AELF'S BLOG
"Proof Reader (n) A malefactor who atones for making your writing nonsense by permitting the compositor to make it unintelligible." Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) From The Devil's Dictionary.
The Rant 'N' Rave Section
New Writer's Software
I'm a software junkie, I've got to admit it. When I spot a new program aimed at writer's, I have to try it out. Well, over the past five or six years I've tested a lot of software. Some have been good, some not so good. Some were free, some were not so free. I look at writer's software programs like I do the tools in my workshop. No matter what the project is, if I use the right tools for the job I get results that I can be proud of. Software programs are tools, a means to an end. Now to get to the point.
Recently I found a new program, (just released) on the web. It's called My Story Writer and is, IMHO, the best software program I've ever seen on the market. It is perfect for the newbie writer as well as the seasoned author. Of course it has all the bells and whistles that other programs have but it goes light years beyond.
When I first started writing I floundered about between trying to write a story and trying to keep focused on format, plots, subplots, characters and such. I wasted huge amounts of time thrashing about in a morass of technicalities. I wish I'd have had some guidelines along the way, you know, some sort of signposts or map that would keep track of my novels format, my characters plot lines and most importantly, what i need to do next. What works for me is to lay out each event so I have a road map in front of me to follow.
My Story Writer does that and so much more. This new program has a character development wizard, an event wizard, a new story wizard, brainstorming tools, location wizard, scene wizard, marketing tools and much much more. There are way too many features to list in this blog. My advice is to go to their website, read about all the features and then download the free 15 day trial version and give it a spin for yourself. The website is http://www.mywritingsoftware.com.
I cannot say enough about this software package. I did run into a question or two that I needed help on. I emailed the company for help and much to my surprise the response was within hours. I usually have to wait anywhere up to 24 hours for help and then usually get a standard reply. The help I received was to the point and easy to understand. As to the cost? The software is moderately priced but once you try it I think you'll agree it is well worth every cent.
This and That
Well here it is, the last few days of 2009 and I'm finally sitting down to write and post something to my blog. I've been baaaad! I haven't posted for a couple of months and am as guilt ridden as I can be. My apologies to anyone who came back to my site only to find the same old post there.
I do have and excuse, sort of. I've been working on my new novel and it's been like trying to walk through wet cement wearing snow shoes. Arrrrghhh! Yes, I've been floundering about, wandering in the fantasy world I've created and being wishy-washy about what comes next and why. There is a bright note however. I found a lifeline in this sea of confusion.
While surfing the Internet I ran across a comment about using a beat sheet to help put a plot together. I followed a few links and wound up at a fantastic site. The site is called Nail your Novel by Roz Morris and is at http://www.dirtywhitecandy.com.
There are plenty of great tips and information for the beginning writer as well as some of us who are a bit further down this incredible path. One of the things I highly recommend is the free PDF copy of Roz's book, Nail your Novel. After reading it I think I have a much better handle on structure. Not so much structure of the novel, which I'm comfortable with, but structure of the work process used to create each layer of the story so that it will be cohesive and entertaining when complete. Maybe now I can step out of the concrete, take off the snowshoes and make a focused dashed to those two mythical words that every novelist loves to type. "The End"
Once you get to the site, click on Writer Basics 101. I know that got your attention. I'm always hooked as soon as I see anything that might add to my growing collection of tricks, tips and how to's of writing. Once on the web page, scroll down and look in the right hand column where you will find various posts, all interesting. Keep going till you reach the tab titeled Writer Basics 101. Below it you will find loads of great information on such topics as plot, themes and yes, even the beat sheet.
Tidbits
Software
Anyone checked out My Writers Software yet? I've been using it now since it first came out in mid-2009. It's impressive. As some of you may know, I'm always on the lookout for any software program that will make my job easier. The less I have to deal with extraneous things like searching for misplaced notes or trying to go back to the beginning of my novel to check on my main characters hair color, the better. Well My Writers Software has all of that covered and more. I originally downloaded the free trail package (highly recommended) and took it for a test spin. Now, as someone who's still waiting for that first best seller, I'm not rolling in money so I don't usually buy software. This one was an exception. I was so impressed that I bit the bullet and purchased it. My novel covers about seventy scenes. When I downloaded MSW I was struggling with scene twelve. I'm now at scene fifty and closing in on the final battle. Needless to say this program has been a real time saver in allowing me to concentrate on plot, character and theme.
Joke of the month
A guy has his brother watch his cat while he's on vacation. First day out, he calls his brother.
"How's my cat?"
"Sorry, Bill, the cat's dead."
"Dammit, don't tell me that! Now my vacation's ruined!"
"Well, what was I supposed to say?"
"Ease me into it! Tell me that the cat's gone up on the roof, and you can't get it down. Next time I call, tell me the cat's still on the roof, and it won't come down. Then, when I call the last time, tell me the cat died, so it's not a shock."
"Fine, fine. Sorry."
"Okay. So, how's Mom?"
"... Mom's up on the roof and she won't come down."
Thanks to Blogspot.com/Rogers
Last but Not Least
"I didn't know that!"
What was Kurt Vonnegut's pseudonym?”
Kilgore Trout
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