Monday, January 27, 2014

10 Writing Tools I Use



This is the second prompt for the "Blog Hop for Writers"

10 Writing Tools I Use

This was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Many things I use but take them for granted - dictionary and thesaurus  (whether online or text), challenges, courses, writing blogs.

But here are a few things I do rely on when I write:

1. Pen and paper.
 My first drafts are all writing, sometimes on whatever is handy at the time. I use a folder for each story or novel and a s I research or write, the info goes in there. I keep a pad of paper beside my bed so if I can't sleep and am trying to solve a problem, it can be written out. I take a pad of paper wherever I go as well, especially when I am travelling by bus.

2. Computer
Once I have my first draft, I then type it out, chapter by chapter.

3. Writer's Notebook
I use this to record ideas, write down great quotes and how to's from other writers.

4. Morning Papers
Several years ago I worked through "The Artist's Way" and still do the morning papers several times a week, especially when i can't seem to focus on a project. It gets the wheels working and stops me from further procrastination!

5. Books
Reading is a joy but also a necessity - to witness great writing first hand.

6. Goodreads/Quotes
I use the quotes section here quite a bit as well as keeping an eye on authors and new books.

7. CANSCAIP and SCBWI
I belong to both organizations and receive alot of info and inspiration.
(CANSCAIP is a National Arts Service Organization dedicated to the celebration and promotion of Canadian children's authors, illustrators)

8. The web
Unfortunately the web also is a time water, but there is also so much inspiration and help to be found there.

9. 12 x 12, PiBoIdMo, NaNoWriMo
These and other challenges/groups provide support and activities to keep you motivated.

10. Writing texts, style books, conferences, courses
So many different ways to improve one's skills as a writer.

6 comments:

Tracy Krauss said...

I read the Artists Way as well and love the idea of the morning papers. It is basically a journal and I still keep it up. it is very cathartic - gotta get it out and then we can take more in!

Violet N. said...

I too write everything by hand first, though a few years ago when I was doing NaNoWriMo, I read my draft story onto a mini-cassette and then typed it using my transcription machine (which I formerly used for medical typing).

All the best in your writing for kids!

Patti J. Smith said...

Definitely need to go to conferences and take some courses...hopefully I'll find the time! Thanks for sharing!

Janis Cox said...

I love conferences for the inspiration and good ideas. I also use pen and paper in my journalling time.
And I do need to get off this computer and have some lunch. DING - there's goes the bell.
Blessings,
Janis www.janiscox.com

Unknown said...

The Artist's Way and community writing challenges are things I'm going to take a closer look at. I've read and completed the exercises in The Artist's Way. Another good book is Writing Down the Bones. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Connecting with organizations is a great writing tool. I've been saved from being a victim of several scams through writing organizations.

Donna Fawcett
www.donnafawcett.com