As recommended by readers of Electric Speed

• Directly under my desktop screen sits a small wrought-iron salamander, which is the ‘spirit amphibian’ of my novel in progress. A few months ago I tied a tiny bow of pink ribbon around its neck, but can’t remember why. Perhaps it was a day we both needed some encouragement. —Cynthia P.
• My focus is measurably improved when I clean the desk in front of my monitors of all objects, leaving nothing between me and the two monitors which display my work. —Jim Jackson
• I have ADHD and I truly struggle with getting stuff done. I recently bought a timer clock off Amazon and it’s been amazing! It doesn’t tick. Is visual and then screams at me when the time is up. I honestly love it. —Bronzewing Books
• I used to play piano when I was younger, and the second-hand piano my parents bought came with a bench full of sheet music and a metronome. The piano is long gone (I moved on to other activities), but I still have that metronome on my desk, and I start it up whenever I sit down to write or paint. It's become a ritual, because it seems to help me focus. I'm pretty sure you can find them for around $20 on Amazon these days, but I find the steady "clicks" soothing. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a metronome app, as well. (I just checked and saw several!) —Angela L. Eckhart
• Weirdly, my rivetingly motivational object is a tiny Union Jack. I’m in the throes of revising my 1970’s London-based rom-com, and just a glance at that little flag reminds me to make sure my novel is immersive, joyful, heart-lifting, and British to the core. —Karen Marline
• For focus, I got a Bluetooth controlled light that I have stuck to the door of my home office to indicate busy or available, sort of like the “on air” signs used at radio stations. Luxafor makes several kinds, though I’m sure there are others. Now, if I can just train my dog not to bark when she sees the red light is on 🤣 —Duncan McElroy
• When I first started writing 30 years ago I spent all my Christmas money—$100, which was a lot back then!—on an antique oak library file box. I had a local calligrapher ink labels for the drawer pulls and for years, it held a physical dictionary and thesaurus. It still sits on my desk all these years later, but now I’m a digital gal and the drawers hold office supplies. But just looking at that piece inspires me because it’s been with me from the very beginning. —Deborah Raney
• I'm a minimalist at heart, so the absence of anything unessential on my desk is the best inspiration. Hey, what's that superfluous pen doing there??!! —Wayne Jones
• I wanted to claim that it’s the photo of my late dog when she was a puppy, as she brought a ridiculous amount of joy, but really it’s more likely to prompt me to slip away in memories. It should be the tiny, antique Maitreya painting: literally the entire point of it is focus and inspiration. But honestly, these days it’s the small pot of fresh flowers. It instantly changes the whole vibe of the space from the minute I walk in the room, like I can breathe. It brings the joy and sense of connection to what otherwise is my collection of intellectual chew toys. It reminds me that it’s good to smile a lot when thinking. —Alex
• My dad's basketball coaching philosophy, in his handwriting, is framed and has been on my writing desk since he passed six years ago. Guided by its simple truth, I wrote my book one hour a time over several years. What applies to coaching applies to most anything we want to achieve: If you do not have D.D.S. you will fail. Desire—Discipline—Structure. —Christine Hawkinson
• I have a small timer that I can set for two different stretches. I use it as my pomodoro timer—25 minutes for writing, 5 minutes for a break. As soon as I start it, I can tune out almost any distraction because I know I’ll be reminded to take a break! —Carol Bartold
• I use POST IT notes! They're all over my wall. My desk is covered with them and I have a stack of blank ones ready to use, without them many things would disappear, never to actually happen. —Frank Caudle
• I really like the Nulaxy Dual Folding Cell Phone Stand. I am on Zoom sessions a lot, so having my phone aligned upright next to the computer allows me to glance over to it when a call comes in without appearing distracted. It also lets me hold my phone upright when Zoom doesn't work and I need to use FaceTime on my phone. It only costs about $9.00 and it folds up flat when not in use. —Gail Post
• My tea set. There’s something so grounding about having a physical object to hold onto. It gives me a moment between sentences or ideas to pause and reflect without feeling frozen. I can pour another cup and just the act alone is enough to spark an idea. —Enkay Iguh
• I have an hourglass on my desk that reminds me to spend my time (and thus my life) wisely. —Diane Callahan
• I have a bowl that has been repaired using the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi. It reminds me to allow vulnerability in my writing. My writing coach Mia says sometimes our bravest work is just showing up to the page. And I've found that when I'm brave enough to shine a light in the broken places, it resonates with readers. —Patty Panni
• I'd say my favorite desktop accessories are the two Bluetooth Ancober speakers, plus my Amazon Unlimited Music playlists, in my case. I find non-vocal music very conducive to working efficiently and enjoyably at the computer. Later when Nancy and I make dinner together in the kitchen, I switch to her rock 'n' roll, soul, and doo-wop favorites! —Peter Billard
• My inspiration is a clear desktop—completely clear. I move my laptop, extra monitor, and phone to a shelf in my closet, clearing off all the accumulated stuff and leaving me with an empty plane of wood except for a pen and a legal pad. This makes me happy and significantly impacts my ability to concentrate. —Paul Hancock
• My favourite concentration/mind clearing tool is my Buddha Board. After following Lynda Barry’s Writing the Unthinkable tip for drawing spirals, I started using pen and paper to make my spirals (as tight as possible). But hated using up ink and tossing paper. So got me a good ol’ Buddha Board and a glass of water. Each time I sit down to write, I ‘clear the mechanism’ with a minute of spiral painting that evaporates by the time I’m finished the first paragraph. —Julie Pithers