Yesterday, someone asked me how I write, what process I use, how often I write and what tools I used to write. This question made me realise that I have never looked at my process and simply sat down and write when I get a chance. Here I hope to explain ny process and show that anyone can write, if they put the effort in.
I only had access to Microsoft Word when I started writing. This tool is great for short stories and documents. However, as my draft got longer, I found I could not locate scenes or sentences i wished to update easily. I found it a challenge to locate and move scenes that I have written and wish to place in another area of the story.
I looked around for a better solution and tried GoogleDocs for a short while. I discovered that this tool, although it allows editors to gain access to the doc it does not allow me to do that other things I need to do to write.
In reading extensively, I discovered a product that called Scrivener. Scrivener is described as 'the writers tool.' A bold claim indeed, but one I was willing to test.The tool has been described as challenging to use and with a steep learning curve. This is true if you wish to use all the functionality, but I found you can use the product immediately, with no knowledge of training, and learn as you go. I started using scrivener six years ago for my MBA dissertation and have not looked back. See below for more thoughts on this wonderful tool.
However, Scrivener is not the only tool I use, here is a list of the products I use most when writing.
Note Book / Journal - I always have a notebook by my side. i never know when inspiration will hit or how I will begin ny my story. The notebook takes many forms but is usually a journal. I make notes and quick comments as they occur to me and transfer to the story when I have time. I cross them out when moved to scrivener..
Scrivener - This is my tool of choice for writing. I begin by adding the scene titles of my chosen scenes. This provides a guide for me when writing. It is the only planning or plotting that I undertake. From this point on, I am a pantser when writing, straight from my mind and straight onto the page. Each scene can be ten lines, 20 lines or entire chapters, but they only ever have one scene. As I write, I will move these scenes around until the story makes sense. If I find I am missing a scene or wish to expand a scene, I can do that as well. Once complete, I will print the entire story, if it makes sense, I can send to the editor, but if it needs scene movement, I can do this quickly and with ease. I love this tool.
ProWritingAid - On completion of the first draft, and before I submit it to my editor. I will undertake an edit myself. There are various tools to edit a story, including Microsoft Word, Grammarly, ProWritingAid and others. My preference is ProWritingAid (PWA) and I will explain why. When using Microsoft Word I found that it will help you correct your spelling but is poor at guiding your writing. PWA provides spelling correction but also a wealth of other tools for the author, including, Overused words, Echos, Style scores, Sentance lengths, Sticky word and glue Index. The tool has many other reports and checks that enhance your writing tremendously. Subsequent to all these corrections, I pass my draft to the editor for them to do their work. This is a tremendous tool for budding and experienced writers.
Dropbox - We all need to save and secure our hard earned words. I use Dropbox. This cloud service works perfectly with Scrivener and provides a robust, safe service. Some users have experienced issues when saving and using Dropbox and Scrivener across different platforms. I use Scrivener across all my products using Dropbox. I can write on my PC, this device, my iPhone and my iPad. As long as I remember to press synch at the end of my session, I have no issues. It is very important that you press synch when saving and when opening on another device you synch that device. I have only failed to do this once and lost 2,000 words. I will not do it again.
Sustenance - We all need something to help us concentrate. Some use music, some tv and some food or drink. Coffee and diet cokes, either Coke or Pepsi, either is good. I cannot write effectively without one or both items close by. I stay hydrated and with a smile on my face. Put a smile on your face and go write.
What others profess
Writing Tool - Everyone has their preferred tool for writing though i see many enquiries on social media about the best writing tool. Many people swear by Microsoft Word or Google Docs. I outlined the challenges with these tools for my writing above, but I stand by my belief that we are all different and we can all use what we feel comfortable with.
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