What do you use to Write?

[unfabulousxox]

What do you guys use to write your stories? I use Microsoft Wordpad, WriteItNow, or just plain Microsoft Word. I thought it would be interesting to see what you guys use and why.

*Microsoft Wordpad: I use it because you can just type freely without those annoying green and red squiggly lines in MS Word popping up. I Also keep my final copy here in Rich Text Format for uploading to fictionpress.com

*WriteItNow: I use it to organize my story or just write a few chapters in, to organize/create Characters and their profiles, write my notes & ideas, and other things

*Microsoft Word: I use it just for Spell & Grammer Check basically, word count, or for printing it out

[Kristen King]

I use MS Word because, frankly, it never occurred to me to use anything else. I cut my teeth on it, so it just feels natural to me. I've played around with free demos I've received of various novel-writing software programs, and every one of them fell short of the mark for me.

Kristen

[Siddow]

I haven't even been here long, and already I'm tired of this question.

That said, I use Word. The vast majority of writers use Word because it is industry standard. Do you really care what I write with? Can I convince you to use something other than what you're accustomed to?

You post to fictionpress? Why? Do you realize that you're giving away first rights to your work by posting there? Why do you do that?

[emeraldcite]

I haven't even been here long, and already I'm tired of this question.

It comes up quite often, but with all the info on these boards, it can get overwhelming when you want to drum up some conversation.


You post to fictionpress? Why? Do you realize that you're giving away first rights to your work by posting there? Why do you do that?

I'll echo this comment. When you post anything on the web, you are giving up the rights you need to sell your work. If you're just doing it for fun and don't plan to publish the works, then posting them will make no difference, but if you try to sell that work, you can't sell the first rights any longer.

If you want crits for your work, feel free to post some material in the Share Your Work section of our boards which is password protected. This helps you retain your rights to your work.

As for what programs I use: I use Microsoft Word and Pocket Word (on my PDA). I don't really use anything else.

If you check the FAQ in Writing Novels, you'll see a few debates about the various word processing programs out there and the benefits of them.

[LoisP]

I use Word because it's on each of the 3 computers I use so I can work wherever I am.

I also like Word because I use the Track Changes feature when I've workshopping stories with my writing group or my editor.

( However, I always write the first draft of any short story in one sitting with the monitor turned off to ensure that the editor-on-my-shoulder stays out of the process until I'm ready for it. And I don't start the story untii I 'hear the first line or para in my head. Sometimes I've been toying with the story mentally for months, but have learend ot to start writing it unitl I have the voice, which the opening lines usually provide. )

LP

[unfabulousxox]

It comes up quite often, but with all the info on these boards, it can get overwhelming when you want to drum up some conversation.



I'll echo this comment. When you post anything on the web, you are giving up the rights you need to sell your work. If you're just doing it for fun and don't plan to publish the works, then posting them will make no difference, but if you try to sell that work, you can't sell the first rights any longer.

If you want crits for your work, feel free to post some material in the Share Your Work section of our boards which is password protected. This helps you retain your rights to your work.

As for what programs I use: I use Microsoft Word and Pocket Word (on my PDA). I don't really use anything else.

If you check the FAQ in Writing Novels, you'll see a few debates about the various word processing programs out there and the benefits of them.

Yes, the only reason I post at fictionpress is for fun. My writing I post their is just for fun and to see feedback. I'm not publishing these stories. I'm in high school right now so I have a while before I decide to publish any of my writing.

[smiley10000]

You can turn off the "annoying squigglies" in Word easy enough.

Got to Tools --> Options --> Spelling and Grammar --> Unclick the box that says "check spelling(grammar) while you type"

Voila! They are gone.

When you want to spell check you can run it manually.

BTW, I love Word. I have templates set up for most documents that I would need to write and just need to type, print and send it off.

:) 10000

[unfabulousxox]

Thanks for the tip Smiley!

[Troilee]

I like threads like this because I'm a geek and love playing with new software.

I write mainly in Word, but often use Rough Draft for, well, rough drafts. I like it because you have a little notepad out to the side where you can make notes as you're writing. Some people jot down ideas to revise. I usually use it to keep track of what all my characters look like. That way Jane Doe's green eyes stay green and don't suddenly become, say, violet or something.

I'm currently playing with yWriter for my middle-grade book that's sort of on the back burner. I need organization. I'm just such a lazy sod that I don't really make notes about my works or do timelines or anything like that. I just write them. I'm trying to find some organizational program (computer or not) that will work for me.

[unfabulousxox]

I'm the same way, I like to mess with new things. I just started using this program called WriteItNow....http://www.ravensheadservices.com/

I reccomend it for your character, chapter, and event organziations, theres also a place to put notes & ideas

[Silver King]

What do you guys use to write your stories?

