I had a briefcase at one point, but it was a kind of 1980s New Wave briefcase. It was made of some kind of cardboard and it had metal hinges. It was kind of faux industrial looking, and I used to carry my books in it rather than a backpack. I didn't want to have normal student accoutrements.
Fame is a lot of pressure, especially when you're responsible for your entire family. Financially, emotionally - everything.
Ideas aren't magical; the only tricky part is holding on to one long enough to get it written down.