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This week: Writing Software Edited by: Jeff  
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"The two most engaging powers of an author are to make
new things familiar, and to make familiar things new."
-- Samuel Johnson
Trivia of the Week: Tea Obrecht's debut novel The Tiger's Wife won the 2011 Orange Prize (currently named the Bailey Women's Prize for Fiction). What makes the accomplishment even more remarkable was the fact that she's the youngest winner ever (25 at the time of the award). Her agent and her editor were also extremely young... all three were under 30 when they added this prestigious national honor to their list of accomplishments. |
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WRITING SOFTWARE
Don't worry, this isn't going to be a column that weighs the pros and cons of writing on a computer versus writing longhand. Each writer has their own process for getting a story on paper and that's not what this article is about. This article, instead, will look at software options you have when planning, writing, and preparing to submit your manuscript. We've come along way from the early years of word processing where your only choices were really Microsoft Word or Corel Wordperfect or MacWrite, and it's worth taking a look at some modern options.
Basic word processing programs are always an option. Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer, AbiWord, Adobe PageMaker, and Apple Pages are all examples of word processing programs that serve the basic function of getting words on the screen or page. For a lot of people, these programs are just fine for their everyday document needs. Even traditionally published writers, who send their manuscripts to editors and publishing houses that take care of the formatting and typesetting, can get by with these. Ranging from free to a few hundred bucks (and most computers include at least one word processing program with the operating system), this is a solid all-purpose option for various writing needs.
Notes programs can help writers organize their ideas and provide a space to work through the brainstorming process. A lot of writers use general software like Evernote, Springpad, SimpleNote, Sticky Notes, OneNote, Scribble, Scapple and customize the organization system (different pages, notebooks, folders, etc.) for their own needs. Many of these programs are available as cloud-based apps, which means writers can jot down their ideas in a web browser at home, then sync them to their phones for note-taking on the go.
Story development programs are software designed to help writers with specific issues. Dramatica Story Expert walks you through the narrative planning process. Persona is character development software. Heck, there's even a program called Great Dialogue which "contains a massive database of the best dialogue from movies, TV, novels, and plays" so you can search for keywords and types of conversation and see how successful versions are written.
Specialty programs are those that serve a specific writing purpose. Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, and Fade In specifically conform writing to motion picture screenplay format. LaTex is geared toward typesetting and professionally presenting scientific and technical documentation. Scrivener is a word processor and project management software that helps you organize your manuscript and output it directly for print and ebook publication.
Today's writers have an enormous amount of choice when it comes to software that's designed to help us become better writers. It's important to note that not every program is useful, and not every program is right for every writer. If you're considering a new piece of software, see if there's a trial version available, or testimonials, or screenshots, or tutorials, or anything else that will let you see the program in action before you invest the money in something new. There's nothing worse than spending money on something you realize you'll rarely or never use, especially if it's a pricey piece of software.
At the end of the day, you have to use the tools that work for you. For some writers, the simple word processor that came with your computer is enough. For other writers, experimenting with new programs might reveal a new way of organizing your thoughts or composing your manuscript that you find easier or more enjoyable. As long as you've got the time and inclination (and money, if necessary) to try new things, there are an awful lot of powerful new tools out there for the professional and aspiring writer.
Until next time,
Jeff
If you're interested in checking out my work:
"Blogocentric Formulations"
"New & Noteworthy Things"
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I encourage you to check out the following items:
EXCERPT: She was just standing there.
Amidst the loud street bustling with families having come for leisurely purposes, she strongly stood out. With ragged clothes barely covering her head to toe, darkened, reticent eyes, which spoke of a quiet yet vivid aching, and had lost their original cerulean pigment, along with her emaciated, gaunt figure despite her tender age of about twelve, she looked to be the very image of misery and loneliness.
Looking at this wretched soul, Suleiman’s heart could not abstain from breaking in two.
EXCERPT: What is happiness and how does one go about finding it? Since the dawn of mankind, we've searched for this answer. Some folks spend their entire lives searching for something or someone who will make them happy, but they never find it because happiness is not a destination or an end goal. In life, happiness is the game; not the final score.
It's a mistake to waste a large portion of your life seeking that one "thing" that'll make you happy, as if it was the Holy Grail or the most important thing you can find. There are so many more important issues in life than a futile search for something that you already have.
