Monday, February 21, 2011

Tools of the Trade

Good to see you, my fellow writers! Pull up a chair, have a cup of coffee or tea-- whichever you prefer, my friend-- and let's talk.
Talk about what? How about the tools of the trade?
There are many programs out there for writers to use. Word processors, novel writing software, and, of course, the age old pen and paper. We can't forget the old fashioned clicky-clack typewriter either!
*sighs dreamily* Ah, the typewriter... How I love thee.
*ahem* Right. Back on track, whether you're traditional or digital, there are plenty of tools you can use to get the job done. Personally, I use a good mixture of Microsoft Word and Scrivener (Windows beta) for my writing.
I also use My Writing Spot for when I'm on the go. I like being able to jot down a few sentences while waiting in line at the store. And all I have to do is whip out my phone instead of digging through my bag for my notebook and pen.
When I'm editing, I prefer the good old red pen on paper and a notebook for my notes. Then everything goes back onto the computer again for more work and polishing. And when I'm outlining, I use a mixture of sticky notes, a notebook and pen, and Microsoft Word (which I usually write my extremely rough draft on-- you know, that draft before your official first draft?). I have a tack board I put all my handwritten notes on while I'm in the outlining and planning process. I just have to make sure I see them all and haven't buried any under the layers and layers of notes...
These are my favored techniques and tools. But my way isn't the only way. There are plenty of different processes and programs out there. So, my fellow writers, I would love to hear from you. What are your favored writing tools?
What are your preferred tools? Do you have a refined technique you use? Do you favor traditional or digital? If you favor digital, what programs do you use?
Who knows? You might even help another writer refine their technique or find a program that works better for them.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Protecting Your Writing Time

   I recently got into a debate with my best friend. She felt as if we had been spending less time talking and hanging out than we usually do. She lives across the country so it's usually time spent sitting on the computer, talking on webcam or instant messenger.
   I disagreed with her and insisted we spent plenty of time together. She complained that I'm always "busy". And that's when it hit me.
   I've heard many writers say it: "Protect your writing time!" and I always shrugged it off. "I write plenty," I thought to myself, puffing my chest up proudly. "I don't need to defend my writing time more than I do!"
   The truth is, I used to let anyone invade my writing time until I realized how much more productive I was when I pushed them away while I wrote and how precious that time really is. "This is what they meant!" I realized. I must have at least doubled what I normally got done. I was shocked by the difference of my accomplishments. So I made a New Year resolution to protect my writing time more fiercely and I've been keeping that resolution going.
   My friend noticed this and while I explained when the year began that I would devote more time to my writing, she isn't happy about the cut back in my time.
   But it made me realize how much time writing takes up. If you're serious about it, then you'll find the time no matter what and you'll protect that time. I know I will even if my friend is upset for a while. Writing is what I do and I'll do it until the end.
   Family, housework, friends, work... All of these things can eat up your time and the next thing you know-- You're out of time to write. On my busy days I juggle things. I'll do some dishes, pick up my room, clean up the living room, and in between those things I'll give myself ten minute writing sessions as a reward. The words you write in those ten minutes add up. They really do.
   Other days I end up so busy that the only time I have to write is right before bed and by then I'm too exhausted to do much else other than sit in my desk chair, staring at that blinking cursor that's waiting to move with each letter I type, and doze off. Those are the days I turn in and decide to start anew the next day.
   But when you get that writing time, or start to make a schedule with your writing, you have to defend that time like your life depends on it-- because in a way, if you're serious about becoming a writer, it does. Learn to manage your time and compromise. I know I'm learning it now and it's paying off already.
   Family and friends might get jealous over the time you're giving to your writing but if you really care about the story you have to tell then you'll muddle through and keep on track.
   Do you have any friends or family that are or have been jealous or feel neglected because of the time you give to your writing? Do you have to protect your writing time more fiercely or make more time? What kind of schedule do you use if you use one?
   Please share your own experiences and advice! : )

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Trying Out Wordpress

Now, I'm usually a Blogspot blogger. I have my blog over on Blogspot (http://www.penxsword.blogspot.com/) but a few people I know have insisted that they get more traffic from Wordpress and that it's better than Blogspot. So I'm going to try Wordpress out for a bit while I maintain my Blogger and see which one works better for me.
Everything I post here will be posted on my Blogspot too so don't think you'll miss out if you follow one or the other. All my old post will remain on Blogspot, though. I won't go through and repost all my old post here. Each site has their own perks, I just know Blogspot better and that's what gives it the advantage currently. Though I will admit I like the word count feature here on Wordpress... Of course, because of my addiction to the madness of NaNoWriMo I do enjoy word counts... But since I can see the word count I can see how pitifully short my blog post is. ; )
So! Let the experiment begin and let's see which blog hosting site I'll like more.


( P.S. This is my Wordpress link for those of you interested: http://penxsword.wordpress.com/ ))