I’m always trying to find more time to write. If I wrote full time, it may be different, but as an aspiring writer my writing time is limited to when I can juggle everything else around to give me a few free moments. So, when I do find the time to write, I want to make the most of every second there is. And what better way to do that than to use any of the numerous writing tools available that ‘makes writing easier’?
A few days ago I decided to try out a new program to write with, Q10. It is a full screen text editor with a few bells and whistles that are very easy to learn. In no time I was writing away, forgetting about the open browser windows hidden behind the screen with my writing. After my writing session, I started thinking about writing tools in general. How helpful are they? Or are they a hindrance?
No doubt it boils down to the person using them and the situation. I know I have sat down to write using a new tool and spent my entire writing time trying to figure out how to use the new program. Then there have been others when I was off and writing in no time. If I am limited in my time and just want to get the story out, it isn’t the best time to try something new. If I have some time to spare, though, I don’t mind using some of it learning something that may help me make better use of my time later.
So, from now on, when I am thinking about trying out a new writing tool, I’m going to ask myself a few questions first.
- How badly do I want to write right now?
- Do I want to spend my writing time writing or learning a new program if it isn’t instantly intuitive?
- How much time do I spend trying to figure out the program before I give up and consider it a hindrance no matter how cool the features sound?
- Is it something best to stash away and try another time so I can just get back to writing?
I think these questions work well for me. They may even be helpful to others, or at least serve as a starting point of things to think about before firing up the newest writing tool when they have limited time to write.
What are your thoughts? Do you have some questions that can be added to this list? Do you know of some great writing tools that really do help you make the most out of your writing time? Feel free to share them with us by leaving a comment in the comment section below.