Creative imagination, with a dash of self-discipline and a working knowledge of our language.

(Don't you hate it when you're quoted out of context?)

[Sailor Kenshin]

Pen and paper.

Then, WordStar. Yes, you heard me.

Then, if I HAVE to, I translate it into Word. Word? Keh.

[Kristen King]

Pen and paper.

Then, WordStar. Yes, you heard me.

Then, if I HAVE to, I translate it into Word. Word? Keh.

Have you ever tried the WordStar add-in for Word, so then you're already IN Word and no translation is needed? I haven't used it, but it seems like a timesaver if you're converting a lot of files.

Kristen

[Jamesaritchie]

I use pencil and paper for most of my first drafts. My notebook also has place to write down character names and the like.

When I'm not using a pencil and paper, I just use Word, even though I may have every modern word processor known to man on my computer. I have Word 2003, Word 2007, WordPerfect 12, WordPerfect X3, Works 2006, OpenOffice, RoughDraft, Atlantis, AbiWord, and at least half a dozen others. I had WordStar, but I wiped my hard drive, and now can't find the install program.

Why so many? Because I like knowing what's out there, and because I often get paid to use and/or write a review about word processors.

In all honesty, for simple writing and printing, I don't think it matters which processor a writer uses. As long as the writer likes it, it's fine. But the world gets more electronic each day, and when you start swapping files with agents and editors on a regular basis, it pays to have Word, and to know how to use it.

It's just a fact that 90% of the world uses Word, and this includes the vast majority of agents and editors. It's probably more like 99% in the publishng world. Having 100% compatibility with them is a must, and there simply isn't another word processor out there that won't cause formatting problems, or worse, at one time or another.

OpenOffice doesn't have perfect compatibility, but it comes closer than any other word processor I've seen, so if there's no Word, there should be OpenOffice.

Too, there may well be a file format war in the making, and if this proves to be the case, having a recent version of Word is going to be even moe important.

But I would say to wait for Word 2007. Word 2007 is a major, major step forward in several ways.

[smiley10000]

The only problem I have is that occasionally, if I emailed a document to someone and they open it in Word, the spacing at the end would ALWAYS get screwed up - like the last two or three paragraphs would be single-spaced, and I would have to go back manually and fix it before I printed. Anyone have an idea why this happens?

I recall when I was using open office it had a few small conversion bugs when transfering to word. The best thing to do would be to save as an RTF before emailing and that should keep it all straight...

Good Luck!
:e2BIC: 10000

[Jamesaritchie]

I use OpenOffice, because... it's the only thing on my laptop, really. My laptop (which I got with a scholarship at college) crashed at some point, had to be totally wiped and I moved from Windows 98 to 2000, so Word went away. I think my version of OpenOffice is probably outdated, but it gets the job done, and I'm used to it now. The only problem I have is that occasionally, if I emailed a document to someone and they open it in Word, the spacing at the end would ALWAYS get screwed up - like the last two or three paragraphs would be single-spaced, and I would have to go back manually and fix it before I printed. Anyone have an idea why this happens?

It's just a lack of compatibilty. Word is Word, an no other word processor has 100% compatibility. You can ease this problem by keeping OpenOffice up to date. It's free, so why not? OpenOffice is now at version 2.0.3, and part of the OOo ungrade process is making sure it stays as compatible as possible with Word.

Using OpenOffice is fine, but you really need to keep the latest version, or there will be more and more format problems as time goes on.

[Le Bec]

I use MS Word because, frankly, it never occurred to me to use anything else.

Ditto and then when it did occur to me I couldn't really be bothered finding and learning another program.

[smiley10000]

But I would say to wait for Word 2007. Word 2007 is a major, major step forward in several ways.

Really? My Husband has the beta version on his Laptop and I hated it. 2007 is an entirely new interface that made it awkward to find what I needed. It took me 10 minutes just to figure out how to save.
At the moment, it's also extremly buggy (I was trying to add something into the middle of my WIP and the view kept scrolling to the next page so that what I was writing was out of view).

They say the new format is supposed to assist those that don't know all the great things Word does by putting the features right in front of you. For me, an experienced user, it just made me dizzy trying to figure out what category each action I wanted to perform was slotted in.

To each his own I guess...
:Shrug: 10000

[Jamesaritchie]

Really? My Husband has the beta version on his Laptop and I hated it. 2007 is an entirely new interface that made it awkward to find what I needed. It took me 10 minutes just to figure out how to save.
At the moment, it's also extremly buggy (I was trying to add something into the middle of my WIP and the view kept scrolling to the next page so that what I was writing was out of view).