EXCERPT: DO YOU NEED CHANGE? We often want change but often times don't want to change ourselves, but the truth of the matter is that change begins with us.
EXCERPT: I was fishing down at the river one day when I heard a noise rustling in the bushes on the bank across the way. Maybe a deer? Maybe a very noisy squirrel? Another glance up from the river’s waters and I see a cute little dog sitting across the stream from me, contently watching me trying to catch a fish. I went downstream and the dog followed. Then he ran off back into the woods. It was soon time to go, so I headed back to my truck. And guess what. The dog was sitting there waiting for me. He had no collar, no dog tag, and seemed to be lost. But he seemed very happy to see me.
EXCERPT: The Bible says that God looks at what’s in our heart, not how we look. Why can’t we do that as well?
How can we possibly believe that one’s skin color or girth makes someone more or less likable? How can we think that the labels of the clothing someone wears or the kind of car they drive makes them more or less successful?
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https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Feedback from my last newsletter about impostor syndrome and other afflictions ("For Authors Newsletter (August 3, 2016)" ):
Quick-Quill  writes: "JEFF Help! I'm an IMPOSTER. I think one problem is I'm not as inspired with this story as I was when I first wrote it nor am I as excited to write it as I was my published novel. I'm procrastinating. I need help!"
Stick with it! If your story needs to be written, write it. If it needs to be revised, revise it. The best thing you can do when faced with any writing afflictions is to keep going and write through it. 
ann_stewart79 writes: "Great post. This was covered at the RWA national convention this past month, which was the first I'd heard of it. It's been freeing to know it isn't just me who wonders if I'm faking everything I do."
Thank you! And yes, sometimes the best way to cope with a struggle is to realize that you're normal and not alone in it. 
Monty  writes: "An Authors News Letter that was on the button for me Jeff."
On the one hand, I'm happy you found this newsletter useful! On the other hand, I'm sorry that you're afflicted by one or more of these author struggles!
harperpaul writes: "Great credible work! I especially like the part about impostor syndrome because I think you are taking an original, yet truthful approach to having the nerve to be consistently expressive."
Thank you, Paul!
Grin 'n Bear It!  writes: "I confess- I'm afflicted with all those syndromes, but especially the imposter syndrome. Reading your NL reminded me of an experience in graduate school. Everyone in the class had to give an oral presentation on a review of the literature on a psychological theory/concept. We at least were able to select our topic from a list. Like most people, I don't like talking in public-- actually it would be more accurate to say I hate it.
When I got home on the day of my presentation, I told my husband, "My presentation was SO bad, everyone came up to me afterwards and told me what a good job I did." I was absolutely serious! My perception of the situation was I had done such an embarrassingly poor job, my classmates felt sorry for me and were trying to make me feel better."
I was the same way in school... sometimes, even though I knew the material well and was very confident in my answers, I'd walk out of an exam going, "Oh man, I just know I bombed that test" or "I bet I fail that term paper." It's amazing how we're able to delude ourselves into believing a narrative that simply isn't true.
vada writes: "Great N/L Jeff. I agree, affirmations do work. Not only applied to our writing, but life in general. Vada"
I totally agree!
ladeecaid writes: "I quite enjoyed this newsletter, Jeff. I fall in a couple of those categories plus one not mentioned here. I want to move forward, but something is blocking it. Fear. I will be moving into an absolutely foreign territory: one where I will be making ALL of the decisions. Part of me finds this juicy and exciting. The too sensible part is always saying, "It won't work." That side of me prevents me from finding the resources that are right in front of my eyes. Eventually, I will push through it, for It is the reason I write in the first place; I need to explore."
Fear is definitely an affliction a lot of writers experience. Fear of failure, fear of missing out, fear of success... we're definitely a fearful bunch! 
Feedback from a previous newsletter on big site-wide activities ("For Authors Newsletter (July 6, 2016)" ):
Elle - on hiatus  writes: "Excellent newsletter, Jeff. No one should feel pressured to 'conform' on this site. Our diversity is one of the site's strengths. "
Thanks for the feedback, Elle! So nice to hear from you! |
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For Authors: August 31, 2016 Issue [#7838]
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