Beginner writer, Help!!!!!
By serenitysoul
@serenitysoul (20)
United States
July 18, 2008 2:24pm CST
I want to write a book. I know I'll be a good writer but I can't type very fast and rarely have any quiet time. Any suggestions on any programs that help put your ideas into a book? For beginners?
5 responses
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
18 Jul 08
First, welcome to myLot. You're going to love it here, I'm sure.
Almost every brand of computer has a number of compatable voice-recognition programs. When you first install it, you read a few things to it that they send as part of the kid, so the program can recognize your voice as you speak through the microphone. You can stop worrying about typing! You will have to go back and make corrections and such, but that would be the case if you'd typed it, too.
As a beginning writer, I took my laptop and microphone out to the patio before getting ready for work in the morning, and got it all done that way.
Good luck!
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
19 Jul 08
You're very welcome. I learned about these when a friend broke her right asrm and was driving herself crazy because she couldn't do her usual freehand writing. Until the cast came off, she did OK with the speech program. The computer I had befor this one came with the program which could be installed if one wished. The one I have now has it built-in. That should indicate they don't cost too much.Have fun!
@serenitysoul (20)
• United States
19 Jul 08
First off thanks for the welcome, I love blogging, chatting, and meeting new friends. People have so much knowledge to share and this let's you meet them. Secondly, you are heaven sent because I honestly didn't know those existed. As soon as I'm done praising you I'm going to search for one of those programs. I have chapter after chapter that needs to be typed. Thankyou so much, cobrateacher. I absolutely adore Mylot.
@RhythmWalker1 (825)
• United States
18 Jul 08
Go to a library and get some beginners books, authors tools and take some college courses on free-lance writing. While doing this, read as much as possible. Keep a tablet with you and jot down ideas that you have as you have them. Good thoughts often slip your mind.
Since about the age of 10, I have almost always has a pencil behind my ear. Some of my most awesome ideas have hit my mind while out in public. Thats the reason
for keeping these things with you. The mind of a good author is on duty 24/7 and
every idea to us, is the thought of what could go with it...
Have fun, Relax and learn to run with words!
@winewhisky (345)
•
18 Jul 08
I agree with this. I have a small notebook I always carry in my handbag.
@serenitysoul (20)
• United States
19 Jul 08
I never thought about that. But I agree, I often have any idea for a character to hit me at the strangest time. And I'm usually not prepared and then I try to remember it until I get where I can write it down. I have some small notebooks I can use on hand already, too. Thanks a bunch.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
18 Jul 08
try and set some time aside for yourself to write. i have heard of several writers that set their alarms an hour earlier than the rest of their families just so they have some piece and quiet to write. i also suggest a book called 'bird by bird' by anne lamot (probably available at your local library) it will help you alot!
@serenitysoul (20)
• United States
19 Jul 08
Thanks for your advice. I did look for that book you suggested, and wouldn't you know they only have one copy that's checked out. But I will keep checking for it so I can start writing. Or at least learning to write.
@winewhisky (345)
•
18 Jul 08
Depends what you want to write, but if it is fiction I would recommend ' How to Write a Damn Good Novel' by James Frey. It is very readable and tells you how to create great fiction. I hardly ever have time to write but if you make time, you will have time. I used to write in a notebook on the train when I used to get the train to work. Now I generally use the time I would otherwise be watching TV, or I get up a little earlier in the mornings.
@Johnnypenn (237)
• United States
5 Aug 08
I will tell you this right now, mate, no computer program in the world will be able to to write a book for you. YOu have to write it. The more time you spend typing the better you'll get. You let others know you are busy and don't want to be bothered during a certain time. I mostly do all of my writting in my bedroom, or at the kitchen table with music on my headphones so that I can ignore the kids.