They say the new format is supposed to assist those that don't know all the great things Word does by putting the features right in front of you. For me, an experienced user, it just made me dizzy trying to figure out what category each action I wanted to perform was slotted in.

To each his own I guess...
:Shrug: 10000

Keep using Wod 2007 and you'll soon love it. The more experienced you are with Word 2003 and before, the less you'll like Word 2007 when you first start to use it. You'll probably hate everything about it.

But once you actually learn where everything is in Word 2007, the easier and faster it is to do anything. After just a week or so of continuous use, I could do anything and everything faster in 2007 than in 2003. And I've taken courses in how to use 2003.

And, in fact, Word 2007 has a whole new approach to keyboard commands, and makes using all the common keyboards commands a snap You don't even have to memorize them. And you can customize keyboard commands specific to the way you use Word, again without having to memorizes any of them.

And for those who have little or no experience using Word at all, 2007 is much faster to learn. It takes someone brand new to Word less than a quarter of the time to master 2007 than it does to master an earlier version of Word. This is why I think MicroSoft got it right this time. The easier it is for new users to master a word processor, the better.

Just having a word processor where brand new user can use keyboards commands instead of the mouse, and without having to memorize those commands, is big plus.

[bsolah]

I use MS Word. It's simple and it gets the job done. However, I plan to switch to OpenOffice when I get a new computer.

[Jamesaritchie]

I use MS Word. It's simple and it gets the job done. However, I plan to switch to OpenOffice when I get a new computer.

OpenOffice is a good word processor, but it lacks many, many tools Word has, and it can sometimes have format probelms when swapping files with agents and editors.

[KTC]

I use MS Word for the exact same reasons Kristen cited.

[bsolah]

Thanks for the heads up James. I think I'll stick to Word.

[PeeDee]

What do I use to write?

Words, mostly. I've taken to using sentences, and I find that paragraphs are interesting things. Someone recommended to me that I try punctuation, and I think I might give that a whirl in my next story, right when I'm trying out capitalization, which someone else mentioned. Oh, and adverbs. Can't write without adverbs, of course.

[Troilee]

They say the new format is supposed to assist those that don't know all the great things Word does by putting the features right in front of you.
I hate that companies are doing things like this. Taking perfectly functional things and dumbing them down so the people too lazy to learn what's what can work them. This is the same issue I have with AOL.

[Jamesaritchie]

I hate that companies are doing things like this. Taking perfectly functional things and dumbing them down so the people too lazy to learn what's what can work them. This is the same issue I have with AOL.

That's about the stangest thing I've ever heard anyone say. What are you, one of those guys who writes instruction manuals with the express purpose of making something ten times as hard as it should be.

Making something easier and faster to learn isn't dumbing it down, it's smartening it up. I'm a writer, and I'd much rather spend my time writing fiction, rather than wasting weeks learning how to use a word processor.

As for AOL, otherwise widely known as "The Masochist's ISP," they need to change something. Worst peice of junk I've ever used.

[Kristen King]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Troilee
I hate that companies are doing things like this. Taking perfectly functional things and dumbing them down so the people too lazy to learn what's what can work them. This is the same issue I have with AOL.


That's about the stangest thing I've ever heard anyone say. What are you, one of those guys who writes instruction manuals with the express purpose of making something ten times as hard as it should be.

Making something easier and faster to learn isn't dumbing it down, it's smartening it up.

I agree. This strikes me as an exceptionally odd take on the practice of making software and other products more user friendly. I know what's what in Word, but that doesn't mean that it's not a PITA to get to some of the functions. I love the new version because it makes it easier for me to do the things I was already doing, not because I'm a moron. You dig?

Kristen

[Troilee]

That's about the stangest thing I've ever heard anyone say. What are you, one of those guys who writes instruction manuals with the express purpose of making something ten times as hard as it should be.

Making something easier and faster to learn isn't dumbing it down, it's smartening it up. I'm a writer, and I'd much rather spend my time writing fiction, rather than wasting weeks learning how to use a word processor.

As for AOL, otherwise widely known as "The Masochist's ISP," they need to change something. Worst peice of junk I've ever used.
Well first, no, I'm not a guy. :p

And second, I didn't say something had to be difficult to figure out. But Word isn't exactly brain surgery, is it? A writer can figure out all the basic fuctions without it taking weeks. We don't need to figure out how to embed spreadsheets or make brochures. We don't have to figure out how to put text around a picture or over it. We just need the basics, with maybe three bells and two whistles. Make the instructions clear and you don't need to shove every single bell and whistle in my face.

