Jan 18, 2021
What software do you use for your writing? Bookkeeping? Artwork? Calendar?
I believe in sticking to basics, unless a piece of software really can do something exceptional. I’m also frugal, so this list will be short.
I do most of my writing in LibreOffice, a basic but free office suite. It’s all I need to thrash out a story. It has the capability of doing more advanced functions, which I’ve never taken the time to learn. Not only is it a writing program, it also has a spreadsheet portion which I use for my bookkeeping. Again, I’m not using any of the advanced features, but I don’t need to. I have access to Microsoft Word, and will run my document through it to check margins, indents, and other formatting, but it isn’t my primary tool.
Artwork? I leave the majority of that to my graphic artist. Folks, I’m just not good at it. I can throw together something painfully simple using Canva, but I don’t have an eye for anything spectacular. Fonts? Spacing? Balance? Colors? Not my specialty.
First round of editing is done on ProWritingAid. I used to use the free version, and the character limit made it a struggle. I was gifted with a full version of it by my daughter, and it’s a world of difference. Yes, sometimes I disagree with the results and it occasionally skips a misplaced word, but overall, it does everything I need in a first-round check. One warning- it can get confused with commas in some cases, but don’t we all?
I use WordPress for blogging for one simple reason—the amount of documentation out there for help using it, and much of it free. Once I found the right template to use, I’ve stuck with it.
Calendars? I’ve got nothing. I’ve tried several things, and none “stick.” Of course, the past year, I haven’t needed to do much, and I’ve got most of the sticky notes cleared off my desk.
I’ve heard of a new tool called Fictionary. It’s supposed to help with plotting. There’s good “buzz” about it, but I’m waiting until I get my current WIP back from my editor before downloading the free trial.
Want to hear about more? Check out the Alliance of Independent Authors’ (ALLi) guide to ultimate tools and tech. It’s got everything from a favorite pen to distraction eliminating software. I didn’t even know that was a thing! You can find it here The Ultimate Guide to Tools and Tech for Indie Authors — Alliance of Independent Authors: Self-Publishing Advice Center.
Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Before I go, I should mention one more set of tools—the good old-fashioned paper and pen. Sometimes, that’s the only thing that will satisfy my creative urge. Scrawling words on paper and watching the loops and dots formed from the ink flow.
Let’s find out what tools the other authors use. Just follow the links below. And if you have a favorite you think I should try, tell me about it in the comments.
Until next time, please stay safe!
Jan 18, 2021
What software do you use for your writing? Bookkeeping? Artwork? Calendar?
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I have tried all manner of digital planners but they do not work for me. I do most other things online, but when it comes to planning, I am “old school” and stick with paper and pencil (and I use pencil so I can erase and rework the plan when things get off track.)
I use Grammarly for initial edits. The free version also has a problem with commas. I find reading it aloud helps.
I have used the free version of Grammarly as well, but more as a final check. It’s fun to see how Grammarly and ProWritingAid disagree!
Yeah, Grammarly thinks the first three words of any sentence is an introductory clause.
Run a piece of Noble winning lit, or some million sellers through them and get a real laugh.
“It’s all I need to thrash out a story.” I’m gonna leave that completely alone. Scrivener is under fifty bucks, works flawlessly if not a two step with PWA. The key to any of the PWA Grammarly things is to ignore them on the first round and force yourself into a line item edit. Because the one thing noe of them will do is tell you it’s a shit for shinola sentence that’s inside out or that you disagree with yourself in a paragraph. That’s still on us.
Those disagreeing with yourself errors are tricky. I’m good at not doing it in the same paragraph, but three pages later I might lose the thought.
I read one the other day where this guy had a girl standing on precipice naked and in the next line she had on a golden belt. It got even better when the like or as or is associated with similes/metaphors was replaced with a comma. Wheee doggies…
Maybe a belt doesn’t count as clothing? Beyond that. I’ve got nothing…
A large golden belt with woven silk inlays as described, approaching the size of a Wrestling or Rodeo champ belt counts as clothing to me. A skinny ankle bracelet jewelry-esque belt, probably not.