Friday, December 16, 2011

How I Write-- What's in your toolbox?

While last week was a bit of fun, this week's How I Write has to do with writing tools and resources. What do you use? What are your favourites?

Resources:
- Flip Dictionary- I could not live without this. It's, yes, technically just a thesaurus but it has so much in there that isn't in a normal thesaurus that I'm in love. It's designed to help you find a word if you have an idea what you want. Like a certain type a tree...you'd look up tree and it'll list all the different kinds. This is my one book that is so ratty because I use it constantly.
- Websites- I don't frequent a lot anymore, but some that I can't live without are Savvy Authors (great workshops hosted there) and Kiss of Death (again, awesome workshops that aren't found elsewhere really)
- Books- Let's face it, to be a writer you need to read as well. I try to read at least one romance (historical or paranormal lately) a week. I also have tons of research books on the paranormal and science that I consult with.

Tools (this one I had a bit of trouble because I don't use any programs to write):
- my computer- I need my computer. There's no doubt about that. While I can write pen and paper or a type writer (started out like this), I prefer not to. That and the fact I'm too OCD. I can't stand a marked up page (like if I'm doing edits). If the page has been ruined with a mark, I get twitchy wanting to print out a new one.
- I'm going to put sprints here. They may be considered more a resource, not sure, but for me, sprints are the tools I use to get my words done.
- This will sound odd but my tv. I need background noise. I can't concentrate when it's quiet. Usually I put on the food network or shows I've already watched before. Something that doesn't distract me too much so that I'm paying more attention to it. If I don't have the tv on, then I need music on. Sometimes both on at the same time.

Check out my friends' sites to see what tools and resources they use: Danie Ford Emma G. Delaney Kimberly Farris Kristen Koster

3 comments:

  1. Your Flip Dictionary sounds like onelook.com.

    I prefer background noise when I write too. I can only write longhand if the tv is on. If I'm on the computer, I keep looking at the tv.

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  2. Your Flip Dictionary sounds like onelook.com.

    I prefer background noise when I write too. I can only write longhand if the tv is on. If I'm on the computer, I keep looking at the tv.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are great. I love seeing other peoples top resources and tools.

    I didn't put computer on mine, but my phone has become a valuable resource.

    I think I need to check out Savvy Authors. I've heard great things about the workshops.

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