Tech Tip–Manage Your Computer Remotely
Today’s tech tip features a web application that I’ve been looking for–a remote desktop solution. I recently purchased a HP laptop. It was time. My desktop was hampering me more and more as I continued to delve into freelancing.
However, I didn’t want to get rid of my desktop. Instead, I use it as a media center. My media set up complete with Bose computer speakers resides on my desktop. I’ll play music, primarily Pandora Radio, from this computer. I’ll admit to being a bit lazy. When I get ready to plant myself on the couch for the night, that’s it. I don’t want to get up again. I don’t want to get up to turn off the computer. Usher in LogMeIn.com.
I use the free, non-commercial version to control my desktop from my laptop computer. I play my music, favorite songs, skip songs, all from the comfort of my couch.
Installation was quick and painless. Within 10 minutes, I was up and running on both computers. Transfer speed was fast, more than acceptable. When I was done, I was able to turn off the desktop without taking a step toward the other room. Connection is through a browser, so you can access your computers from wherever you are. Highly recommended remote desktop solution.
Writing Tip–Get to the Point
As a couple of bloggers have observed, Ernest Hemingway has a lot to teach us about blogging, or just Internet print in general. Today’s writing tip recognizes Hemingway’s style and what it can bring to your writing.
“Never mistake motion for action.”
Don’t just do it to do it. Write and act purposefully. Trim the fluff that leads up to the action. It’s not action if the story isn’t moving forward.
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”
If there’s anything I’ve learned from writing, it is to listen. Listen to how people speak. Listen to how they lie or make love. Listen to know what dialogue is.
“In order to write about life, first you must live it!”
Certainly, firsthand knowledge brings the most life to your writing. It’s not enough to know that bear may attack. How will he attack? What will you do? The last point is key. Writing forces us to view our inner self. What good or evil lurks here?
“I write one page of masterpiece to ninety one pages of shit.”
It’s okay to experiment. It’s okay to run with an idea to see where it will take you. Ride the rapids, and enjoy the show. Everything will be waiting for you when you return. Write with a mind to explore.
October 16th–Dictionary Day
October 16th marks Dictionary Day, certainly a must-remember holiday for writers. I have an old worn copy of the Webster dictionary on my desk. While online sources have cut down on the frequency of its use, I still find it helpful to use for pronunciation, derivative words, etc. It has served me well through the years.
Dictionary Day encourages us to learn new words. There are always better ways to say things. I can proudly say that I am a member of Save the Words, a movement that seeks to keep words in circulation. My adopted words include 10-cent store. It says so much about a bygone era, conjuring up memories of buying penny candy.
My other adopted word is a little more obscure, making dropping the word, phasianic, in a sentence more of a difficult task. It means of or pertaining to pheasants, by the way. Come to think of it, since pheasant hunting season is underway, I probably can easily wish a hunter a successful phasianic outing.
In any case, as writers, we love words. Words are our music, our paints, our clay. Words make it possible to create kingdoms and hells. On this day, of all days, let’s celebrate the dictionary which guides are writing journey.
Writing Tip–Avoid Needless Words
Today’s writing tip addresses how to tighten your writing. You’ve probably seen the advice about tightening your writing. It’s almost cliche’. The key is simple: lose the useless words. Once you learn to spot them, it becomes easier. Let’s look at some examples.
I do not like liver. –>I dislike liver.
I liked him immensely. –>I adored him.
The crowd laughed hysterically. –>The crowd roared.
A general rule of thumb is to look at the verb-adverb combination. What verb describes this action? Of is also a watch word. Of something can often be substituted with a possessive. The result is a stronger statement. It is an active statement.
Can you see a pattern? Removing needless words leads to tighter writing, which leads to active writing. A more defined picture is created. The more you write, the more you will see. Knowing the traps can lead to stronger writing.
Tech Tip–Software Deals
Today’s tech tip is about extending your software library. I’m on the computer a lot, whether it’s writing or designing. I have, as I’m sure you do, my favorite suite of tools. Some are open source, others are not. One of my favorite design tools is Photoshop.
Through the years, I’ve learned just how powerful it is. There are so many tutorials out there, proving how versatile it is. As much as I love Photoshop, it was hard to swallow the high price tag of the latest version at $599 retail. Instead, I purchased the earlier CS3 version for $180, much easier to handle.
Photoshop, of course, is not the only option. Other popular software and operating systems are there for the buying. You just need to weigh the features of the different versions and decide which you value most. Let that be your guide. I equate these types of purchases like buying a used car. Last year’s model can be a real buy.
Writing Quote of the Day
“Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money.”
Jules Renard
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