Writer's Software

“Writing is easy, all you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” Mark Twain

NEWS FLASH!

My short story, "Granny O'Toole's Recipe" has won first place in the March 2009 Short Story Contest sponsored by SWSilverlark Publishing. It will appear in the March issue of Fantasy Gazetteer. http://www.fantasygazetter.com As St. Patricks Day is nearly upon us it's a must read for anyone with a drop o' the auld sod in them!

The Rant 'N' Rave Section

Writer's Software

In my last post I talked about Pindersoft's great software, the Writer's Project organizer,(W.P.O.). I've been using it for a while now and find it to be excellent. I'm on chapter six of my novel, tentatively titled Time Spiders. The one area that I could wish for more from WPO is a better way of keeping track of characters, events and locations. In other words, a time line. I'm sure there are some who can do without a time line and, when writing short stories it isn't something I need or that I would use.

Writing a novel, however, is something entirely different. I spent more time re-reading what I've already written and trying to make sure there is a consistent flow than it's worth. With that in mind I set out to find a bit of software, preferably free, that would give me a quick and efficient overview and that would allow me to handle and keep track of various strands woven into the story. Well, I found one and it's outstanding. It's called StorYBook 2.1.11. http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/ Best of all, it's FREE!

I love it when I find a free software program that really works and does what I want it to do. This one gives me a chronological view of what I've written as well as a book view and an ability to manage chapters and scenes. It ties together chapters, scenes, characters, locations, strands and parts in such a way that it's simple for me to quickly recheck something in an earlier chapter while working on the current one.

I'm using WPO and this new software in conjunction and am now managing to draft a couple of chapters a month. Needless to say I highly recommend both software programs to and new aspiring writers as well as any who haven't tried theses yet. Remember though, WPO isn't free except for a trial program but it's well worth the cost. I recommend trying the freebie first, then if you like it, buy it.

Word of the Month
Ergophobic: Someone who fears work."He hasn't worked for years because he's ergophobic."

"TIDBITS"

I don't like to be political, this isn't a blog about politics but it seems that, at least here in the good ol" U.S.A., we've found a cure for everything that ails us. Spend more money. Yep! Even if we don't have it to spend. That's okay though. We can just print more, or borrow more or something. After all, isn't that what it's all about, if you're in the hole, dig deeper, maybe someday you'll reach China. Hmmmm, aren't they the ones we owe the most money to now?? With the elections over now, we can either become an Obama- nation or an Obamaniton, wonder which it'll be. "I'm just sayin'"

Last but Not Least
"I didn't know that!"
Charles Dickens

Obsessive-Compulsive. Dickens was preoccupied with looking in the mirror and combing his hair- he did it hundreds of times a day. He arranged furniture in his home- if it wasn't in the exact "correct" position, he couldn't concentrate. Obsessed with magnetic fields, Dickens made sure that every bed he slept in was aligned north-south. He had to touch certain objects three times for luck. He was obsessed with the need for tidiness, often cleaning other homes as well as his own.
(Thanks to http://www.neatorama.com/)

Well, that's it for this time, see ya later gater…..Aelf

Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short: http://www.alongstoryshort.net/

Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/

My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo

Linda Barnett-Johnson: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/

Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm

StorYBook 2.1.11: http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/

Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.

Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/

J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html

Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/

USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/

Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

Freebie Writers Tools

Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com/purchase/

Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/

Word Web download :http://www.wordweb.info/

I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.Copyright © 02/09/09

Some interesting stuff and my latest endeavor

Hi, I am attaching an email that explains a book that I just launched today. It is the latest in book marketing concepts, you buy the book about finding your life's purpose and you get access to $10,000 in free gifts including mp3s, various inspirational reports, book chapters, just tons of stuff. Check it out - you may or may not be interested in the subject matter, but you can see the website I designed and coordinated.
Denise

---

Subject: An urgent announcement from Denise Cassino

 

Today is a Celebration and I knew you wouldn’t want to miss out. If you do one simple thing Today, February 3^rd within minutes you will acquire a windfall of wisdom from over 100 of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, teachers and experts, such as Sir Richard Branson, Bob Proctor, Jack Canfield, Peggy McColl, Ken Foster and many others.

 

We have gathered together to offer you a package of 137 life transforming gifts worth $9,711 absolutely free, to help a very good friend of ours, Rosanna Ienco, celebrate the launch of her new book: Awakening the Divine Soul - Finding Your Life Purpose.

 

Check out your free bonus gifts: www.awakeningthedivinesoul.com/bookpromo.html

 

Rosanna’s profound and deeply moving story will awaken your senses, uplift your spirit and give you the key to unlock your hidden treasures. Rarely does a book come along that not only tells a compelling, captivating story, but will also inspire you to take a step of courage into the unknown and allow your soul to navigate your path. It will show you step by step how to live the life you were destined for and how to claim your birthright to manifest your heart’s desires. Her intention is to make 2009 Your Best Year Ever.

 

Rosanna is not someone who just talks about personal transformation; she has experienced it for herself. Discover how a young girl with low self-esteem, raised in a rough neighborhood in Toronto by a single mother of five, found herself at the age of 24 in the heart of London, England with only fifty pounds in her pocket and nowhere to live. Despite numerous obstacles and challenges standing in her way, she listened to her inner calling and against all odds found her true purpose and passion in life. Through her easy to follow 11 steps, she will inspire you to do the same.

 

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In Celebration of You!

Denise Cassino

 

P.S. I’m sure that you have many friends, family and colleagues who will just love Rosanna’s book and won’t want to miss out on this incredible giveaway. Please forward this message to them so they too can find their life purpose and live extraordinary lives.