7 Great Writer Tools

By AJ Dowell

The writer's toolbox is a great asset. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that for every type of project, use the correct tool for the job. You wouldn't use a kitchen spatula to lay cement. Below is a simple set of tools that make my writing easier.

1. Post-it notes. I use the free download-able Post-it note software program for the desktop. Instead of having pictures on my computer screen, Notes are a great reminder. And I use the regular Post-it notes too. I have writing notes, book and article ideas, to do list, and more. You can put 6 notes easily on your computer screen. Each time I sit down at the computer, I'm not lost because my notes help guide me. It even helps with writers block. Get guided with Post-it notes.

2. A computer with Internet access. I've read countless books and articles about how authors should use index cards and spread them out across the floor to organize them. This may work for some, but not for me. This is the age of technological breakthroughs. The personal computer is here. A computer with Internet access can find information quickly and easily. The Internet is a super fast library of information. I've found lost friends and old classmates on the computer. I've found publishers and writing assignments. Once you learn to type, it's so much faster than writing notes, manuscripts, or whatever it is you write. And job hunting is super easy on the Internet. Fill out one resume and have it sent to thousands of employers. My favorite part of using the computer is being at the coffee shop or my favorite fishing hole with my laptop, glancing at the pole once in a while, then back on the computer. It's nice and peaceful there. You should try it if you haven't already.

3. Writing software. I use New Novelist software, which is awesome to use, and easy to learn. It has several tools and makes writing easy. Lucinda Hawksley, the great, great, great- granddaughter of Charles Dickens, is the editor of New Novelist, and she's done an amazing job. I also use Movie Magic Screenwriter software. It makes formatting super easy.

4. A stand-alone word processor. Most folks already use Word or Word Perfect. This is almost a must. Many times I use it just to copy and paste into emails or other programs. Some programs don't copy and paste into the web like Word or Word Perfect. For simple letters, and small projects especially, a good word processing program is best, and the program will help you format letters, etc.

5. A quiet place to think. No! Really! I can't write when the television is on or when I constantly hear the phone ring, or traffic, etc. Some writers can hear chaos all around them and write their hearts out. I'm not one of them. Have you heard of the writer that rented the cabin in the middle of nowhere to write a novel? He obviously needed peace and quiet to think through the work. It helps.

6. A comfortable chair. After I started writing more often, my back started giving me problems. I found out that it was sitting in a chair for too long. It is a good idea to get up and move around once in a while. A comfortable chair makes the difference between a productive session, and a painful one. By all means, save your back. Work in comfort. Even when I'm on the riverbanks, I take a very comfortable, collapsible chair. If you don't get enough exercise, a comfortable chair with good lower back support is a must.

7. The Brain. Learn to use it. Train the brain and you will go far. For many years I made the same mistakes over and over again until I learned some control. If you are not any better off now than you was 5 years ago, then you haven't learned to tap into that super organ, the brain. Become an organized, task oriented individual that has conviction. You must have a dream bigger than you are. Something needs to drive you. Without a vision, people perish.

Use all the tools that work best for you to get the job finished. Experiment to see what works best. For some, it's index cards, and for others a computer. Prayer never hurt anything either. Make it 8 tools.

Copyright © 2007 - AJ Dowell

AJ Dowell offers writer resources such as office supplies, novel software, writing classes, web hosting, freelance jobs, and more at http://linksforwriters.com
AJ helps people become independently wealthy with the help of his mentors and website http://www.dowellandassociates.com/

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