For me, this means increasing my efficiency. As a writer, you probably have your share of repetitive tasks. You may refer to several sources often in your work, especially if you are a niche writer. Here are some ways to capitalize on your time.

Save keystrokes with Texter.

Texter is most useful to me for blogging and coding on websites. There are several bits of code I use frequently. Texter allows me to create shortcuts for those strings to save keystrokes. Believe me, when you type all day, you appreciate the saved energy.

Save your references with Zotero.

I LOVE Zotero. It is my number one writing resource. It is available as a web app and a Firefox extension. With it, you can save references, add citations specific for the site you work with, and add other notes. I keep collections on all of the topics in which I write. It is indispensible for all my work.

Create templates.

I write for several article sites, each with their own rules about syntax and SEO. The first thing I do when working with a new site is create a template. I’ll include the important stuff like word count, keyword usage, as well as any special things-to-do with the sites with which I work. It is so handy to have this info available, especially if I am an occasional contributor.

So, this More Time Out of Your Writing Day look for ways that you can add time to your day. If you have a tip, please share!

More Time Out of Your Writing Day—March 30 is a post from: Mysterious Issues

I contacted my husband the heads-up. It was either a virus or a hack. Turns out that some scumbag hacked his Yahoo account. Later at work, I received another suspicious email from a client with the same MO and another Yahoo account.

The danger with these types of hacks is that the hacker can poke around in your saved and trash emails for clues: clues about where you bank, where you shop, and other sites you visit. As long as they have access, they can then go in and change password log on info.

I’m hoping that this hacker was just stupid. I mean, tipping your hand with the bogus emails ruins your chances of more info. Fortunately, my husband does not use his Yahoo account for such things.

In any case, after the hack was uncovered, a full virus scan followed. Any time you suspect a hack, follow this prescription.

Tech Tip—Hacking, Virus Scans is a post from: Mysterious Issues

The difference using a phone that was 3G-network enabled was noticeable right away. Nothing like a fast network connection. My Pocket Express news loaded quickly.

The phone has a nice feel to it. Rather than the trackball, it has an optical trackpad. I admit that it took some getting used to, but I really like it now. The phone is both wireless and GPS-enabled, which is another plus if you have poor phone coverage. You can still get all of those work emails, don’t worry.

It comes with a 2 megapixel camera, with surprisingly no flash. That may be a major drawback if you’re taking a lot of pictures inside.

Now the drawbacks. Unbeknownst to me, the Curve 8530 uses the v5.0 operating system. That’s good for the all around upgrades, including OTA wireless updates. On the downside, several of my installed programs ceased to work. Incompatible with the new OS.

The most annoying of the OS issue was with Aerize Card Loader. I used to be able to download programs to my memory card. No more. The program is incompatible and the developer does not appear quick to solve the issue.

Another annoying OS problem was with glitch with the pre-installed version of the OS. The phone had this irksome habit of switching from the home screen to the Media app every few seconds. It tapped the battery quickly. Fortunately, an update fixed that particular issue. However, there still are issues with my AutoStandby program.

Overall, it’s a great phone. I like its slick design, even though I’ll have to sell my Otterbox that no longer fits. The hardware is much improved, the sound quality much better. I feel a bit miffed that I wasn’t alerted to potential software issues by the otherwise very knowledgeable salesperson with whom I dealt.

Despite the hassles, I believe it was a good purchase. Recommended!

Review: Blackberry Curve 8530 is a post from: Mysterious Issues

I write and maintain several blogs. Keeping track of when I posted where can be confusing. In order to make it easier for myself, I’ve created a blogging calendar. It works like this.

In Thunderbird, I created a calendar for each of my blogs. I color-coded each one differently for easy viewing. Next, I add events for blog post ideas that I may have. I try to keep to a theme for each day I post, so a tech tip idea I’ll add for a Tuesday post.

I create the event as an all-day event, so it shows up on the top of my calendar, that is using the Lightning add-on. A quick glance at my calendar shows me what I’ve planned for the week. I pick up writing where I left off.

Of course, you have to build some flexibility into your blogging calendar. If a hot news story comes up or you just bought a new Blackberry, you may want to post about that instead. The point is is that my calendar gives me a fresh store of ideas. For me, that is half the battle.

How do you keep up with your blog posts?

