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This week: Sea of Options for Notes and Writing Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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A brief look at note taking and writing programs available for use. Some are on note taking, others are on writing and some involve pictures of cats. |
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Ever now and then in the WDC chat rooms we end up talking about writing. It's a strange occurrence but it does happen. With writers coming and going online, sometimes that topic goes towards what programs they like to use in particular. This is common around times like NaNoWriMo when sprinting comes up more often but we'll talk about options on different occasions over the year. There are quite a few programs available, all for different purposes. Here are some of the few options available based on the types of tasks they help the writer accomplish. If this goes well, I may be able to focus on a few of the specific options and go in more detail. Let me know which you want to know more about in the feedback option.
1. Note Taking
There are a number of options available for both online and physical when it comes to taking notes. Notebooks are great options and I've even used small sketchbooks at times when I'm at work to jot down some ideas in order to not lose them. There are also dry erase boards (those are fun as I have a black one and neon markers) and many other hand writing required options. On the computer, any word process option works for notes too, however, there are some programs made specifically for note taking. Mac computers come with a program called Stickies, which is basically like a computer version of a sticky note. The colors can be changed on it too so they aren't all just yellow. Then there is OneNote, which is a Microsoft program that is supposed to work on a number of devices, including phones. Another, similar option is one called Evernote. It's geared towards streamlining to help not only jot down ideas but to push them forward in the creation process (or that is the general idea based off what I see on the web page).
2. Writing
Many options exist here. The most common will be general document programs like Word, Office, Works, etc. At one point, on Mac, I was using Textedit, but I don't recommend that one as it didn't really do word counting. Anyways, many writers just use the basic writing software available based on their computer and availability in the moment. Most of the general programs will be sufficient, just make sure to double check publisher guidelines if submitting because some will specify the file type they are willing to accept. While I have Word, I only use it when creating documents for submission to short story places. Since I finished NaNoWriMo one year and used a discount code, I have been using the next good option: Scrivener. It's a program that can do many things, many that I don't even know yet, including note taking, world building and hold character sheets. What sells it for me is that I have one document title saved but the whole novel and notes can be all under that one. There are folder options, note sections and much more to be used within the program, and it's all saved as one item. Another option is called YWriter, I believe, though many of the writing software options are ones I haven't tried. I"m sure some readers know of some great ones that other people could consider.
3. Writing Motivation
While there are many programs used to write and save stories, sometimes it's just not quite enough, In particular during NaNoWriMo, but other times it comes in handy too, sometimes a writer needs a web site or program to add a little motivation to the mix. While options exist, there are two main ones that come to mind. The first is available both free on the web site and a more enhanced version that can be purchased for the computer: Write or Die. It's a fun program that adds incentive to writing by forcing you to write for a specific amount of time, that you pick. If you keep writing, all is good. However, if you don't write, pending the level you chose, then there may be consequences. There is even one where if you pause for too long, it will erase what you have already written, a letter at a time. I want to get the program for my computer, maybe in time for NaNoWriMo. Another, happier option is Written? Kitten!. This is more of an incentive based site. You pick how many words you need to write in order to get a new image to show up and the main one is the kitten, but puppy and bunny are also an option. Or, if you add to the URL, then if can search for many other different images from flickr. There is an example posted on the site below the writing window to help show how to get different pictures if the fluffy kitty just doesn't inspire words for you.
This was just a brief overview as there are so many different options available. And what we often find is while one or two might like one site or program in particular, it is not going to float the boat of everyone. We tend to vary as writers, maybe that's why we have so many different options available. I know what I like for now, but who knows that may change. Question is, what do you use?
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Which programs do you prefer? Are there any you want to know about in more detail?
Last time I wrote about Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Here are a couple of the responses I received from that time:
From aegreenfield
I was using Facebook, but it seems hard to grow a following there. Twitter has helped me gain more attention more quickly.
- Interesting and thanks for the comment. Both have their uses and it's neat to see who is drawn to which of them.
From Quick-Quill 
This was very interesting. Hard to read but I got through it (formatting) I'd like to add that here on Wdc I find the feedback, for the most part, to be good and timely. On Facebook there are limitations to the posts. Feedback is immediate and sometimes can be controversial. I don't look for deep meaningful feedback from the sites on Facebook even though some say they have had great success. I found my publisher there and a great place to network or meet people and get information. Wdc is my rock. The members here are either learning or have knowledge to impart. I like it both ways. I can contribute and learn.
- Thanks for the feedback and sorry it was confusing. What makes sense to me, doesn't always make sense to others when it comes to how I formulate things. Interesting that you found your publisher using one of the sites. That is cool. And yes, WDC is a great rock. We love it here. 
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For Authors: September 10, 2014 Issue [#6540]
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