Nano count: 25,015
I took a partial day off yesterday (three hours, to be exact). It felt like a week. For some reason, I came back to this desk feeling like such a slacker. I hadn’t touched my NaNo manuscript much, so maybe that was it. I did manage to get some queries out and some pitches to a favorite editor on her request.
Technology must be on everyone’s minds. I had more than one conversation yesterday with writers about technology. Sharon Hurley Hall has a nice post up on Cathy Miller’s site about cloud computing. It’s something I’m set up for, but have yet to use fully. This post is a good kick in the right direction.
Aside from where you compute, how you compute can save you time and effort depending on the tasks you’re trying to complete. Here are my must-haves:
Digital recorder. Make sure you find one that has decent software (mine does not), and if a recorder exists that comes with power cord, buy it. The batteries last a while, but why worry about batteries dying during an interview?
Recording device. I use a little widget I got from Radio Shack that routes the phone line through the digital recorder. Paid about $15 for it. Or you could use this recording device, which I also have. It’s basically just an earpiece that plugs into the recorder and picks up everything as you talk.
Backup. You know you’ve been meaning to, and you know it’s critical. But why do you find yourself post-crash wishing you’d done it? Because you’re like me and think nothing bad ever happens in your bubble. I just got a 2 TB NAS for under $250. Cheap insurance. Also, I back up my Word files to Mozy.com every day. You can never be too careful.
All-in-one. I can’t imagine working without this. To think of how many trips I’d have to make to Fedex/Kinko’s just to send a fax or scan something? No way. They’re dirt cheap. So is a distinctive ring tone (complete with new number) for your fax on the same phone line ($4.99 a month is what I pay).
A fast computer with enough space. Invest in your career. Get the computer you want that has enough space and capabilities to handle your work. To do otherwise ties your hands and slows you down.
An online market guide. Use whatever one you like, but an online guide to the magazine and book markets is a godsend when you want to research new markets. I use Writer’s Market, but you use whatever you like.
PDF writing/editing software. Not just readers, but real software that allows you to edit the PDFs. I had two jobs where I used it, and I think without it, I would have been severely handicapped. That I had it impressed the client enough that I was handed more work.
A cell phone. I won’t say a smart phone because I don’t own one. I don’t plan to, either. Synching things doesn’t matter to me as I work from here (hence the need for cloud computing should I become mobile). If I upgrade to a new laptop, then we’ll talk. But a cell phone is very useful for going on client meetings – especially if you can’t find them or need to tell them you’re waiting in their lobby. If you want a smart phone, knock yourself out.
Some neat things I’ve heard about but not used yet:
Dragon Naturally Speaking. Writers tend to like it. It takes your conversation and turns it into text.
Google Voice. From what I gather, you get your own phone number, you take and make calls through the app, and it will transcribe for you. Not sure what the cost is, but it’s on my to-do list.
Evernote. I have it on my NookColor, but have yet to get the memory card required. But Evernote is supposed to be a super note-taking application. And it’s free.
What tools do you use?
Gawd, I need to up my techie ante!
Also, with Mercury going retrograde on Thanksgiving (until Dec. 10), brace yourself. I feel like mine's already gone retrograde, with all my tech problems this week.
I prefer using the print version of Writer's Market, because I go through, cover to cover, taking notes and finding markets I wouldn't think of otherwise. If I'm only searching the online data base, I'm limiting my options.
I do check the publication's website for additional/changed info, the but print version allows me to cast a wider net, and man of my highest paying and most fun gigs have been the unexpected ones.
Hi Kathryn! Long time no see. Hope you're doing well!
I think the basics – the most up-to-date computer, all-in-one, and software you can afford – is essential. The rest? Fun stuff. 🙂
Totally agree, Devon. I have the print version, too. Sometimes browsing it brings up super ideas. Why I suggested online is simple – sometimes you need to know what markets are paying what you're worth and buying what you sell. It's easy to search that online.
Thanks for the shout-out on Sharon's excellent guest post.
What pdf software do you use? I Have a version of Acrobat Professional that is no longer supported and have heard nasty things about Acrobat X Pro.
I have Acrobat 5.0, Cathy. It's not ideal, but I can leave comments and highlights.
Speaking as one of the writers you were conversing with about techie issues yesterday….the new digital recorder is winging (or rolling) its way to me now along with enough other office supplies (including a flash drive with 8x the memory of my computer) to reach the $75 needed to get the $25 discount.
I have the same type recording device, actually I have two. I thought the first was malfunctioning, bought a new one, then found out the problem was in the phone line. Good to have a backup there, too.
I have an all-in-one, but it's been over a year since anyone wanted to fax me something, and almost as long since anyone wanted me to send a fax. Finally a piece of technology that I've outgrown – it's usually the other way around.
I know I desperately need a new Mac. The only problem is I don't have the money. Too many household repairs eating up the cash these days.
My cell phone comes in handy when I'm expecting an interview to call but still need to use the phone.
Since I have a full-time job in addition to my freelance work, I live by my smartphone. I have clients who email me during work hours, and it just takes a glance at the phone to see if I need to email back at lunch or on a break or if it can wait till the evening. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have it if I didn't work for the health insurance. (That's been my mantra today — I need the health insurance.)
Paula, you remain an inspiration. 🙂 You may be right about the fax being somewhat obsolete. I guess as long as you have a scanner and an online fax or send capability, you can get by. I fax a lot of stuff – the last few months anyway. I'd miss it if I didn't have it.
Liz, you make a very strong argument for the smart phone. I guess it really does depend on your personal situation. I totally agree that it's a good thing in your situation especially.
Guess I need to call Olympus to get my sales commission on your TP-7 purchase!
I'm a fan of Macs, and the Time Machine backup is brilliant. It saves me all the time, since you can go back and easily retrieve stuff by date that you deleted but shouldn't have. (In my case, usually informal estimates that didn't warrant a QuickBooks entry. Doh.) I also back up to the iCloud or whatever the heck it is.
After much hemming and hawing, I recently went to an iPhone–very, very happy with it and wish I'd done so sooner. The other advantage of a smartphone is that I could ditch my USB modem for the laptop, since I can use the iPhone to tether when I'm out of wifi range.
They owe you commission for sure, Jake. I bought it the same day you recommended it.
I should go "smart" but to this point I don't have a really good reason for it. I do love the idea of synching everything seamlessly, but right now it's all in one (or two) places anyway.