongle with a couple antennas, hackrf portapack, chapstick, snus, and lastly a water bottle. Ready for anything.

[@okaminess]

I’m a chick but I do all these things because I am also a writer. I like Moleskines. I do a combination of bullet journaling/self improvement, and journaling. I also have mini leather notebooks. 😂

[@odysseas__]

Nice, cool stuff

[@AlethiaDaisy-Rue]

A few things that I will always carry with me: - A pack of cards. If I find myself in a cafe or pub with some friends, it's always a brilliant thing to do, and keeps people actually engaging with each other instead of defaulting to going on their phones. Even if I'm going out on my own, giving me somthing to do with my hands (shuffling the cards) is always appreciated. - A pocket dictionary. This is certainly unnecessary, as I can just use my laptop if I really want to, but I love the feeling of physically seeking out new words in a dictionary. I also find it helps me remember the words better if I'm reading something and don't know what it means to first try and figure out by context, and if that fails me, to then physically search for them - those extra steps just integrate more vocabulary actually into my mind and language. - A camera. So I bring a camera every with me for a couple reasons. First of all my phone is a Nokia brick, so although it technically can take photos - and I do/have used it for that - they are not particularly great. However even before I got my brick, I would still often carry a camera with me. This is partially because I really like the picture quality of slightly older (90s-2000's) camera's, I just think they look pretty. Also however I find that it helps the photo's I take feel more intentional and memerable. Every so often I need to physically put the memory card into my laptop, and transfer the photo's onto my google drive, meaning I have a chance after the fact to re-live these experiences, which I find very enjoyable. I hope anyone reading this finds it interesting! There's also the obvious stuff I take with me (laptop, notebook, books, etc.), especially as a Uni student, but these are just a couple extra things I find particularly helpful in their own unique ways. - Daisy :)

[@odysseas__]

Great suggestions, all in line with the 'slow living' philosophy. I like old school cameras too, with all their satisfying clicks. When you have limited film too, each photo does just feel more significant, exactly as you'll say. You reminded me I should get my hands on one again.

[@robert-king-d7t]

Chinese poker is an awesome game for four people, and the scoring can be done on paper. Just place a tick or hash under the name of each player for each round won. Or, you can use quarters/change as chips.

[@dirkdiamondify]

Hello. I've been watching a fair amount of your things on and off for a few months now, and I really enjoy them. I find them very relaxing. One thing I've noticed however is that all your books seem very, very new! Do you ever spend time trawling the charity shops in your area? Or better still do you have a good specialist 2nd hand bookshop close by? Even the most unpreposessing exteriors can have some real gems lurking away on their shelves.

[@odysseas__]

Thanks, I really appreciate it. Funnily enough, I'd say 50-60% of my books are second hand. I take good care of them, and many I haven't read yet, which explains the condition. They're all from charity shops for super cheap.

[@oscarlacarta753]

I've been carrying my walkman with me as of late. It has a little thing to hang it in my belt, so I can easily carry it around when I listen to music without it moving around in my bag all the time.

[@marctestarossa]

you mean a cassette player?

[@oscarlacarta753]

@@marctestarossa yea

[@odysseas__]

Nice and classic, I like it

[@marctestarossa]

@@oscarlacarta753 i recently transformed an old iPhone 5c into an iPod and I love having a dedicated offline audio device with me. It got my apple music library and some audio books and is distraction free, because it’s always in airplane mode and doesnt have any apps. I started missing some calls when I‘m out and about, but thats okay for now, I get most of my booking requests via mail or instagram anyways. ♥️

[@dannydreadnought-xk4qx]

What do you think of e-ink tablets like ReMarkable or Kindle Scribe?

[@odysseas__]

They seem cool and practical, but not worth it for my own personal style of work.

[@dannydreadnought-xk4qx]

@@odysseas__ Fair. I do feel they're overpriced for what they offer.

[@odysseas__]

@@dannydreadnought-xk4qx Yeah true, it's only worth it if it's the core of your system

[@moiramarques]

Great tips, Odysseas! Already putting some of them to practice.

[@murdermayhemuk]

As a writer I carry much the same as you although I have started swapping the book out for a cheap kindle so I have a selection of books depending on how I feel at the time.

