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