Tech Tip: Backpack for Blog Posts

December 9, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Tech Tip

Today’s tech tip is about staying organized. As a writer of five blogs, I often find it overwhelming to keep up. However, each of them are unique and give me a chance to indulge in my favorite things. Writing, of course, is one of them.

I’ve tried to come up with a system to keep my blogs current and to plan posts. I like to use evenings, when I’m just hanging out maybe watching TV to do my planning. I can plan, but not have to be totally engaged. One system I’ve been using for a few months now is BackPack.

There’s so much to like about BackPack. It’s easy to use, intuitive. The layout is attractive. For blog planning, I’ll use the calendar function. I have color-coded calendars set up for each of my blogs. At the beginning of each month, I’ll plan my posts. There will be obvious seasonal topics. I’ll add those. I also include my regular weekly posts.

Oftentimes, I’ll mull around ideas for posts. To make sure they actually happen, I’ll add them to my BackPack calendar. Then, when it’s time to start writing, I’ll refer back to my calendar for post ideas.

Another way I use it is through Pages. I’ve accumulated several regular sources from my nonfiction writing. Of course, efficiency in writing is always a plus. I created pages for my typical writing topics. Then, I’ll add my reference links, formatted for inclusion in my work.

I’ll also use the Pages to note sites with particular information or statistics that I find compelling or useful. I’ll enter the info on one line and right below, cite the source. The formatting alone saves me a lot of time. I don’t have to worry about errors from re-entering information. My work feels more streamlined.

When time is money, anything you can do to save some moments here or there is valuable. With BackPack, I have my calendar, references and resources in one place.

Tags: backpack, Blogging

NaNoWritMo–Day 2 with Writing Tip

November 2, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writing Tip

I made a little progress today on my writing. Read through a few chapters and did some editing. One thing I found extremely helpful was using BackPack (or whatever web-notebook app you use) to identify the missing elements of my book.

As I re-read my book, I’m finding that there are scenes missing. They can be little things, like a description that is too short. Or it can be something major, like a confrontation between two characters. I add these elements as I find them to my list. Then, when I go back to rewrite, I try and incorporate them into my writing.

I feel as if the work is becoming more well rounded. I’m including the elements that will make the book seem more real and thoughtful. How’s your writing going?

67.87%

54299 / 80000 words