[@odysseas__]

Definitely a smarter choice, especially if it fits your approach to notes

[@kuya5k]

love muji pens. i've been using their clear polycarbonate 0.7 pen for years!

[@odysseas__]

I get the hype now

[@camelliaharpdarkthrope6462]

Super interested in hearing your notebook reviews in the future!

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

What’s with the gloves?

[@odysseas__]

The black helps the camera focus

[@josh440]

If you want the best book on style its Virginia Tufte's Artful Sentences. Id say it's the best book that explores why certain choices are best to achieve whatever literary purpose. It should be every literary writer's bible. And its not overly prescriptive!

[@sapperjaeger]

why the latex gloves when you have hand close-ups? I see may content creators do this, but I don't get why.

[@odysseas__]

It helps with contrast and focusing of the camera

[@chemclimber]

Strunk and White was my Bible when I was writing my PhD thesis

[@odysseas__]

I can't wait to read it, and that's extra hype

[@chemclimber]

@@odysseas__ as you live in London and like notebooks, I'd recommend visiting Shepherds Inc. Fine Papers near Victoria Station. They make handmade notebooks and very cool marbled paper 👌👌

[@t0dd000]

I still can't figure out how people write on their phones. I take notes on it all the time, but that's it.

[@KernowEDC]

Nice to see deodorant featured in this. I’ve been using the AKT paste deodorant, which is EXCELLENT as a deodorant preventing odours, but I perspire a lot and it doesn’t prevent that very well. How does the Wild deodorant deal with perspiration? Anyway, thanks for the great in-depth video :)

[@sherrycohen1824]

I would love to see a review of notebooks. I never understood the appeal of Moleskines. They are not fountain pen friendly, but worse, they're overpriced.

[@Wingedmagician]

love the scent recommendation. couldn’t get into diffusers because the scent wouldn’t last to me. Like my brain erases it even though it’s still in the air. with a spray I can maybe enjoy essential oils 👍 👍

[@odysseas__]

Thanks, and nose blindness is definitely annoying with them. It helps to give your nose a rest so it can pick it up again, as you say.

[@Alan-Jones-Creator-Diary]

what mic were you using ? 🎤 doesn't sound like the mic on the boom ? (samson qu2)

[@odysseas__]

Rode videomicro, because my primary audio failed.

[@Daniel_Fakhrnia-The_Pianist]

Everything in this video is ultimate level, keep going Ody!!! ❤❤❤

[@odysseas__]

Cheers bro, I'm always grateful

[@Daniel_Fakhrnia-The_Pianist]

@ YEAHH BUDDYYYY, LIGHTT WEIGHTT BABBBYYY!!! ❤️❤️❤️💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@okaminess]

I don’t do the fragrances because it might be inconsiderate for others in my midst. I don’t want to give someone else a migraine.

[@odysseas__]

It really depends on the fragrance you use and how much. You can get some that are inoffensive, easy to like and not too strong -typically just clean, fresh, neutral scents.

[@spacecat85]

hard agree on the wired headphones (and frankly, same for other wired peripherals)

[@odysseas__]

For sure, they're really not that bad

[@franciscovazquezavila7627]

I cant believe you use your phone to record these videos. I would've never guessed

[@odysseas__]

I didn't use a phone for this one or the recent ones -I switched to a proper camera a few months ago. But even then, it performed surprisingly well!

[@rexromana]

Took me a long time to learn the importance of aesthetics

[@odysseas__]

Same here

[@Aurora-bv1ys]

Casio is goated

[@odysseas__]

So true

[@Daniel_Fakhrnia-The_Pianist]

Letsss goooo brooo!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Mirthe_]

I carry a Peak Design Everyday Backpack. It’s actually a camera bag, but I use it to go to work. It has room for a laptop and tablet and you can compartmentalise the inside as you wish. It comes with these flexible dividers that help you to set up your bag exactly as you like. I also bought their tech pouch to store cables etc.

