Talking Tech with Kwame Mbalia, author of the Tristan Strong book series

If you have a young reader at home, you may already be familiar with the work of Kwame Mbalia. Otherwise, he is the author of Tristan Strong’s mid-level books, including Tristan Strong punches a hole in the sky, Tristan Strong destroys the world and the last in the series, Tristan Strong keeps punching. The series is published by Rick Riordan Presents and Disney-Hyperion. Mbalia is also the publisher of The New York Times best-selling anthology Black boy joy.

If you’ve ever dabbled in writing, you’ll understand how quickly choosing the right writing app or keyboard can easily take over your life. Who better to talk about the writing apps and devices they use than a top author. I reached out to Mbalia via email to see what kinds of apps and gear he uses to create his stories and do his work.

What does your current writing setup look like?

It depends on the day and the need, but with the kids and a pandemic, I’m taking whatever I can. Right now I do most of my writing on a free writing traveler that I can take with me when chasing a toddler from room to room.

I’m constantly looking for new tools that will help me write. My number one mantra for many aspiring writers, especially young ones, is to use whatever has the story on the page. Sticky notes, phone app or typewriter: use whatever you’re most comfortable with. For me (at the time), I was rarely in my office. Instead, I was chasing a toddler from room to room, so I needed something light and comfortable while still having great battery life, and that’s what led me to the Freewrite Traveler .

The E Ink display means I charge it once every two weeks or so, the keyboard is pretty much the same as the MacBook Pro I’m typing on right now, and I can fold it up and throw it in the bag. shoulder strap I wear diapers and wipes For someone who has used the Scrivener app on an iPhone to write, the screen size is more than adequate.

What apps do you use to draw, write or take notes?

I’m a big boy Scribe fan, but I also use Google Docs a lot for presentations and outlines (and collaboration) – and nothing beats a good yellow notepad for brainstorming and diagramming.

Speaking of Scrivener, I’ve been using it for a while now, maybe six or seven years? Again, my mantra is to use what helps, and I bounce around my script a lot, tweaking a voice over here or checking out a plot event there, and being able to navigate very quickly between chapters, scenes or whatever I choose to break the story through the workbook (side navigation pane) is super convenient.

I’m 100% sure that I’m not using the software to its full potential, and yet I couldn’t imagine writing a story in anything else. Perhaps most important is the fact that it doesn’t crush me when the draft reaches over 60,000 words.

Do you have a favorite keyboard?

I use a Kinesis Gaming split keyboard with the tent ties to make them more ergonomically comfortable. I can arrange the layout however I like it, and the mechanical and tactile keys scratch my brain.

Is there any piece of equipment that you have found particularly useful for doing (remote) school visits?

Basically, I have a streamer setup which is a good mic with a boom stand, a quality webcam, and programmable LED masks that I can use to say hello to individual students who ask me questions. (The last item is not a requirement).

What was the best product you bought in 2021?

A freestanding standing desk that can move up and down depending on my current mood and comfort. It’s much easier to work with a toddler running around my desk when he can’t reach my keyboard, although he’s figured out how to raise the desk. You gain some, you lose some.

What gadgets do you travel with or always take with you when working outside the home?

Really, I don’t need anything more than my phone. Taking photos, typing notes, and even recording a voice memo detailing sensory descriptions so I can recall them later. (I learned this trick from my sister-in-law. Thanks, Nicole!)

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