One of the questions I get a lot is about what software to use to write books. Should books be written in plain text? Do you need special publishing software such as Adobe InDesign? And what about Scrivener? You can use whatever software works best for you, but I have learned that using good ol' Microsoft Word can be the best choice. You can upload the files directly to … [Read more...]
Must-Have iPhone Apps for Authors & Writers
As a modern day writer, you've learned when and where you write best. Rarely, I'm sure, does inspiration strike when you're seated at your desk in front of your computer at 9:00am. More likely, you're inspired while you're out and about. In order to efficiently capture and save every new idea, detail, story line, etc., you need to download some new apps to your iPhone. The list … [Read more...]
Librarian Love: Helping You Get Published
Most people won’t believe you when you tell them that librarians can play a role that could prove vital to getting you published. The image of a cranky woman at a desk persists—but most don’t realize that behind that woman is a world of resources that could pave the way to success. It’s never too early to start working in the library, especially if you’re serious about becoming … [Read more...]
Researching For Your Novel: Librarians as Friends
Writing a novel can be very intimidating, and very difficult. One of the hardest tasks any author needs to undertake is research. Whether it’s looking at the historical context of a war being used as the background of a romance novel, or understanding how an engine works for your new steampunk series, research is essential. It’s also very difficult and extremely time consuming. … [Read more...]
29 Ways to Stay Creative
The folks at Creattica shared this infographic with 29 ways to keep your creative juices flowing. 1. Make lists. 2. Carry a notebook everywhere. 3. Try free writing. 4. Get away from the computer. 5. Quit beating yourself up. 6. Take breaks. 7. Sing in the shower. 8. Drink coffee. 9. Listen to new music. 10. Be open. 11. Surround yourself with … [Read more...]
How to Find Good Books to Read
Writers need to read. Most of us are voracious readers, and we read for the joy of it. It is also important that we stay aware of publishing trends. This post by Scott Lorenz suggests ways you can find books that will inform and entertain you as a reader and also help you stay up to date on what is happening in publishing. What Should I Read? I was recently asked this … [Read more...]
Quotes About Books
What Every Author Should Know About Saving Book Files
It’s easy to get confused and lose files when you’re writing a book, but there is a way to keep track of every thought you have, every draft you write, and every improvement you make. The first step is to create a file folder called BOOK FILES or the title of your book. Step two is to create folders (within the BOOK FILES folder) for each chapter and give it a simple … [Read more...]
Lightning Strike Uncovers Great Software for Authors
My phone rang recently and on the other end was a client telling me that the radio station on which her boss was scheduled to be interviewed had been struck by lightning. The producer informed her that they were not able to record the interview because the “recording board blew up” but that it would be streamed live online. Murphy’s Law seems to reign freely when it comes to … [Read more...]
The Right Tools For Your Writing Career
One of the most important strategies for a successful writing career is to make sure you have the right tools. The first thing you need is a relatively fast computer loaded with virus and spyware protection software. To elaborate, I recommend obtaining the free version of AVG for virus protection and Spybot Search and Destroy for spyware protection. Both programs are … [Read more...]