Tech Tip: Planning Blog Posts
Writing is difficult on its own, but having to come up with topics for blog posts can really take up some serious time. One way to avoid any loss to your productivity and writer’s block is to plan your blog posts.
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: Getting Free Stuff
If you’re like me, free stuff is good. Especially when times are tough, good deals can be hard to come by. When one does, strike early rather than later.
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–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.
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.
Tech Tip–Printer Issues
Today’s tech tip is probably about one of the more frustrating computer problems–printer issues. Inevitably it occurs when you’re just written your synopsis, and you want to review it. Or it happens when you’ve finally decided to edit that last chapter.
The errors are often vague and incomprehensible. I just printed 100 pages an hour ago. WTF? Been there done, done that, wrote the book. For printer issues, I’ve found through years of tech support experience that there are three courses of action to take.
Restart the printer
If pending documents are clogging up the works, restarting the printer may delete the jobs. It’s important also to unplug the computer and disconnect it if it’s attached to a print serve. Wait a minute or so and power up.
Restart the computer
Likewise, restarting a computer may release documents and memory being held for use. Restarting also reloads drivers in case something became corrupted during use. This works well if the error turns out to be something off the wall and of course, you did nothing to cause it.
Reinstall drivers/software
If all else fails, the error may lie with corrupted files. To solve these issues, reinstall the drivers/software. Doing so will replace the bad files. This is a last resort. With USB devices, a reinstall can be a pain, necessitating a complete uninstall of the software prior.
Printer issues are usually easy to fix. The important thing is not to panic, but to begin from square one.
Tech Tip–September Is Classical Music Month
Today’s tech tip is about helping you write and relaxing your spirit. Whether or not you believe in the Mozart for Your Mind theory, you can’t deny the fact that music has a way of steering your emotions. Classical music with its rhythms and memorable melodies can have a hypnotic effect on the mind. It’s only fitting to celebrate Classical Music Month.
Designated by President Clinton in 1994, the proclamation is a celebration of musical excellence by celebrating a form of music that has stood the test of time. So for today and every day you take up your writing this month, play some classical music. Let your mind relax and enjoy its beauty. Let it free your mind to bring your words to life.
Tech Tip–Keep Those Ideas Handy
You’ve probably all heard of the concept of keeping an idea file handy. We writers know only too well that the Muse keeps her own hours. You never know when she’s going to have something to say.
If the time isn’t right to flesh out a new idea, you can take notes. Put them in a file for later. Write them in your notebook. Whatever you do, just don’t lose them.
I recently started a new blog, “The Boat Log,” which discusses all things boating. I had been musing about it for some time. Finally, I went ahead and and started. I wanted to generate a lot of content quickly. So, instead of an idea file, I took each of my ideas and made it a draft blog post. I added a title and some notes as needed. I have about 10 posts ready to write whenever I need it.
Not only did I capture my ideas, but I took them one step closer to being published by entering them in my blog. When the time comes to write, I just select my draft and start editing. Of course, this works best if you are checking back to locate those drafts. Since I have a regular schedule of post themes, this won’t be too much of an issue to easily locate posts titled for the particular theme.
How do you record your ideas?
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