**The big 50 happened and I felt the love. Thanks to all of you who sent me messages! **
Your Surroundings
If it does not bring you…improvement in your work, then it is time to rethink its value.
Tools for your Day-to-Day writing
Computers and Word Processors
My first book is 484 pages. Now, that is in print. Can you imagine how many pages that would be in longhand? It would be ridiculous. Like, loooonnnnggg. What we, Mr. Mayer and I, are saying is that a word processor or computer is key to your salvation, and your sanity. Shout out to all of you who put pen to paper and write it all down!
Computers ain’t cheap, but they aren’t as expensive as they were 10+ years ago. Bear in mind, you don’t need the most expensive model. Heck, you don’t even have to own one. No computer? Go to the library. Most libraries have a few computers available for community use. You can always find a way if you look.
I spend a lot of time traveling to outlying areas to sell my books at fairs and outside marketplaces. This gives me ample time to sit with my fully charged laptop to type out ideas and even scenes. I do what I can to get my books out there to the masses. It’s not my fault if they don’t see my genius. Riddle me this- why will people flock to a book that is little more than 100 pages and $15 but turn from my over 375-page books for the same price? I can’t figure it out.
Anyway- coffee time. I am off to the kitchen/breakroom for my second and last cup of coffee for the day. It’s sad I must watch my calories so much I have to limit this lovely go juice. But if it will help with all my pain and inflammation, I am willing to do it. Join me in my last cup of the day and let’s celebrate learning together. I have my copy of The Novel Writer’s Toolkit by Bob Mayer. Have you gotten your copy yet? You really should cuz I am skipping over some truly informative stuff.
Okay, I’ll get the reading rug out while you grab a cuppa and nibble. Watch your social distancing and wear your mask properly, which is over your nose and mouth- at the same time. I will ask you to leave if you don’t respect others in this way. Your choices should not put others in harms way- EVER. That is your PSA for today.
Backing up
Not literally but backing up your work. Over the last year of posts, I have told you all the ways you should and could save your work. There is the thumb drive, computer, laptop, and my favorite, email. Weekly, I send a copy of what I am working on to my email. I have had a computer crash on me before where I lost everything. So, email is a safe way to go. You can also access it from anywhere. Bonus. Back it up, baby. Back it up.
Printers
In the book, Mr. Mayer talks about the different qualities of printer. Dot matrix, to inkjet, to LaserWriter. The reality is, today, submissions are now taken via pdf or email forms. However, if you are planning to attend a conference, ensure anything you print to hand out is done in high quality. That includes your choice in paper. If you are printing for your own use, then use what works for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive if it is going in your files. I don’t print much regarding my writing. I keep it in files on my computer and my email. Do what works for you.
A Place to Write
Where are you writing? Does it work for you and those around you? Yes? Keep going. No? Then we need to talk. What kind of environment works for you? Do you like music or absolute silence? People or solitude? As I sit in my office, I am surrounded by my 3 puppers while jamming to Remedy by Seether. I loved sitting in coffee shops while wearing headphones, writing, and watching people around me. I have created characters based on people I saw sitting a few tables over. Not everyone is like me. Silence makes me uncomfortable when I am trying to create. I will turn on the tv in the living room and go sit in my office to work. You have to find what works best for you. Heck get your hands on a voice recorder and take a walk. Talk your story through. Brainstorm ideas and record it all so you can listen to it later. I have one and it is great to have handy when going to my critique groups. We do some serious brainstorming and it helps keep the ideas straight. The Great and Wonderful Hubs bought me a small recorder from Wal-mart for about $20. It has lasted, to date, around 7 years. Worth a look. Your cellphone may have recording apps as well.
Next time we will chat about Master Character Lists and Maps of Locales.
Sounds interesting.
Polish your sparkle and keep twirling.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
I’m always looking for new friends!
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New Ink. Used Ideas. 