How do you write?

[serria]

Technically, I mean. What kind of computer do you use? Or do you write freehand/some other way? Do you use any special programs? Microsoft Word, or something like Write or Die? Do you care about the font you use?

I'm one of those cliche aspiring authors who bought a Netbook. I heard that's kind of a stereotype, but mine really has been perfect for me. My normal laptop is too big to carry around, and the Netbook fits in my handbag and has a 7+ hour long battery life. I purposefully don't have any other programs except for Open Office on it, and it isn't hooked up to the Internet so I can't be distracted.

I use Open Office because it's free, and my Netbook didn't come with Microsoft Word. Actually, I've done a lot of writing just on Wordpad because it loads so quickly, haha.

Comments

[inkdust]

Scrivener started out for Mac only but there is a Windows version now: http://www.literatureandlatte.com/

Their free trial is I think 30 days, and it only counts the days you open the program, so I highly recommend trying it out, and going through the tutorial to see the features. I knew the first day that I would have to get it. The organization, being able to create a separate document for each scene and drag and drop to reorder them, create folders for chapters, and then export the whole thing in basically any format, for a long project I will never use anything else again.

[serria]

Wow, thanks for the recommendation. That sounds interesting. I actually could really use something that compiles and lets you reorganize scenes... if I download this and instantly pop out an epic novel, your name will definitely be in the dedication page! Haha. :)

[inkdust]

I hope you like it! It seemed a little unwieldy at first, but it's highly customizable.

[siofrabunnies]

I looked into Scrivener a while ago. The only thing stopping me from getting it was the cost (I never plan on publishing, so I was waiting until I did grad school to justify it). Having one document to link all the different parts is indispensable, and I can't wait until I can justify buying it.

[inkdust]

Oh yeah, it would be so helpful for grad school too. I hope that's soon for you!

[siofrabunnies]

Not remotely, unfortunately. There's a lot standing in my way. I hope to eventually, but I'm keeping up my studies on my own in the meantime. I just needed a big break from academic stress.

[inkdust]

That I understand.