Desk Diaries 08: A Website & Notebook Refresh

A quiet record of desk days—what I’m writing, working on, and figuring out along the way. This is Desk Diaries.

It’s been busy at my desk lately, probably because I’ve been in a spring refresh mood. My notebook system is getting an update, my website is getting a much-needed tending to, and I recently opened a Ko-fi shop! As a writer and new author, it’s important for me to share my desk sessions with you all, so here’s everything that’s been going on behind the scenes.

I updated my notebook systems…

Recently, I added two new notebooks to my lineup: a Paper Republic Grand Voyageur in A6 to replace my L1917 A6 and a B6+ Commonplace notebook. My best friend Misha inspired me to get a GV (and a fountain pen) after seeing hers the last time she visited, and I’ve been loving it so far! The purpose of the GV A6 remains the same as my previous A6—to replace my Notes app on my phone. I also have an additional insert for poetry and prose drafts on the go (which made up half of my Notes app), and I’m thinking of adding a third for doodles. I’m not too precious about these inserts, since I don’t intend to keep them. Just like my Notes app, I delete them once I put them where they belong—either in my seasonal bujo, Year Book, commonplace, or Notion.

…And I updated my website.

I never pivoted to Substack (for many, many reasons, but all the recent AI and racist discourse about it has only cemented my choice) and instead have continued to prioritize my website and this blog for my writing. As a new author, it’s even more important for me to host my original work on a website I own, then distribute it to other places if need be—but the goal has always been to point everyone back to my website, not someone else’s. With that said, I thought I’d give this cozy little home I built for myself a little refresh!

For my site update, I rearranged the homepage spots. First, there’s a carousel of my four most recent posts, followed by a short bio introducing myself. Then I added the Writer’s Lifestyle section, spotlighting the four main categories that sit under that umbrella. Finally, there’s a newsletter sign-up tout, followed by Other Stories, which is where I share essays, life updates, resources, and more. I love the idea of organizing my website and blog this way, with my TWL branding at the front, followed by other posts that often get a ton of love.

I’m so happy with how it came out, and I’m excited to share more here over the coming months, regularly again.

I also shipped my first Ko-fi shop orders! 🥳

Earlier this month, I finally opened a Ko-fi shop, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I intend to add more things this year, but for now, you can purchase a signed paperback copy of YOU AGAIN, which includes free stickers and a bookmark (U.S. addresses only—sorry, international friends!). If you missed my book signing last fall, now’s your chance to get your signed copy and the freebies I passed out at the event.

What have you been up to at your desk lately? Leave a comment and let me know.

Want more Desk Diaries content? Follow me on Threads and Instagram @meganportorreal for more. I also share exclusive posts on Ko-fi and collections on Pinterest.