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Writing tools

old painting of a woman writing illustrating an article about writing toolsThere are plenty of writing tools available but what do you really need?

Should you write in longhand?

Be like those old writers and use a manual typewriter?

Or, does the computer rule?

It would be great to be able to say that the pen and paper are all the writing tools you need but you guessed it right.

I am not going to say that.

It may get you started but if you want someone to read it you will need to get your work typed and transferred to a computer.

If you have a beloved old typewriter you always use then that is fine, like they say, ‘if it ‘aint broke – don’t fix it.

But, be aware that if your work is going to be published you will be asked to submit it as a computer file.

Why?

Well, as far as I know and please do contradict me if I am wrong, there is no publisher willing to read an entire manuscript that has been written by hand, unless your mother is a publisher – then all bets are off.

DO YOU LIKE THE SMELL OF TIPP-EX?

If not, then computers are the best writing tools we have.

We can rewrite and spell check, we can delete, restructure and rework to our hearts delight with no mess and no smell.

If you don’t have a computer and can’t afford one, then go to the library and use theirs until you can.

BEST WRITING TOOLS

Or, you could look up the recycling sites and free cycle sites (from the library.)

Place an advert offering to collect someone’s unwanted computer – you will be amazed at just how many unwanted computers there are out there and how many people are happy to give them away – once you collect them.

Don’t get carried away getting ‘stuff’ you don’t really need a whole lot to write and as far as writer’s tools go it’s always best to keep it simple.

By the way if you are interested in keeping it simple I have written an article about keeping it simple here.

However… and this is a big however, do not waste your writing time surfing the net –even though it is fun as this could end up being one of your biggest time thieves plus you run the risk of getting hooked on the net.

So, unless you are really attached to your lucky typewriter or that golden pen that makes the sun shine every time you pick it up why not start the way you mean to go on?

As far as I’m concerned the best creative writing tools are computers and the only good things about those old typewriters is the cool tapping sounds they used to make and that they look great on a desk!

Happy writing.

Grace

P.S. For more about writing tools check out my resource pages here.

white owl with daffodils illustrating an article about writing tools

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3 Responses to Writing tools

  1. Ikechi Awazie March 6, 2014 at 6:45 am #

    I know writers who still use typewriters. They still click to the old technology and make you feel the new tech are weird. I enjoy your posts. Will be following you.

    • Grace March 6, 2014 at 3:02 pm #

      Thank you Ikechi, I am glad you like my posts. Indeed people still use typewriters but I would find it very hard to go back to that after computers. I suppose the important thing is whatever helps with you writing.

      • Grace March 6, 2014 at 3:03 pm #

        Yes, it is important not to get carried away on the Internet. So glad you found my tips useful. Best of luck with your work!

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