Tech Tip: Planning Blog Posts is a post from: Mysterious Issues

Upgrading is always a hassle. Moving programs and data sucks. My move wasn’t horribly painful, but I encountered two glitches that made it unpleasant.

First, there was the operating system. I followed the OS updates regularly, wanting to take advantage of updates and new features. Well, the updates carry issues. My new 5.0 OS has this annoying tendency to switch to the Media app with no means of closing the application. A flaw that RIM is aware of, I’m told. Crap. It’s an extreme inconvenience with no upgrade in sight.

Then my Aerize Card Loader ceased to work. Lame excuses by the developer did nothing to soften the blow. I paid for an app that would save apps to a memory card rather than internal memory. Wasted money until the app is upgraded. No word on when that will happen. Word to the wise: don’t waste your money on this application until you can be sure the product will deliver what it promises. Duh!

It’s not a fault with the Curve 8530, I realize. Yet, the upgrade caused these frustrations. Maybe I can review this smartphone more objectively when everything works like it is supposed to do.

Tech Tip: New Isn’t Always Better is a post from: Mysterious Issues

If you have a smartphone, you have options. With my Blackberry Curve, I was able to tether and get online. Emails were answered, blogs read. All was not lost.

It behooves freelancers to have this option. Not to, demonstrates your lack of preparation. While a client my sympathize, they don’t really care why you didn’t complete your assignment on time. Time is money.

There is another reason to investigate alternatives. Sure, you can head to the nearest Caribou Coffee or Panera, but remember, you are signing onto an unsecured network. When you’re dealing with someone else’s data, you can’t take any chances. Instead, use your phone for Internet access. Don’t risk a security breach, however slight the risk. Respect your client’s data as if it was your own.

Before attempting to tether, research your carrier’s policy on the practice. I found that out the hard way with Sprint. You may need to purchase a third-party software. TetherBerry is a good choice.

The loss of your Internet doesn’t have to be a crisis. Prepare for the inconvenience that will inevitably occur at some point. Remember Murphy’s law? Plan your options before you have to scramble to retrieve them.

Tech Tip–Find Alternative Ways to Stay Online is a post from: Mysterious Issues

I recently began experimenting with two free web applications, QuickBooks and Outright.com. Free is always good, but perhaps more importantly, I wanted an easy-to-navigate program. I don’t have an accounting background. All I want is a way to keep track of income and expenses.

I tried QuickBooks first. The set up was easy. The free option allows you up to five clients. At this point, I was satisfied with that, however, the set up required credit card information in case I do want to upgrade. I wasn’t very thrilled with that, but did it anyway.

After setting up my business, I did some customizing including categories for my business needs. One note before I go further: this could be a make-or-break option for you: Chrome is not supported. You can only access your information on FireFox or that other browser.

The site had several annoying pop-ups for simple tasks like going to my check register. I found the site slow and buggy at times. What is making me thing otherwise about using QuickBooks is that it costs to get bank transactions online. I don’t have a lot, but it sure would be nice to have those updated. Of course, that option is available if you want to upgrade. For $9.95 a month, I’m not sure.

To its advantage, QuickBooks integrates well with my tax software. The tax issues are well-covered. I can create and send invoices and track payments. but not estimates.

Outright.com is the new kid on the block. It has a simple interface that works with Chrome. Transactions are uploaded each night and categorized for you. You can customize income and expense categories. The site did a nice job of updating my transactions, noting the description well. The program does learn over time so the more you work with it, the easier it will be.

Reporting features are weak. QuickBooks definitely wins hands-down in that department. For a one-person freelance operation, it fits the bill. One feature I especially like is seeing my profit prominently displayed on the top of each page.

Bottom line: If you’re making a move toward an LLC or your finances are more complicated, QuickBooks is probably your best bet. However, if you have very simple accounting needs, Outright.com cannot be beat.

Tech Tip–Review of Financial Programs is a post from: Mysterious Issues

Listia is an auction site that I recently stumbled upon. The auction site operates on a point system, with 300 points when you sign up. Rather than bidding on dollars, you bid using points that you earn or buy. The site is new, so the opportunities to snatch up some deals are there, like this portable 7″ DVD player. The electronics section had several good items for writers including USB drives.

It’s a good concept, kind of like a barter and trade thing. In any case, it’s a good way to get empty those boxes stacked in the closet.

Tech Tip: Getting Free Stuff is a post from: Mysterious Issues