My point is that people don't want clear instructions (at least according to these companies). They want it easier. Don't make them actually use a brain cell or anything. Just put it right there in front of them so that they don't need to exert any effort or actually learn something.

And this was my point about AOL. AOL encourages ignorance about the internet. Most people don't realize that you don't have to have a big fancy program with lots of flashing lights to access the internet. You just need a provider and a couple cables. But people don't want to learn that. And it's all reflective of a bigger issue.

Now, Word 2007 could be the most amazing piece of software to come out ever. That's fine. I'm certainly not saying it has to be difficult to understand or counter-intuitive. But I still find it annoying that companies encourage people not to think. Mainly because it spills over into everything else in life and people become accustomed to not thinking at all. Because apparently you should be able to live your life without activating brain cells on anything but what holds your interest.

[PeeDee]

Way back at the dawn of time, before we had this "Windows" business, word processors were difficult and menacing things, and I hated and reviled them. I wrote longhand, or an on electric typewriter. I would have carved the story into my arm rather than use the word processor.

These days, I feel like I'm almost getting to the other end of the spectrum, where the word processors are trying to do so many things/can do so many things, that it's all but impossible to do what I want to do, which is "Open Story. Type."

When I want a complex and deeply involved program, I open my imaging software. I fully expect a deep and complicated range of options and abilities out of my Photoshop 8CS. I demand it actually.

I like Word 2007 because it has big shiney buttons, and I don't have to press very many of them in order to get on with my writing, which is the point.

Some programs (like Word had the potential of being after the last edition, like AOL has always been) exist to hurt my head. When it comes to writing on a computer, it's important to remember that it's not like aftershave. The pain does not let you know it's working.

[Lady Cat]

I have to start with some kind of an outline, even if it's just a few point form lines. It took me a long time to figure out that I need to know how my story ends before I can start it. If I don't, the idea just peters out on me.

I use the outline to put the first draft directly into the computer. Once the first draft is done I print a copy out and then go over it with a pencil. I make notes of where things have to be changed - cross out stuff to take out, make a little notation where something has to be added and then write out the addition in longhand on a separate pad of paper. Then I go back to the computer and make the changes accordingly. When I'm done I print out the next draft. I know it sounds a little counter-productive, but it works for me.

I'm probably one of the few people left in the world who shun Microsoft Word in favor of Corel WordPerfect. I learned word processing with WP 5.1 for DOS. The program and I understood each other, it would do anything I asked of it. When Corel began to upgrade I upgraded with it. Although I am able to use Word (if I have to) I still prefer Corel.

[unfabulousxox]

I use the outline to put the first draft directly into the computer. Once the first draft is done I print a copy out and then go over it with a pencil. I make notes of where things have to be changed - cross out stuff to take out, make a little notation where something has to be added and then write out the addition in longhand on a separate pad of paper. Then I go back to the computer and make the changes accordingly. When I'm done I print out the next draft. I know it sounds a little counter-productive, but it works for me.

Good idea! Thanks for sharing, I'll try this technique.

[smiley10000]

Troilee,

I think you misunderstood. I have been using Word for over 10 years now. I know the program like the back of my hand and I am one of those people that took the time to learn how to do everything I need to do.
Unlike Pete, I hate the big shiny buttons. They confused me and frustrated me commands infront of me that I really would rather keep hidden. (BTW, James, do you know if there is a way to customize the toolbar? If there is I may try the program again.)
I only learned the program from years of experience. I don't think it is fair to expect new users to have to put in the same hours.

Microsoft did research and found that many users were unaware of how to do basic things like simple formatting (double space, first line indent, etc.). And they had ZERO clue that word could do even fancier things (I cannot tell you how difficult it was to teach beginners to the program how to create and format charts). They wanted to create an interface that gave people easy access to the tools they need to make a perfect document. If James says it is easier to use than Microsoft has actually succeeded! And good for them. Personally, I am a creature of habit and just want to keep my old Word :D

BTW, unless you are a programmer, computer geek, etc. why do you need to waste brain cells on figuring out a computer program instead of using them for more useful things? I agree with Pete, I shouldn't have to think about the program, I am too busy thinking about the real work!

:snoopy: 10000

[Troilee]

BTW, unless you are a programmer, computer geek, etc. why do you need to waste brain cells on figuring out a computer program instead of using them for more useful things?
I appreciate what you're saying in your post, but let me answer your question with a question:

Why would you consider the task of learning a program that you will be using on a daily basis to be a waste of brain cells? This is a tool that is going to make a someone's life easier, so why wouldn't they be eager to take the time to actually learn how to use it? That makes no sense to me. If, as a writer, you're talking about Quickbooks Pro, or MS Access or Java, then yes, I agree, it would be a waste of time to try to learn the program intimately.

