Tools for NaNoWriMo
October 30th 2010 21:36
In addition to having useful writing websites bookmarked, you should also have the right tools handy. Anything that will make it easier for you to get through NaNoWriMo is allowed.
Here's what helps me:
Timer:
I use my iPhone but anything that makes a noise after a period of time set by you is fine. If a timer doesn't help, I switch to Write or Die.
Keeping track:
I've used my own, pretty basic spreadsheet to keep track of my progress, but if you want a ready-made solution, I'd recommend this NaNoWriMo report card.
Word processing and back-up:
When I write at my laptop, I use CopyWrite. It has a handy notes drawer where I keep ideas and plot outlines and comes with a full-screen option. Sometimes it helps if all you see is the write screen filling with your words. I use the full version (at $24.99 not really much of an expense) but you can use the trial version free for as long as you like.
[Before I switched to Mac, I used RoughDraft - it's not being further developed but I'd still highly recommend it if it works on your Windows machine.)
Both for back-up purposes and to have my story available when I'm out and about, I make several back-ups. I keep a text file on Dropbox into which I'll paste what I've written at the end of every day. I'll also use the Zoho online word processor where I'll create a new document every day with the day's writing - just in case I want to look something up while I'm not at home. Maybe I'll use My Writing Nook for online access this year, I haven't decided yet.
Making regular back-ups is a good idea, you never know if or when your computer decides to die on you. If you don't want to use online word processors and other writing applications or online storage, you can email your work to yourself. It would take your email provider's server to be wiped for you to lose your work - not very likely, is it?
Treats:
Use them to reward yourself rather than munching your way through a bag of tortilla chips while writing. A cookie tastes much better after having written 1,000 words than it does while you're struggling to get past 500 words. Make yourself earn that chocolate, mince pie or hot chocolate with Bailey's.
Here's what helps me:
Timer:
I use my iPhone but anything that makes a noise after a period of time set by you is fine. If a timer doesn't help, I switch to Write or Die.
Keeping track:
I've used my own, pretty basic spreadsheet to keep track of my progress, but if you want a ready-made solution, I'd recommend this NaNoWriMo report card.
Word processing and back-up:
When I write at my laptop, I use CopyWrite. It has a handy notes drawer where I keep ideas and plot outlines and comes with a full-screen option. Sometimes it helps if all you see is the write screen filling with your words. I use the full version (at $24.99 not really much of an expense) but you can use the trial version free for as long as you like.
[Before I switched to Mac, I used RoughDraft - it's not being further developed but I'd still highly recommend it if it works on your Windows machine.)
Both for back-up purposes and to have my story available when I'm out and about, I make several back-ups. I keep a text file on Dropbox into which I'll paste what I've written at the end of every day. I'll also use the Zoho online word processor where I'll create a new document every day with the day's writing - just in case I want to look something up while I'm not at home. Maybe I'll use My Writing Nook for online access this year, I haven't decided yet.
Making regular back-ups is a good idea, you never know if or when your computer decides to die on you. If you don't want to use online word processors and other writing applications or online storage, you can email your work to yourself. It would take your email provider's server to be wiped for you to lose your work - not very likely, is it?
Treats:
Use them to reward yourself rather than munching your way through a bag of tortilla chips while writing. A cookie tastes much better after having written 1,000 words than it does while you're struggling to get past 500 words. Make yourself earn that chocolate, mince pie or hot chocolate with Bailey's.
| 81 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Cameron Mathews