My Tools
amber September 27th, 2008
I just thought I’d create a page detailing the tools that I use in Nano, both those that have worked out well for me, and those that maybe I shouldn’t use again. Your mileage may vary, but these are the things that seem to work with me.
Electronics:
Up until Nanowrimo 2007, I used my laptop exclusively for writing, whether it was my old Dell Value system, or my new-ish and shiny Alienware laptop. Last year I found a great deal on an Alphasmart Dana, which, other than my timing issue from Nano 2007, worked out really well as a distractions-free writing instrument.
Software:
Along with the Dana’s writing software, AlphaWord, I use Hal Spacejock’s absolutely wonderful yWriter software to help with scenes and outlining. It’s been absolutely helpful in working out my Mystery/Thriller for Nanowrimo 2008, which I’ve never done before. I’ve tried other software programs, but yWriter is the closest thing to perfect for me.
Around the Web:
Google Docs is one of the best things for web-based document storage, especially when I can’t bring my laptop or Dana with me, but I have access to the Internet (like, say at work) and I find some down-time available to me, I just open up my Google Docs and work on my Nano for a bit. It’s also really wonderful for pre-Nano-planning, keeping my Plot Ideas list, all my pieces and parts together and having the easy ability to share anything I’d like with other Nano-ers.
Holly Lisle is one of the greatest assets to have online. She’s an amazing author, and she goes out of her way to share her writing knowledge with everyone.
Low-Tech:
Notebooks, notebooks, notebooks. I adore notebooks, and while I’d love to write exclusively in Moleskines, but I just can’t afford it. Instead, I hit up the clearance aisles of my local Target, especially around this time of year, post-Back-to-School sales. I usually dedicate a single subject notebook for each year of Nanowrimo. Also, I can’t say enough about the value of a really good pen. If I find a certain pen that I like, I try to get at least five of them. Like my friend Zoot, I’m a complete office supply freak.
I’ll see about adding onto this list as I find new things that I try out.
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