I suppose I just have an issue with all these big companies who are encouraging people to not think by giving them big flashy buttons to push or little cartoons to talk to them. Figuring out how to double space in the old Word isn't hard. And even if you're not one to find it intuitively, just looking through the menus will eventually lead you to what you're looking for. But, of course, people don't want to take the time to do that.

Growing up, when I asked my mom how to spell something, she used to make me look it up because, "then you'll remember it." And she was right. It would have been easier for her to just spell it out for me, but then I wouldn't have learned. And that's the problem as I see it. People want someone to always, always spell it out for them, rather than figuring it out themselves.

So there's my other .02. I'm obviously in the minority on this issue though, so I'll shut up about it now.

[PeeDee]

(I should point out that I could do with fewer shiney buttons in my life; that was just an expression. I could also do without things that beep at me.)

I like the switching menu at the top that tabs between formatting, writing, all the other doohickies. I like that they're there, and they're very easy to use when I need them now.

The thing is, I want a very stable and hardworking program (hence, I use Word) but I dont' want it to do anything at all. They can't make a program that cna respond to everyone's fickle tastes, but I feel they did a good job this time around. I mean, the first time I install word, I go through and turn off everything it wants to do for me, from grammar and spell check, to formatting. If I could get it to stop taking "23rd" and making the "rd" into superscript, I'd do that too.

I guess for me, the trick is, the only difference I want between my word processor and my fountain pen is that if I decide to write in my word processor, I can write faster. I think if I had to activate my fountain pen, choose font, set margins, line space, and so on....I would probably not get a lot of writing done. I would probably use it mostly for stabbing, actually.

SeewhutImean?

[PeeDee]

Growing up, when I asked my mom how to spell something, she used to make me look it up because, "then you'll remember it." And she was right. It would have been easier for her to just spell it out for me, but then I wouldn't have learned. And that's the problem as I see it. People want someone to always, always spell it out for them, rather than figuring it out themselves.

That's why I turn off spell-check. If I don't know how to spell a word that I do know, then I misspell it and then go back later and look it up. On the way to look up the word you can't spell, you'll learn other words. And for that matter, you might find out that the word you were trying to use in the first place is the wrong word when you see the definition.

[Silver King]

I'm in agreement with much of what you've said, Troilee, so that puts two of us in the minority; however, your delivery could do with a little less language that seems so all encompassing. People and companies and programs and whatnot are usually not "always, always" a certain way. They're just not, and any assertions that claim otherwise leave you with little room to maneuver through most debates.

[Kristen King]

I'm in agreement with much of what you've said, Troilee, so that puts two of us in the minority.

I agree. I'm with you on the principle, Troilee, but not this particular application of it. I think dumbing down is rampant in this country and is doing our society and the individuals in it a huge disservice, but I feel that this particular instance is an issue of improved usability, not of dumbing down.

Kristen "no-relation-to-Silver" King

[William Haskins]

a roll of quilted toilet paper and a needle with which to periodically prick my finger for fresh ink.

[PeeDee]

a roll of quilted toilet paper and a needle with which to periodically prick my finger for fresh ink.

Good thing you write poems. If you were writing epic fantasies, you would be exanguinated by book 2, and your fans would be crushed.

[whistlelock]

Pixels!

[Jamesaritchie]

I appreciate what you're saying in your post, but let me answer your question with a question:

Why would you consider the task of learning a program that you will be using on a daily basis to be a waste of brain cells? This is a tool that is going to make a someone's life easier, so why wouldn't they be eager to take the time to actually learn how to use it? That makes no sense to me. If, as a writer, you're talking about Quickbooks Pro, or MS Access or Java, then yes, I agree, it would be a waste of time to try to learn the program intimately.

I suppose I just have an issue with all these big companies who are encouraging people to not think by giving them big flashy buttons to push or little cartoons to talk to them. Figuring out how to double space in the old Word isn't hard. And even if you're not one to find it intuitively, just looking through the menus will eventually lead you to what you're looking for. But, of course, people don't want to take the time to do that.

Growing up, when I asked my mom how to spell something, she used to make me look it up because, "then you'll remember it." And she was right. It would have been easier for her to just spell it out for me, but then I wouldn't have learned. And that's the problem as I see it. People want someone to always, always spell it out for them, rather than figuring it out themselves.

So there's my other .02. I'm obviously in the minority on this issue though, so I'll shut up about it now.

Learning a Program I'm going to be spending years with is not a watse of brain cells. But why should it take months to learn that program when the same thing can be learned in days or hours?

