Tech Tip Tuesday–Mail Browser Backup
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!I almost crawled over my desk and attacked my computer this past weekend. You know the feeling.
We had our first big rain Sunday. For whatever mysterious reason it is, rain and a cable Internet connection don’t play well together. I’m told a satellite connection also has a mean streak. Well, the Internet was giving my connection lost errors just about every other page. When you’re trying to blog online, that is paramount to a disaster. You get nothing done.
So, I did the first thing anyone should do if their computer acts goofy for no explained reason: restart. Let Windows reload all those DLLs and start over. I started Firefox only to find my extensions and theme gone. For those of you who use Firefox, you know how precious those add-ons are. Fortunately, I had done my weekly task of backing up my browser. I restored the backup and here I am back writing.
This utility, Mail Browser Backup, is a free utility that backups up not only Firefox, but also Thunderbird, Opera, Chrome, and more. Backups are quick as was the restore.
So, here’s today’s tech tip; save yourself a great deal of frustration and possibly a visit from the cops by backing up your email and browser weekly. If the time comes for a restore, you’ll be glad you did.
Manage Your Writing, Manage Your Finances
As writers, we’re all too familiar with the ups and downs of our industry. We are well aware of the pressures in the publishing world. To ensure our ability to devote our efforts to writing, you need a plan.
A ballpark figure of six-month savings is a good goal to give yourself that extra cushion. The stream of writing gigs has a life of its own. Work can be unpredictable. Even if the work isn’t coming, chances are you are still writing. You are writing articles, creating writing samples to build up your store of work. Your finances would benefit by that same thinking.
One way you can accomplish this is through stock trading. With prices low, this is a good time to look into online trading. If you’re like me, I’m conservative when it comes to money. Other options exist that give you more secure ways to manage your investment. Even a simple savings account can give you the peace of mind you need to keep your focus on your work.
In any case, you want to do your research. Learn about opportunities and their risks. Speak with an online broker for assistance. First Trade provides such services. Whatever you need to do, it is important to protect your writing investment.
Writing Tip: Story Ideas In the News
You’ve probably all have heard the story of the woman catching burglars robbing her home on her home security system while at work. What an incredible bit of luck that number one, she had a security system in place, and two, that she happened to be watching at that precise time.
Having once had my car stolen, I can appreciate the feeling of being violated, the mistrust, and the paranoia that one feels after someone invades one’s privacy. Of course, any of of us reading this story can cringe. You feel for the poor cat, scared at the intruder, the terrified dogs no where in site.
A story like this helps writers tap into those universal emotions. We can understand the feelings of the victim. Taking ourselves into a story like that can help fuel our own stories and bring real emotion to our characters.
I write mysteries. There is always a victim. There are always those affected one way or another by the crime. Taking myself into this story helps me tap into the emotions and the anger. My victim characters are more believable, more rounded.
You don’t have to look far for story ideas. The news provides many. And while you’re at it, you may want to check out an ADT security system.
Unplug and Recharge Your Batteries
Writing is a demanding endeavor. Writing and reaching your goals can be even more difficult. As writers, perhaps we are more critical of our work. We judge ourselves more harshly than we would judge others. That’s why it’s vital to unplug once in awhile to recharge your batteries.
I’ll admit to a silly pastime that is my answer to breaking away from my work–video games. For me, it uses a different part of my brain and though challenging, not as cerebral as trying to create. Because maybe playing golf with Tiger Woods is so far from my reality, there are no real time associations. I’m just in it for the fun of it.
When it’s more a physical challenge and break from the routine, Wii is fun. My family and I entertained ourselves for ours over the holiday with our bowling tournament and tennis matches. How refreshing it is once in awhile to not think about deadlines, missed goals, marketing, but to just relax and recharge my batteries. When I come back to my writing desk, I’ll be that much more on my game.
Tech Tip — Monitor Your Start Up Programs
If you’re like me and depend upon your computer, keeping it running quickly and smoothly is high priority. Today’s tech tip looks at one source of slow computer issues–extraneous start up programs.
Many times when you install a new program, it assumes you’ll just love it and want it to automatically start with Windows. Sometimes, it gives you the option to opt out of this setting, sometimes not. That’s where you need to take control of your computer.
WinPatrol is a handy, free utility that helps with just such a clean up. Running quietly in the background, Scotty alerts you if new start up programs are added or if changes are made to your Internet Explorer home and search pages. It also gives you a way to opt out of Windows services that you don’t need. It also notes hidden registry startup keys.
If your computer is running slow, put Scotty on the job. He may just sniff out those offending programs.
Photo by Hanan Cohen
Writing Tip — Visualize Your Characters
As you flesh out your characters, you develop some traits and a bit of history of who they are. You create backstory that may or may not appear in your work. Most definitely, you have a picture of your characters in your mind.
Visualization is a very powerful technique. When I write, I strive to find the image of my character. Perhaps it’s a celebrity or a friend. For character development, I use WriteWayPro. Part of the software includes a character sketch. I can also upload images of my characters.
This is where the power part comes in. Having a visual of my characters helps me create scenes and dialogue for them. I can see them interacting with other characters. I can discern what works for them and what does not. The image rounds out my character and gives him or her a real presence. How do you create your characters?
Keep the Flow Going
I learned a valuable lesson the other day. I was writing furiously, trying to make my daily deadline. I liked what I wrote. I choose to edit later, with fresh eyes.
I started printing my document when I noticed the poor quality of the print. It was readable, but annoying. When I looked for some ink refills, alas, I found none. Now I was even more frustrated. I live far from town, so unfortunately, a quick drive to pick up replacements would take a good chunk of time. Needless to say, poor planning on my part ruined my writing momentum for the day.
So, just a word to the wise: stock up on necessary supplies so you don’t run out.
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