Monday, November 19, 2018

Everyday Tools for Writers

 

 
The Right Tools for the Write Job

If you're starting a blog, or website and want to be successful, you need to be able to publish blog posts consistently each week. In other words you need to be able to write.

It doesn't matter how long you've been doing it, or whether you're new to writing, it never gets any easier. Writing is a skill that anyone can learn.

So how do you become a successful writer and produce blog posts people want to read?

Like any job, writing requires the right tools. You may have a passion for fiction, or if you're like me, you enjoy writing non-fiction.

Here are some of the simplest tools to help you on your writing journey:

Software

With the rise in eBooks starting digitally makes a lot of sense and will save you time.

Here are 4 options for word processing:

1. Microsoft Office


One of the most commonly used pieces of software used by most writers today.

2. Pages

Created for Apple PC's and devices.  Allowing you to create beautiful documents in real time
 
3. Apache Open Office

A free to download open office suite, compatible with other office suites. 

4. Grammarly

After you've created your content "Grammarly" is a great tool to show to help you sort out those typos, punctuation errors, weak construction, or difficult sentences.

Research Tools

Google

Apart from reading books and magazines Google is one of the best research tools around.

Finding a credible expert, and a primary source is half the fun of researching any eBook or article. Look for well-known experts, and media outlets online.

Spell Checkers

Eyes are the Best Spell Checkers
 
Even though I use a spell checker on Google Docs and Blogger, I always read through what I've written.

Here are some of the things a spell checker can't tell you:
  1. It doesn't always offer useful spelling suggestions for badly misspelled words.
  2. It may point out errors which are actually correct.
  3. It won't detect the improper use of homonyms, such as their and there.
Writing Tools

Notebook and Pen

You may think its a bit overused and boring, but not to a writer. With a notebook and pen you can write anything your imagination allows. "The pen is mightier than the sword"! If you want something more old school then look no further than a fountain pen for real penmanship.

It doesn't matter how many notebooks you fill up, you have a permanent record of all of your thoughts, and ideas for posterity.

Read Novels

If you want to write fictional stories, you need to read and read a lots of books. Read any stories long or short, you can get your hands on. Don't take notes, just read and read.

In your spare time look around second hand book stores, charity shops, and libraries. Remember you don't need to spend anything when you borrow a book from your local library.

Study the Art of Writing from the Best

So you've read the fiction you want to write about, you're keeping a journal and notes.

Learn From the Best

On Writing - Stephen King

Immensely helpful to any writer, this is part memoir, part master class in fictional writing, by the master himself.

On Writing Well - William K Zinsser

Praised for its sound advice, clarity and warmth, this book is for those writers who want to learn how to write, and get through the day.

On Writing - Charles Bukowski

Sharp and moving reflections on the artistry and craft of writing, from an iconoclastic, riveting and celebrated master of writing. It can take a whole lifetime to master the English language so you need to start now if you want to write fiction.
 
The guides below, plus a really good dictionary and thesaurus are also a must have in your toolkit:

Useful Writing Guides

The Elements of Style - William Strunk Jr & E. B. White
 
The classic style manual, with information by Strunk & White that is as valuable today as when it was first offered.

The Sense of Style - Steven Pinker

Bestselling author Steven Pinker rethinks the usage guide for the twenty-first century.

Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer - Roy Peter Clark

Roy Peter Clark, America's most influential writing teacher whittles down almost thirty years of experience in journalism, writing, and teaching into a series of fifty short essays on different aspects of writing.

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