Backstage
Hello, fabulous!
Welcome to my not-so-secret stash of tools, apps, and digital lifesavers that help me plan, write, and keep my Substack running without losing my mind (most days). These are the things I actually use and what work for me as a one-woman, midlife content machine with a soft spot for color-coded everything.
Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your own flow, feel free to poke around and steal whatever works. You’ll find this post tucked under “Writer Kit” in the Sandrapop navigation bar so it’s easy to come back to. I’ll keep it updated as I go, so pop in anytime you need a boost or a little inspo. Happy writing!
I may earn commissions from sales via the links below, at no extra cost to you.
✨ Content Planning & Workflow
Tools that keep me (mostly) organized and my Substack flowing:
Trello – For editorial planning + brain dumps.
Agenda – For minimal, beautiful note-taking that syncs with Calendar.
Passion Planner – When I want to physically write out my life.
Metricool – Social scheduling + analytics that make me feel legit.
James Clear Habit Journal – My favorite structured journal for goals and habits. It’s not in stock until Feb/March 2026… but worth the wait.
✨ Design, Branding & Visuals
For when I want things to look as good as they sound:
Canva – For everything from Substack headers to Poshmark graphics.
Rifle Paper Co. Notebooks – For jotting down colorful ideas the analog way. You can also go to TJ Maxx and score similar ones for less.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliners (Set of 36) – Because if the pens aren’t cute, I’m not writing. I have the set of 36 and this set of 10 for on the go.
Pilot G2 Gel Pens – Design Collection – Black ink, gold details, writes like a dream. Pretty pens make me more productive. It’s science.
✨ Focus & Flow Tools
For when I need to stop scrolling and actually write:
Endel – Ambient sound that makes my brain cooperate. Hit up Youtube.
ExpressVPN – For safe, fast browsing (especially when I’m abroad).
Bose Headphones 700 – For blocking out noise, chaos, and anything interrupting my flow.
Lamicall Headphone Stand – Because cute gear deserves a cute home.
✨ Tech That Makes Me Feel Powerful
My desk setup is… a whole situation, and I love her:
13” MacBook Pro – The mothership. Small, mighty, and basically an extension of my brain at this point.
Samsung 49” Ultra-Wide Monitor / Odyssey G9 Monitor – For split-screen writing, researching, and pretending I’m in a command center.
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Keyboard – The clicky kind that makes me feel productive.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro Mouse – Ergonomic and smooth.
Razer Goliathus Chroma Mousepad – Yes, it lights up. Yes, I need that.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock – Sleek, powerful, and keeps everything plugged in without turning my desk into spaghetti.
✨ Everyday Gear & Extras
Little luxuries that make the day smoother (and cuter):
3-in-1 Charging Station – Keeps my nightstand tidy and my phone alive. Also charges AirPods in the back.
Rifle Paper Co. Laptop Sleeve – Functional + floral = yes please
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