Tool Time!
Dad always said, “you need the right tools for the job.”
Good advice from an MIT engineer. Today I’ll share my favorite writing tools that help me stay productive.
Computer. ‘Nuf said.
Software: MS Word for writing and editing, but I use Scrivner as well. Scrivner offers more integrated tools to keep track of details and reorganize longer works (like my novel). It’s got character sketch templates, location templates, notes features, a corkboard feature, and many other features I haven’t learned to use yet. It’s also invaluable for formatting my short stories for submission as well. It’s reasonably priced and solved so many shortcomings of Word.
Freewrite Traveler: This electronic typewriter has increased my productivity tenfold. With its singular focus of capturing my words, I write unhindered, with my mind creating scenes and dialogue and my fingers whipping over the keyboard. No temptation to start a new Solitaire game, go down the Facebook rabbit hole, or check my email. Its backlit screen means glare isn’t a problem, so I often write outside on my deck or even at the beach! It’s not intended to offer sophisticated editing capabilities – I’ll do that when I send the draft to Word. Confession: I own two. The OG model, and the Traveler. If I had to just choose just one, it would be the Traveler because it’s light (1.6lbs), has a long battery life, and is quiet enough to use on a red eye flight. www.getfreewrite.com.
Lap Desk. Remember these from high school? I write wherever I am, whether I’m on a beach, in my recliner at home, or in the truck when my husband and I take a long road trip with our camper (he also graciously outfitted his truck with a 110 volt plug, allowing me to charge my devices if needed). Also, by using this desk, my computer won’t overheat like it would if it was resting on my lap.
Notebook/pens. I can’t draft long hand anymore, but this little set gifted to me is so handy to jot plot ideas or research needs.
Nordace Bag: Great waterproof, lightweight bag that holds a lot yet fits under an airplane seat and has a strap to hold it on to your luggage! Plenty of slots and storage inside and out for everything you need: your PC, credit cards, pens, water bottle. It’s even got a handy little built-in cord for recharging. www.nordace.com
Time: Just as I was wrapping up writing this blog, I watched a reel where a writer addressed a crowd. She said, “f--- it!” (She used the “f---” word often – my kind of lady!) She said you don’t need tools and things to make you write or write better. You need to make time to write. Agree 1000%. But if you can make time, the right tools definitely help with the writing process!
What is your favorite tool in your line of work?
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