Of course you should take the time to learn how to use a program, but by your logic companies should make things as difficult to learn as possible. I can hearthe programmers now. "Hey, Bob, you did a great job on the Document Map feature. Nice work."

"Thanks, Ted. But you know, I think I made that feature too easy to find and use."

"Well, now that you mention it, I think you should hide it a bit better. Make it a four step process to find, and I'd take away that shadow command feature. Leave that and people will be using Document Map right in no time at all."

"Mmmm, wouldn't want that, would we?"

If yu want a program to make your life easier, that program should be as quick to learn and as easy to use as possible. There's just no logic at all in make a program more difficult to learn and use that is possible.

Word processors are started out easy to learn and quick to use. As more and more features were added, however, they were simply stuck wherever programmers could find a place for them. This worked fine in the beginning, but Word 2003 has more than 1,500 commands, many of them hidden so deep very few users even know they exist.

But you're right, I absolutely do not want to have to take the time to search out commands I need. I'm not learning anything useful in doing that, I'm just wasting time that could be better spent writing.

Books, movies, and TV shows should never be dumbed down. Programs and machines, on the other hand, should be made as easy to learn and use as possible. It's the job they do that's important. Doing it yourself should not mean you have to look in the glove compartment to find the ignition switch before you start your car, or taking the back off the remote to change channels because some nut stuck the buttons inside the thing.

Your mom was right about looking up words in the dictionary, but just how many words would you have bothered to look up if you opened the dictionary and found the words therein were not listed in alphabetical order?

[Kate Thornton]

I used to use Word Perfect, but switched to Word around 1998-99.

I prefer typing on a keyboard as I have only one working hand and it is not the one I used to write with. As I am unable to write by hand anymore, I am delighted to have a keyboard and a relatively simple program.

I turn off a lot of the auto features on Word - they are irritating to me. But I love things like word count, margin sets, indents and tables. And I like spell check - it reminds me to be consistent - but I don't always take its advice.

[smiley10000]

If I could get it to stop taking "23rd" and making the "rd" into superscript, I'd do that too.


This is an auto correct feature. You can turn this off (in 2003 at least) by going to: Tools --> Auto Correct Options --> Auto Format as You Type and unclick the box that says "Ordinals (1st) with superscript"
I think there is most likely a big flashy botton in 2007 that will give you the same options. (under the same area that has the spelling/grammar tools)

Troilee, I think I made myself unclear. Stimulating the mind is very important. I just think it is better to follow the KISS method when it comes to computer programs. A person needs to use a dictionary to spell, their head not a calculator to do math, you have to lift the weights if you want to be a wrestler. There is no short cut if you want to do it right.
But there is also no reason to make the path unnecessarily long. If I can learn one program in 2 hours (the length I generally give a program for me to learn the basics) and another program will take me 6 hours to learn why must I waste my time on the longer one? Like I said, it took me TEN Years to become proficient in Word. Why should we expect others to take that time when it could be better spent learning math without a calculator and how to look up words in a dictionary?

:flag: 10000

[Sassenach]

*Microsoft Word: I use it just for Spell & Grammer Check basically, word count, or for printing it out

Not sufficiently, I'd say.

[MidnightMuse]

I'm greatly looking forward to Word 2007, thanks to what PeeDee and Jamesaritchie have said about it in the past. I could try the Beta, but I'm better of waiting for the release.

I used Word Perfect for years, then abandoned it for Word to stay consistent between computers - and much prefer it now. I don't need to be wasting my writing time trying to learn how the fancy-crap works. I just need margins, fonts, spacing and then get out of my way and save often, I'll do just fine thank you.

If I'm using graphics software, or database-creation software, then I expect complex and I expect heavy use of the Help files and I assume it's going to be more powerful and do more things than I could help to care about or learn.

But when it comes to putting words on paper, just do what I want and sit quietly in the corner.

The only 'dumbing down' I've ever run into with Word is that ANNOYING AS ALL H*LL paperclip. He's the first thing I kill whenever I upgrade.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Have you ever tried the WordStar add-in for Word, so then you're already IN Word and no translation is needed? I haven't used it, but it seems like a timesaver if you're converting a lot of files.

Kristen

Apparently I forgot to subscribe to this thread. O_O

No! Haven't tried it! How do you get it????

[bubblegirl]

Open Office, the freeware alternative to Microsoft Office.

[bubblegirl]

Oh, and yWriter novel software. Also free and helpful in sorting scenes, etc.

[PeeDee]

Like MMuse, I also originally started using MSWord simply because it was consistent between computers. Before that, I used MS Works, except that one computer had it and none of the others did,which meant I got weird garbled files. I lost a story or two like that and grumpily went back to just using the damn typewriter, and then slowly switched to Word.

