Growing up, my dad and I were pretty fair shade tree mechanics. (Well, I was growing up, my dad had already gone as far as he was going to.) This was before the age of electronic fuel injection, computerized valve timing, and proprietary software widgets. So, shortly after the earth cooled, but while Detroit was still hot, we’d put the car up on blocks and have at it. Often this would involve improvising the tool we needed from the tools we had readily at hand. It led to some interesting compromises. Fortunately, as writers, the only tool we really need is a chair to put our behinds in while we write. However, there are plenty of ancillary tools out there and I’m going to give you my pitch on the ones I find the handiest. Continue reading Reblog Sunday: Tools of the Trade »