My Top 5 Favorite Writing Tools
Anybody who knows me at all well knows that I’m a bit of a techie. I’m always answering questions about Macs and iPhones, WordPress and Facebook, etc. I read lots of blogs to keep up-to-date on as much as possible, and I love getting a new device and learning new ways to use them.
I was asked recently about my top 5 favorite writing tools and thought I would share here, in case it might be of interest to my readers.
- I have to begin with my iMac and/or MacBook Air. I cannot imagine doing what I do without my powerhouse computers. I switched from Windows to the Macs over eight years ago, and I have never looked back.
- Scrivener is, without a doubt, the best software program for writers. Again, I cannot imagine going back to writing in a word processing program such as Word, Pages, or WordPerfect. Scrivener not only allows me to write in it the way that works best for me, but it keeps all of my research notes and photographs and character descriptions within easy reach. Because of Scrivener, I have reduced my use of printer ink and printer paper in a given year by at least 75%.
- A spreadsheet for keeping track of character names. I populate my stories with lots of people, and I have to have a way of keeping them straight and making sure all of their names don’t start with the letter R. Any spreadsheet software will work.
- My Circa Notebook. This is where I brainstorm on paper and keep my “rolling outline.” (I’m a pantser but I still have to figure out what I need to write each day.) My Circa has a leather cover because I respond to the nice feel of it. I use colored filler paper because I also respond to colors.
- iTunes to play music to set my mood for the story, and my essential oil diffuser to make my office smell good as I write.