I think I mentioned it upthread, but before Word2007 made things pretty and slick, I was this close > < to going back to an old electric typewriter and hammering out my stories (much to the dismay of my neighbors, no doubt; noisy things.)

[Kate Thornton]

I think I mentioned it upthread, but before Word2007 made things pretty and slick, I was this close > < to going back to an old electric typewriter and hammering out my stories (much to the dismay of my neighbors, no doubt; noisy things.)

Like war, romantic but painful and tragic...

[soloset]

Count me in the Open Office group; I like it because everything is where it's logically supposed to be. For example, page formatting is not on the "File" menu as it is in Works; it's on the "Format" menu where you'd expect it to be. I can make PDFs with the push of a button.

And it doesn't take two hours to load... and I've never confused OO into thinking I need Chinese support to be installed fresh every time I load it... and that scary dancing paperclip thing isn't stalking me anymore...

For quick stuff, I like Scite. It's technically for programming, but it's slick, easy to use, and, most importantly, fast.

[Jamesaritchie]

Count me in the Open Office group; I like it because everything is where it's logically supposed to be. For example, page formatting is not on the "File" menu as it is in Works; it's on the "Format" menu where you'd expect it to be. I can make PDFs with the push of a button.

And it doesn't take two hours to load... and I've never confused OO into thinking I need Chinese support to be installed fresh every time I load it... and that scary dancing paperclip thing isn't stalking me anymore...

For quick stuff, I like Scite. It's technically for programming, but it's slick, easy to use, and, most importantly, fast.

Unfortunately, OpenOffice is a clone of Word, so it has almost as many non-intuitive commands as Word. You have to try Word 2007. It makes the Openoffice GUI look old-fashioned and horrible, just is it makes Word 2003 look old fashioned and horrible. OpenOffice is really going to have to be redesigned from the bottom up to keep pace. And Word 2007 also allows for PDF export.

[nevada]

Muse, you can turn off the god-awful paperclip. Go to help, then select "hide office assistant". Or you can customize it so it shows a robot or a wizard or whatever. lol

From hearing you talk, James, Word2007 sounds fantastic. I can't wait to try it now.

[soloset]

Unfortunately, OpenOffice is a clone of Word, so it has almost as many non-intuitive commands as Word. You have to try Word 2007. It makes the Openoffice GUI look old-fashioned and horrible, just is it makes Word 2003 look old fashioned and horrible. OpenOffice is really going to have to be redesigned from the bottom up to keep pace. And Word 2007 also allows for PDF export.

I'll check it out; I'm a sucker for shiny and new. I generally don't use any features except the word count and the spellcheck, so it's relatively easy for me to settle into a new word processor.

I'm fairly sure they won't be making it for Linux, though, and I'm really not supposed to boot up Windows except in strict emergencies on account of the Diablo II/Oblivion/I have no discipline issue.

[bubblegirl]

I'm on a strict budget. I rather old-fashioned Open Office to buying Microsoft Office. Secondly, Open Office doesn't have grammar checkers so I have to do that myself. Practice makes . . . well, almost perfect :D

[Popeyesays]

I've been using a program for fiction writing called "WriteItNow" The test version is shareware. But to be able to save and use the nifty options you have to pay a little less that $38.00

I prefer it because all your notes, character notes, submission longs, ideas, location notes, event notes, are available at a click in teh same file. I like it a lot. You can analyze the writing for age level and compare it tomagazine adverts, comic book text, etc. to determine readability.

You export files already formatted for submission as RTF, ASCII or HTML to word and print it from there.

Regards,

Scott

[Mark Lazer]

Strange enough, I need sunglasses to write. I can't stand light, and even less when I'm writing.

[Jamesaritchie]

I'm on a strict budget. I rather old-fashioned Open Office to buying Microsoft Office. Secondly, Open Office doesn't have grammar checkers so I have to do that myself. Practice makes . . . well, almost perfect :D

A strict budget is the best possible reason to use OpenOffice. But you also have to do grammar for yourself with Word. Word just makes it easier to spot certain things, and makes finding the rules for grammar easier. But there is no grammar check progarm you can trust, and probably never will be.

I don't mind buying Word, even though my budget is usually very strict. But Word is a tax write off, so it's give the money to Microsoft, or give it to the government. Either way, I don't get to keep it, and at least Microsoft gives me something in return. About all the government ever does is send another bill.

