Writing Tip–See To Write Better
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!Today’s writing tip is about tapping into a vast resource for ideas, characters, and plots. Everything you need to know about writing is there. It’s all around you.
You know the places. They’re not necessarily destinations, but they certainly provide entertainment. They are those places known for their people-watching value. We have a few of them. One such place is a swanky restaurant on the water. During the boating season, it becomes the place to go. The crowds it attracts are as diverse as they’ll come. You’ll find anglers looking for a bite to eat, guys out for a guys day on the lake, families on an outing, and the ultra-rich with money to burn. Needless to say, there are lots of stories here.
Today’s tip offers this challenge. Find that place with the great people watching. Bring your laptop or a notebook and just observe. Look for the stories all around you. Gather some ideas for your next writing project.
Tech Tip Tuesday–Review: Great All Purpose Laptop
Today’s tech tip is my answer to getting things done. When I started doing more work in design, it became apparent very clearly that my old desktop wasn’t up to the task. I upgraded it as much as I could. Besides, I wanted to get a laptop. And so I did. I purchased an HP G60.
Several factors led to my decision. First of all, I trust the HP name. I’ve used their printers and desktops. I’ve been pleased with the service and the longevity of the products. Price was also a factor. Certainly, the sky’s the limit on a laptop purchase. My price range was under $1,000.
I read several reviews on different laptops. HP was a frequent visitor in the various top 10 lists. My ideal laptop would have at least 2, preferably 3 gig RAM. I wanted an integrated wireless card. It had to be dual core Intel for good performance. I didn’t care about any packaged software, certainly not Microsoft Works. The kicker for purchasing the HP G60 was the 10-key pad. I use my desktop’s 10-key pad all the time. I didn’t want to not have it with my laptop purchase. It does make the laptop wider. The HP G60 is 14.88″ wide, something you need to bear in mind when purchasing a laptop bag for it.
Overall, I’m thrilled with it. I have the great-performing computer that I needed. I can work anywhere, anytime. It’s fast. I like the touch of the keyboard. I actually feel like I’m discovering new things about it frequently. Now if I could just make it so my cat wasn’t jealous of it on my lap at nights.
Writing Tip–Schedule Your Writing
I wanted to share a writing tip that has worked well for me. My writing took a huge leap when I started viewing my writing as my job. In keeping with that tone, I schedule my time for projects.
By scheduling time, I’m embracing that state known as “work mode.” While work of itself isn’t always fun, taking the good out of the discipline one learns from working the 9-5 routine can be beneficial. In work mode, deadlines and tasks are part of the landscape. Because I’ve been trained on the job to respect them, applying them to my own work allows me to use those valuable skills to get my work done.
The result? I’m happier and more satisfied because I’m accomplishing my writing goals. I’m also more productive. I guess, work doesn’t have to be all bad.
Writing Quote Of the Day
“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”
- Joseph Brodsky
Tech Tip–Watch Your Back
Today’s tech tip is about easing the pain of being a writer. Writers like to punish themselves. We spend hours nurturing an idea, hours more bringing it to life on paper only to end up with a vague promise of an acceptance and a headache and a sore back to boot. But we do it. Each day we get back in front of the computer and try again.
If you’re like me, I’m constantly on my computer. I’d be typing in my sleep if I could. At least when I was typing from a desktop, there was that dedicated away time. With a laptop, I’m always on. As a result of poor posture and lack of relaxing time, I started feeling it in my back.
Back pain is a troublesome thing. Doing proper back exercises can help prevent issues down the road. If you’re already suffering, a support network can help you cope with the day-to-day issues. Of course, good information from professionals in the field is your best course of action.
While we don’t always treat our bodies the best, we can take the time to educate ourselves on good back care. Nothing, after all, should get in the way of your writing.
Watch Your Minutes
If you freelance, chances are you are emailing and are on the phone–a lot. Good communication, after all, is key to a happy client. That, in turn, is our ultimate goal. We want lots of happy clients.
One of my clients is dear, sweet woman with a vision. She has a great product to sell. Writing content for her site has been relatively easy: she has so much to share. Good communication has meant several phone conversations. I panic when I check my cell phone minutes. Despite rumors to the contrary, talk certainly isn’t cheap.
My cell plan has never been an issue. Rather than upgrade, I’ve opted for a phone card to help me track expenses for my client. I have a clear idea of what I’m spending on calls, a handle on the time I’m investing, and I’m saving money.
Communication doesn’t have to suffer if the clock is ticking. Outlining your time and expenses can save you plenty down the line.
Tech Tip–How To Be More Productive
Today’s tech tip is about efficiency. We all want to be more efficient. We want to get work done. As writers and freelancers, flexibility is key to making the most out of our day. One way to be productive is to find the time to work.
I keep set hours for working. It helps me plan my day. As freelancers soon learn, a free hour is an opportunity. My free hours are usually at night, watching TV and hanging out. Rather than just watching TV, I use the time.
I keep my to-do list on ToodleDo. I create folders for different projects. However, there are tasks that I repeat weekly, namely marketing tasks such as commenting on blogs and reading the forums. Some of these tasks are more or less, mindless, that is, I do not have to be as engaged as I would be if I were coding a website.
When I plan my day, during my quiet morning hours, I’ll do the engagement-heavy tasks like coding. The quicker tasks like commenting, I’ll leave for the night during my TV time. In between shows, I’ll do my little tasks. Those so-called unproductive hours are no longer unproductive. With some task shuffling, I devote myself to the heavier tasks during the day and tick off the easier tasks at night.
I’m more efficient. I’m getting things done. The bonus of all those checked off tasks is the momentum gained by seeing progress.
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