Welcome to Day 143...
I think we can all agree that writing is hard work. But the right tools can make the job easier. Here's my must have list for writing...
A Computer & Word Processing Software
I couldn't imagine writing and editing without one. Props to those folks who hand write their stories, but it's just not for me. A good computer with word processing software is the best investment a writer can make.
A Cloud For Data Storage
For anyone who has ever lost or deleted a file, a Cloud is a must have. A Cloud stores data on a remote server. I use the Amazon Cloud Drive to store my notes, my final drafts, and my edits. I work too hard and my writing is too important to ever have all the work disappear forever. And while no system is 100% secure, the Cloud gives me peace of mind.
A Notebook & Pen That's Always At Your Side
Sometimes ideas come in a flash or I'll have dialogue flood my brain when I wake up, when I'm out at a restaurant, or when I'm driving. I don't always have my computer nearby, but I ALWAYS make sure I have a notebook and pen handy for those moments when great inspiration strikes.
Thesaurus.com Book Marked.
You have the idea in your head but you're struggling to get the words just right. Well struggle no more. Thesaurus.com is a writer's best friend.
A Place to Call Your Own.
Your very own writing spot, where you have your computer, can keep your notes, hang up inspirational messages and pictures (I have a large picture of my first book hanging over my desk) - it's your go to place for getting serious work done.
An Idea Box
Either virtual or real. I have an actual cardboard file box filled with cut out pages from magazines and newspapers. The pages are filled with ideas that simply resonated with me. Interesting people and places, unusual stories, reports of unsolved mysteries. These are the articles that really drew me in and the box where I store them is my go-to place when I need great ideas.
The Right Subscriptions and Newspapers.
I think it's true when they say the best writers are readers. I rarely have difficulty developing plot lines for my stories because I'm a big fan of the mashup - taking a few seemingly unrelated ideas and combining together in a story. Finding those ideas is key and I have my go to magazines and newspapers which seem to provide me with an endless list of great ideas to work with.
Google.com
How hot does it get in the Arizona desert in May? What's inside a state of the art security building. Honestly, I couldn't live with Google.com. I've read blogs of hikers who shared stories of their trek through South America for my book Be Still My Breath, and learned everything I needed to know about high tech security in penthouses for my book One Step Closer . You can get inside look on just about anything - giving you the details you need to make your story come alive for your readers. The best part? You can do it all and learn it all without ever leaving your house.
So that's my must have list. How about you? What's in your toolbox? Leave your comments below and share your thoughts.
Here's Today's Takeaway Lesson...
"Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What You Can" Arthur Ashe
Here's to Being All In,
Maggie
Follow me on Twitter @AuthorMaggie #busywriterslife
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