Connections and Resources

[scifishipper]

Hello Writers! Many of us have a network of readers/editor/betas and resources that we rely upon for writing, support, and information. There are some new members of our comm and some lurkers who might benefit from us sharing our knowledge or assisting n some general support. So....I'm going to leave a couple of comments as categories for

Comments

Topic #1: Writing Programs

[scifishipper]

What is your main writing program? (Give Pros, cons, etc.)

Re: Topic #1: Writing Programs

[scifishipper]

I love writing in Word, but have also had Scrivener's trial version on my computer for nearly a year. It looks like Scrivener really is best for managing the array of information I might need. It also appears to generate some helpful information, particularly in formatting and giving me space to to some detailed character sketches. There are things about it that make me crazy, but I'm working to adapt. I know many writers on this comm use it in more depth.

The link for anyone interested in taking a look: http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php

Re: Topic #1: Writing Programs

[ninjamonkey73]

I recently left Word for Google Docs when my latest PC didn't even come with Word Starter. There are certainly drawbacks, but I like that I have access to it everywhere, including my phone if I'm desperate to write something down. To get around the scrolling issue for long documents, my first page is a table of contents with links to bookmarks I placed at the start of each chapter. That way, I only have to scroll through one chapter at any given point if I can't just use shortcut keys to drop to the end of the file.

Re: Topic #1: Writing Programs

[scifishipper]

Oh, that is an excellent idea. Hmmm.... *ponders and plots* I have two main computers that I use and am worried about the portability of Scrivener. I have heard tale of Scrivener for iPad, which I do not have, but maybe there is a cloud feature? Shall check.

Topic #2: Research

[scifishipper]

What do you use for informational resources (besides Google)? LJ comms? Tele? Movies? Other?

Re: Topic #2: Research

[scifishipper]

I've recently come across a few LJ comms specifically designed for writers that are very interesting and have useful information about all sorts of crazy things.

little_details A moderated comm where you can posit questions about super-specific scenarios related to your characters or plots and people comment with ideas/suggestions. It assumes that you've done your google research and can't quite find what you are looking for. It has excellent tags and it's relatively easy to find information. It's moderated and usually generates about ten posts a week at most.

accessportrayal A new comm that features personal experiences of those with disabilities, illnesses (mental and physical) that writers are encouraged to read and ask questions about. It appears to be well run and respectful. It posts rather infrequently and is just getting started, so it might take a while to seed.

writing_sex This can be a pretty humorous, but often quite helpful guide for writing some of the sexy things we might be less familiar with. Doesn't post too often but does have an archive of information

Re: Topic #2: Research

[ninjamonkey73]

There's an LJ comm for discussing the medical/technical specifics of injuries and things you might want to do to your character(s). whumpers-guide I consider that the first stop before I do the crazy research that would make Homeland Security worry about me and my search history.

Topic #3: Blogs/Twitters

[scifishipper]

Do you follow any writing blogs or writing twitter accts?

Re: Topic #3: Blogs/Twitters

[kdbleu]

I follow a few writers on twitter. None of whom really speak about writing directly but they all remind me that writing is work and frequently hard even when you're Neil Gaiman. Sherman Alexie is probably my favorite though because he really can tell a whole story in 140 characters. I admire that.

Re: Topic #3: Blogs/Twitters

[embolalia]

Just found this and it's pretty awesome - https://www.wofford.edu/sharedworlds/HandInHand.aspx

Re: Topic #3: Blogs/Twitters

[ecstaticdance]

Blogs, not so much, but I follow a few writers on Twitter, and I follow writing.com on facebook.

Like K, I have a personal (fangirl) twitter and a professional/author twitter.

I'm a big fan of slow-and-steady. I dip my toes in and then let things blossom. It seems to be working so far, and as I mentioned above, even when the people I'm following aren't necessarily writers, they're often good resources.

If you're particularly interested in making a go as an indie writer, I'd recommend following Cheryl Bradshaw. She doesn't post often, but when she does, it's often tips/tricks/advice/encouragement.

Topic #4: Editing/Beta

[scifishipper]

How does your editing/beta process work? What strategies do you use together?

Re: Topic #4: Editing/Beta

[scifishipper]

LOLOL. This is so funny! Sounds like my brain, too. I do like that you ALSO think sometimes THIS IS THE WORST NOVEL EVER. Yours works are great and it's good to know you have those insecurities, too.

Re: Topic #4: Editing/Beta

[kakodaimon]

OK, I have a question on your step "Revise / rewrite / edit." Do you ever have this issue where your eyes kind of bounce off what you wrote, so you inexplicably ignore the most psychotic typos, let alone more subtle problems of phrasing? And if so how do you fix it? D: It only ever happens with my own writing...

Topic #5: Beta Offers

[scifishipper]

Are you interested in offering editing/beta/cold reader services?

[kakodaimon]

I am, for any of those categories, as needed. If there's a chance of reciprocation, so much the better, but if that's not in the cards I am quite willing anyway.

Re: Topic #5: Beta Offers

[lanalucy]

I'd be delighted to do any of these, provided what I can do matches up with what someone needs. That is to say: I'm aces at the technical stuff - basic SPaG, flow, readability. I suck at critical analysis. I can tell you that I like something (or don't), but not necessarily WHY.