[@sydney2802]

I know I've said this here before, but I think it's absolutely hilarious we have the same watch. I never wore a watch until I liked my brother's gold Casio and complimented him on it. My next birthday he gave me the same one in silver, which was very nice of him. I wore it to be polite and now I feel naked without it lol. As for pens, I really do admire people who are like 'oh this is a gorgeous pen, I love using it,' but I literally just use bank pens and free pens I get for voting because I find those the best for some reason. One day I might experiment, but for now that works for me. I will always accept the reasoning of 'I like the way it looks and it makes me feel [insert whatever way].' Aesthetic and how it makes you feel are just as valid reasons as anything else. Also, I laughed really hard when you held up that baggie and went 'this is NOT crack cocaine.' Personally, I use a satchel (because I'm extra and feel like it gives me 'writer vibes') and put a gum wrapper pencil case with a variety of pens and pencils, a small sketchbook, a full-sized 8.5x11 inch sketchbook, a small notebook I bound myself using some cardstock, some chapstick, headphones, a water bottle, and honestly on special occasions a little travel watercolor kit I made myself. I both draw and write, so I feel like those items are what works for me as of this moment. I'm sure as I go along, it'll change more because I know it's changed a few times within the last five to ten years or so. Thanks for the video, it was really interesting! I love these types of videos, too.

[@odysseas__]

Thanks, and I like that setup extended to painting too. I should get a good pen holder/case too, even if that's a bit extra.

[@dannydreadnought-xk4qx]

16:18 A genuine laugh-out-loud moment. On point deadpan delivery.

[@odysseas__]

Cheers

[@Destruktor_0]

Min 3:10 empieza la información

[@cindyvermillion7866]

Loved the video! You forgot one important tool… lipstick!🤣

[@odysseas__]

Thanks, and I'll think long and hard about it!

[@cindyvermillion7866]

@ 🤣

[@SteveBundalston-nq1us]

Nice vid. I'm looking to buy Bentley intense would you recommend?

[@odysseas__]

Cheers, and if you mean the 'for men' intense, absolutely. It's a savoury, spiced, boozy leather that really stands out for its price. A bit polarising though, so I'd probably sample it first.

[@RicardoGarfalo]

great EDC!

[@odysseas__]

Thanks!

[@jonnystoffel]

Instructions unclear; left brain at home.

[@meme-x8q]

dk what the video was abt but damn sir!

[@ThomasOrwell]

Never skimp on your bonsai tools kids From an old man whose seen is all.

[@odysseas__]

I'll hold this advice close for that day I need it

[@ThomasOrwell]

@@odysseas__ Truly, bonsai is the best hobby. I lie, violin is equally fulfilling.

[@MarigoldAW]

I bought a sling bag and I don't even carry shit other than my phone wallet and keys 😂.

[@odysseas__]

Valid

[@hjeriz]

solid yap

[@colonelcyma]

"This is not crack cocaine." xd

[@dimitriskyriakopoulos767]

If you have to try something from the video, try Μαστίχα Χίου

[@odysseas__]

If you know you know

[@essequamvideri17]

From one writer to another: are you single? 😊

[@odysseas__]

No, but keep being forward like that and you will go far in life. It's a good trait.

[@fabregas10kleine]

Moleskine is horrible for fountain pens (i saw a Lamy in your bag) so i stay far away from them. Lots of other better notebooks out there

[@odysseas__]

That's the big criticism I hear. I figured I'd buy one anyway just to be fair and since I've never had one before.

[@Stormbrise]

I use Tamoe River Paper for fountain pens, or Midori. Kokuyo also has some fountain pen friendly paper.

[@davidbudzynski9290]

Your mic is cooked 💀

[@odysseas__]

Yeah... I fixed it since then

[@savannahfoote592]

Someone else build us a discord community pretty please I cannot mod 😂

[@okaminess]

Good grief take the gloves off. It’s too weird.

[@odysseas__]

It helps with contrast and camera focusing

[@willscorner8423]

Why these stupid gloves?

[@odysseas__]

Contrast and camera focusing

[@3vil3lvis]

Alternate title to this video: My journey as a Metrosexual. Seriously what man carries a perfume atomizer?

[@odysseas__]

I'm secure in my masculinity

[@ffotograffydd]

Lots of men do, but apparently insecure men don’t… 😂