{"id":5618,"date":"2021-01-17T21:56:04","date_gmt":"2021-01-18T04:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pjmaclayne.com\/?p=5618"},"modified":"2021-01-18T07:12:27","modified_gmt":"2021-01-18T14:12:27","slug":"tools-of-the-trade-openbook-blog-hop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pjmaclayne.com\/?p=5618","title":{"rendered":"Tools of the Trade #OpenBook Blog Hop"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jan 18, 2021<\/p>\n

What software do you use for your writing? Bookkeeping? Artwork? Calendar?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

I do most of my writing in LibreOffice, a basic but free office suite.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

I use WordPress for blogging for one simple reason\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 Alliance of Independent Authors: Self-Publishing Advice Center.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Image by Engin Akyurt<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Before I go, I should mention one more set of tools\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Until next time, please stay safe!<\/p>\n

Jan 18, 2021<\/p>\n

What software do you use for your writing? Bookkeeping? Artwork? Calendar?<\/p>\n

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit\/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet\/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.<\/p>\n

\r\n

\r\n

You are invited to the Inlinkz<\/strong> link party!<\/p>\r\nClick here to enter<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n