Instructionals: Writing Technology

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Writing is one of the most versatile art forms--you can write anywhere, with anything. Pencil and paper, notepad, computer-- anytime, anywhere. Sometimes, half the battle of daily writing is finding a good system. Most writers today type, to allow for easy editing, changing, spell-check, and updating, but a small few like to handwrite, then type it up (I'm not sure why). Whichever you prefer, it's important to find the system that works for your project. For me, poetry is easiest to write by hand, but it's ridiculous to write a 50,000 word novel with a regular pen.

Word Processors & Beyond

If you prefer to type for your larger projects, like normal people, the first place to start is a simple word processor. Notepad or Microsoft Word for Windows computers, TextEdit or Pages for Mac. Also, look into Google Docs, which is based in the cloud to use on any computer, along with any other cloud-based word processor, like Evernote, or Simplenote. This is best if you don't have a computer, and regularly use library computers or friend's computers.

If you want to try something more powerful than a simple text editor, there are other options. One of my personal favorite writing tools is Literature & Latte's Scrivener. It's a computer program designed for large writing and research projects, but it's extremely flexible! It has so many helpful features, and it's easy to use. NaNoWriMo winners get a discount on this software, even though it's a very inexpensive program. Scrivener allows you to organize your text documents in a hierarchy, for chapters, scenes, acts, etc. It also allows you to import webpages, PDFs, images, and more into the program, for things like research and notes. Not only does it work well for large writing projects, but it would also be good for organizing school notes, work projects, and other large projects.

Backups of Backups of Backups

As you work through your project, be sure to save your work often. Some programs have backup saves built-in, but some don't. A common phrase is, "A file doesn't exist unless it exists in three places." For myself, I have saved my writing on my computer hardrive, as well as on a Dropbox account. I have a script that ZIPs my dropbox folders, and places then on a tiny flash-drive once a week, and I typically backup all of my important folders to an external harddrive every few months. In my system, the oldest files are the most secure, meaning a current project will only exist in two places, but I'm okay with this setup. It works for me, because everything except the external harddrive is automatic. I don't have to do anything. For your on system, be sure to find something to keep all your files backed up regularly.

In my tech-centered family, poor file maintenance became a huge issue. We've lost a ton of data because of silly accidents and moving things around. Lately, we've become more aware of security and backups, so we've implemented changes in our digital routines. I strongly suggest looking at securing your files. There's nothing worse than losing a hundred hours of work due to a Sprite spill. That's just laziness.

Dropbox is one great way to backup files, as well as Google Drive, as both of these are cloud based. It's a good idea to have non-cloud based storage, as well, in case you are unable to access the internet. Flash-drives and external harddrives make good backups as well, even though they might take more effort to copy files over.

Blogging

For my blogs, I use Blogger to store all of my posts and data. I export my entire blog often, and save that file through my backup system, in case Blogger fails to keep my data correctly. For some writers, writing of a post is done in their favorite word processor, and copy-pasted into Blogger or Wordpress, so that they have a second copy of their post, and so they can edit in a more familiar environment. Again, whichever fits your workflow is the best thing for you!

Once you've found a good digital storage and backup system, you can sleep more soundly knowing your files will be safe. Also, finding the software that fits your computer and your workflow is important in getting your project on its feet. Once you do have something set up, don't let it distract you from your writing, though. You could spend hours finding the "perfect" technology setup for writing, but it could become a form of procrastination and avoidance. Although setting your Scrivener composition background to a picture of an adorable chihuahua from Cute Overload might help you enjoy writing, it will also take away a lot of time from the important part-- writing.

And sometimes, going back to pen and paper, and keeping it as simple and pure as possible, is important too.

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