resources – Sooke Writers' Collective

last day first day

deb clay — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 22:35:16 +0000

Whatever day it is, as a writer, you should be writing.

Should be.

Though it is not always possible. Sometimes we get blindsided by illness, the demands of family, our paying jobs etc.

Some ideas for tomorrow:

– make an appointment with yourself to write, heck get yourself an old fashioned paper calendar or daytimer and keep it where you can see it: list the day, time, maybe even the topic, for your writing appointments

– give yourself permission to so some writing research by making a list of topics and following where they lead you on the internet > take note of what intrigues you

– brainstorm around a writing concept/plot and make some messy notes for another day of writing

– look for ways to make new writing habits> there are lot of apps for phones, tablets and computers that can remind you to write but despite all the help you’re still going to have to commit yourself – in other words “show up to the page”

Some inspiration and a little fuel:

7 Strange Questions That Help You Find Your Life Purpose

Mac Barnett: Why a good book is a secret door

Ted talks – “ideas worth spreading”

Poke around the site of “NaNoWriMo” – “National Novel Writing Month” for inspiration

Support the future of SWC – purchase a 2015 membership now. Click here to join a community of writers .

Our next meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 7th in the Sooke Public Library at 6:30

Organize your writing/thoughts

deb clay — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:58:24 +0000

As we move into a new year and the days are slowly gaining in light, consider new ways to approach your writing and gain inspiration. Try out some organizational tools or writing aids that go beyond a notebook. Some people use voice recorders to capture ideas – a lot of smart phones have the capability. There are also programs and apps for phones and computers that automatically date and store what you write in them. Use them to record your daily thoughts, writing research, ideas, record what you’re reading and watching on tv, your tweets etc. Everything gets backed up and, depending on what app you buy, you can sync to your computer, tablet and phone.

Some people use Evernote – an expansive tool for capturing information, writing etc. If you prefer something a little simpler, check out diary and journaling apps. For mac and iPhone owners check out Day One. For pc/android users check out the similar Diaro.

Both Diaro and Day One backup to Dropbox. A very useful tool to have for backing up all your writing.

More food for thought – How writers use index cards and other tools to help organize their story and plot screenplays – 2 short videos to inspire:

Creative Spark: Dustin Lance Black

Creative Spark: John August