[michael78651]

I write the first draft of a story using pencil and paper. I then put it aside for about two weeks (I write other things during this time; I write almost every day). I then go back to the story and read/edit it, and then put it aside for a couple more weeks. After that time has passed, I use my computer and type the story into Microsoft Word. I hate Word, but it's what publishers want. Anyway while I'm typing the story in, I'm editing it and such. I then leave the story alone for a couple more weeks and then return to it and polish it off. Yes, it takes a while, but keeping the eyes fresh, permits time to think about the story during the "down" periods and it is easier to view it for editing purposes where I add, delete and modify the story.

[Kate Thornton]

You folks who jot things down or write longhand are lucky - when I had a stroke a few years ago, it took my writing hand. I taught myself to type *really fast* on a keyboard with my other hand and that's how I write, but I can't take notes away from the keyboard. A PDA doesn't help because it takes 2 hands, one to hold the device.
So I try to remember the things I want to put into stories - and "exercising" it has helped my memory a great deal.
But I miss using my beautiful fountain pen (bought with the proceeds of my first sale) and the little composition books I used to use. Oh well - I'm just glad there's technology to help!
If I couldn't write physically, I'd be dictating or something!

[Varthikes]

I used to use MS Word. But, now I use OpenOffice for my major writing work and NotePad to keep my notes and general story outline. :)

[pdr]

you can't beat WordPerfect for a writer.

[trumancoyote]

Mah fist.

[Jamesaritchie]

you can't beat WordPerfect for a writer.

That was true once upon a time, but you can now beat WordPerfect with your eyes closed and one hand behind your back. WP isn't bad, but it isn't nearly as good as the most recent versions of Word, or even OpenOffice.

Overy the last ten years or so, WordPerfect has gotten worse, not better. It's now one of the least compatible word processors out there.

[laurel29]

I'll echo this comment. When you post anything on the web, you are giving up the rights you need to sell your work. If you're just doing it for fun and don't plan to publish the works, then posting them will make no difference, but if you try to sell that work, you can't sell the first rights any longer.

If you want crits for your work, feel free to post some material in the Share Your Work section of our boards which is password protected. This helps you retain your rights to your work.[/quote]


I have a quick question regarding this point. If she posted a rough draft to a critique site that was not password protected, then changed the version (substantially) and submitted it elsewhere, (Also deleting the original from said site.) would she still have given up first rights? Also, I apologize if this is covered somewhere else, if she did that and then submitted it to a print market would that make a difference?

On topic - I use Word Perfect because that is what came with my laptop- I don't like it and I will be trying the open office thingy - I like word the best because I'm used to it.

I used thingy in a sentence...I think I may need to be shot :( (oh well, at least I didn't say thing-a-ma-bobber. :) )

[bsolah]

laural, I believe that it'd need to be changed substantially, in that it'd have to be a different story. It was said in some other thread by some great thingy...uh...AWer who has infinite more posts than me, so it must be right ;)

[pdr]

Sorry, Mr. R, but I find even the newest Word still awful to use with too many fancy twiddles and bits and bats.

Word Perfect, on the other hand, is a darn good word processor!

[calieber]

Index cards for the first draft (for short stories, a Moleskine for longer pieces), then Notepad; WordPerfect when it comes time to show it to other people.

I dropped an index card on the subay once; I figured it was Someone's way of telling me I needed to rewrite that section.

[Kate Thornton]

I used to use COWS. Back when I had 2 hands.
(Cards On the Wall) index cards tacked to wall with outline/scene/research info. Before word processors, you could flip then into different order.

[Sailor Kenshin]

I used to use COWS. Back when I had 2 hands.
(Cards On the Wall) index cards tacked to wall with outline/scene/research info. Before word processors, you could flip then into different order.

Even with word processor capability, this might be a superior method. You can stand back and study it all at once.

[Penguin Queen]

Usually swear by PC with Word 98 (I know blindfold where all the keyboard shortcuts are); but did the plottiing & quite a bit of the writing for last two WIPs in longhand while waiting for the train to dayjob or on the train; or latterly sitting in cafés in Buenos Aires, which has thousands of wonderful cafés ideally suited to sitting and writing in them.

[Kate Thornton]

Penguin, you have the coolest adventures!

[Penguin Queen]

Penguin, you have the coolest adventures!


You make me blush. Thank you!

And do have a look at my Blog, there are more there.... ;)

[Kate Thornton]

(Aside to Kate: Have you tried a digital voice recorder yet? They're getting pretty inexpensive and could be just the thing you want for those times when you're away from your computer and get a great idea.)

:D

It's an intriguing idea - but I'm getting pretty fast one-handed now, so I think a voice recorder might be for future consideration. Cool idea for when one is away from the computer, though.

I tell stories aloud in my car, and then write them down later - for me, it's a good way to work out dialogue.