Chapter by Chapter program

In my “Daily Vlog Challenge”, I talked about the Chapter-by-Chapter program I use for compiling a novel. Its works similar to a ‘master document’ but without the bugs and issues, and helps organize scenes/chapters into single documents that also works with  ‘find-replace’ function for all files.

This program is free, works with MS Word 97 and later, and can work with Super Notecard as well.

Here is my video-

I’m thinking of also doing a video on the yWriter novel writing program I’ve used in the past, in case readers might be interested. If so, post in comments, or mention a program you’d like to see, or another topic.

Technorati Tags: chapter by chapter program,writing,author,novel,fictions,programs,ms word

Windows Live Writer- Awesome blogging tool

I find blogging through the Blogger or WordPress sites lacks certain formatting features I use on a regular basis.

Windows Live Writer (free download program) provides those features, and works with a number of blogging services. 

The features:

- Backups- I found a number of times, I lost my blog posts due to a browser crash when using Blogger or WordPress web sites. Using the Live Writer lets me backup on my computer, or save as a draft (not published) to the web site. Once saved to my hard drive, I can back up to flash drive or cloud drive as I wish.

- Formatting- I like adding graphics and embed videos into my posts, and the Live Writer makes it easier. I can also include HTML that Blogger/Wordpress might otherwise not allow me.

- Choices for add ons- You can download extensions to Live Writer that will create tag/labels for you, make graphic appear as Polaroid’s, notifications to social sites, and more.

- Allows choice- The blog services provide features, which are still there if I choose to use them, but I prefer to back to hard drive. I enjoy using the Live Writer program in addition to the blog post features the web sites provide.

Do you post directly or do you use a third party program to do your blogging? Post in comments.

Technorati Tags: writing,blog,live writer,third party blog software,live writer add on,blog formatting

The Mobile Reader

As I’ve written previously enough times, I’m a huge supporter of the Independent writer, who gets their stuff ‘out there’ for the e-readers, and keeps the relationship between storyteller and reader intimate and direct.

Even bloggers provide a valuable resource of shared knowledge and storytelling of every day life, or commentaries. This leads to the topic of ‘the mobile reader’- the people who read blogs, articles, news, and books via e-readers such as RSS readers, Kindle, Nook, or the numerous apps used to read these types of files.

Blogs in particular are often read through the Android or IPhone, and I only recently realized that many blog services offer a way to let your readers read your blog accordingly;

Blogger offers an app for bloggers to blog on the go. don’t forget to also check  your Blogger settings by going into your account, selecting Template, and choosing if you want a mobile or desktop template as the default.

WordPress also offers their app so you can blog via Ipad, Iphone, Android, etc. You should also check out your settings for your WordPress blog by going to the Dashboard>Appearance>Mobile and checking the mobile options.

I prefer the Google Reader to gather and read the blogs I’ve subscribed to.

I’m not as familiar with the other blog services, so you’ll need to check your settings and see what they offer. If you have another blog service that offers something similar, or use another RSS reader, please post in comments and add comments. I’d love to hear other’s opinions.

 

Technorati Tags: blogger,wordpress,apps,iphone app,android app,mobile,readers,writing,authors,published

Roger J. Carlson- free handy macros for MS Word

I mentioned this writer, Roger J. Carlson, more for his handy Macro files than writing, but he’s a writer, and therefore worthy of mention.

A few links are broken at his site, but its still well worth to visit to check out his page on Tech Tips, which includes Utilities for MS Word. They consist of highlighting the passive word, prepositions, adverb, and more. All are free.

A macro, if you don’t know, is helpful trick in word processing that speeds up processes you otherwise find tedious. For example, I use a macro in my journal to add the date, but also goals, and a place to jot down the weather. I do this with a simple click of Ctrl + HOME buttons.

More about Macros for MS Word.

If interested, let me know some ideas you’d like to see in the form of a macro that could speed up your work, as a writer. Post below.

Technorati Tags: macro,ms word,word processing,writer,blog,author

Writer Tool: Macros

I’m pretty savvy with computers and with word processing. I know things most folks don’t know about tech stuff- smarter than the average bear, you might say. I do, after all, work on tech support work part time and offer on-site tutoring instruction/training on the PC.

You’d be surprised to know I only recently discovered the wonders that are MS Word macros.

What are macros? Well to put simply; they are short cuts. You record actions such as keystrokes, or clicking buttons, and once recording and assigned to a keyboard shortcut, you have a very quick and handy trick.

I journal with my MS Word program, but having to click INSERT, then DATE, then selected the format in which I want inserted….well I was getting sick of that. Now with simply Ctrl+PageUp (this is what I assigned the macro as), and VIOLA! Its automatically inserted with the word GOALS: beneath it. This is to remind me to do something towards my goals each day.

Here is a video showing you how to create macros.

Consider tasks you do regularly in your MS Word, and how a macro could make these tasks so much simpler.

If you have XP, you can use this tutorial which shows step by step illustrations.

Technorati Tags: macro,msword,word processing,office,writing,author,blog

Tuesday Tip: Writing Distraction Free

I admit I get distracted from writing. The lure of pretty much anything tugs me from my concentration and I end up multitasking a frenzy of activity that really doesn’t go very far. This led me to the subject of ‘distraction free writing’ and how that works.

Distraction free writing offers the writer a very basic text-only area to type out the words. No toolbars, buttons, or graphics to distract you from your goal.

As I write in MS Word I have six toolbars up, with a browser open to Dictionary.com, Evernote, and a cup of Hazelnut coffee at the ready. So when I find a number of web sites or programs that offer nothing but a text area in which to type, I sit staring at the emptiness feeling a bit lonely.

For myself, its not toolbars, or extra programs that distract me. Its phones ringing, doorbells, family needing something, pets wanting attention, a busy schedule, and a never ending list of things to do. No amount of ‘distraction free’ environments will trick me into thinking I should be writing with so much to do.

What I need is the fortitude to get it done, to simply focus on what is important, what takes priority. As one member of my group pointed out “You shouldn’t have to drag yourself to write”, and I agree. Writing shouldn’t be the dreaded chore of churning out words.

Writing should be the joyous escape of the mundane, to explore the ‘what if’ possibilities of our imaginations. And as so many published authors often share as a tip; you write without that inner editor…and just write.

My best writing time is at night- no distraction of phones or people at the door, or my son, pets, or husband to bug me. I can even leave my email alone.

Which just goes to prove you need to first focus on what distracts you subsequently deciding on how to remove those distractions.

Five Best Distraction Free Writing Tools covers some programs and services that provide distraction free writing.

SimpleText provides an example of a web based, distraction free environment. As does the Write or Die feature, that includes a timer to get you writing.

Technorati Tags: writing,nanowrimo,writer,author,procrastination,writer’s block