Software Overfloweth ~ what I use to write or keep me on track (maybe)

No, that’s not a word….ok, maybe in Old English, deal with it.

In an attempt to get an FTP client working, I realized just how many FTP clients I had on my Mac…and then realized, there’s a ton of other software here that I haven’t been using and need to delete, and others that I need to be using more. Rather than bore you with what I deleted (and am still deleting), I’ll tell you what I re-discovered, and I’ll be using to help me in writing (of all genres).

1. Taskpaper - the electronic to do list. It even allows me to cross things out with Command + D. While I may love handwriting things out, I just figured out I can put this program on my iPhone too…hot damn. Now, to get over my need to carry a notebook around.
2. 1Password – one way to keep my passwords synchronized across the iPhone and the Mac. Had too many requests about, what’s the password for this site, Catklaw clients, no need to worry.? I need to check to see if it works on the Windows 7 box or the XP laptop (which is going to get replaced w/ a Macbook at some point). And yes, we’re a computer household, need to come borrow one? We have too many.
3. Apimac Timer – stopwatch, countdown and clock all in one. Great for timing writing sprints or pulling you out of a focused project.
4. Evernote – Thank you to Gwen for reminding me about this one. I now have it sycn’d across ALL the computers in the house. Makes it so much easier to keep track of notes….in notebooks. Go digital! Evernote saves your ideas, things you see, and things you like. Then find them all on any computer or device you use. For free.
5. Google Earth – in case I want to find a specific location for a scene…and write about it. Ok, so it’s not a CLEAR picture, but it’s better than getting the map out.
6. Google SketchUp – FREE design software in case you don’t have Photoshop, or like mine, Photoshop decides to pitch a hissy fit and error on you. Plus, it’s 3d!
7. MindNode Pro – Mind Mapping software! Free version is cool…I might break down and purchase the Pro. We’ll see how much I’m using it first.
8. NameGenr8er - interesting way to quickly come up with names. Hey, you might not use the ones they give you, but a mix. For me, a name is EVERYTHING in a story.
9. Scrivener – this goes without saying. I don’t write in Word anymore. Well, proposals, web content, yes…but I’m slowly trying to migrate ALL of it over. This is the best, only software I will ever use in my writing process…well, unless the creators stop supporting it But I really hope they don’t!

There may be more….but those are my top 9 for the night. Of course, don’t forget Google and Wikipedia in general. The power of the net.

And, my awesomely creative husband (do you believe, spell check let awesomely get past it???), Nick Kelly. We’re working on a new idea together!

So, there you have it. Check all the links out. Let me know if there are any REALLY good ones I missed? Please. I can use all the help I can get

Thoughts.com – A Social Conversation Site

I do a great deal of writing, other than just the fiction writing. I’m sure no one is surprised by that. With all my reading online on how to be a better writer and find ways to have my writing help pay for some of my business expenses, I wandered over to ReviewMe, a site that pays bloggers to review sites, products, whatnot. Now, we’re not talking lots of money here, but maybe enough to offset the expensive of your website, or something. It’s is nice because it links you up with other websites and products in your area of interest. I’ve been reading and learning more and more about social media and thought, hmm, time to start checking out other sites online and seeing what they’re all about.

First assignment? Check out Thoughts.com (http://www.thoughts.com/). Website, social media, blog site…sure, right up my alley.

Thoughts appears to be a very active social conversation site with over 200,000 users. (I love the unique name of the site.) Thoughts goal is different than other social media sites…they’re trying to drive conversations and facilitate discussion rather than just building a network of friends. Built like many of the other, more well known and popular social media sites, they have a selection of easy-to-use widgets that give you complete control over how you interact with the community. Good, we all rely a lot on widgets.

Another interesting twist to their community, absolutely no selling or promoting outside businesses, blog sites, affiliate links, or money making schemes. While I’m sure that helps keep the spam at bay, I find that it’s a detractor as most social media sites are built to help us connect through the things we do. Many people have their own blogs and sites elsewhere. Writers, artists, musicians and more might not find a comfortable home here because even in their personal interactions, they might be letting you know about upcoming books, work, gigs…and those are some great ways to keep us all connected.

Right now? The user community is talking about things from Anorexia to Writing (one of my favorite topics after all). Thoughts feeds in News as well, helping to promote discussion. And, if things get too slow, it looks like a Thoughts.com team member is there to help the community push the discussions along, reminding users that the community grows with the more comments you leave. And, it sounds as though the development team is working on a notification system for the new Thoughts.

Over all? Beautiful site. It’s well crafted and looks like the user community is adapting to the space as well. It reminds me of Ning, but more caring and giving. I like the idea of focusing on conversations and interactions. Will I be using the site? Unfortunately no…if I can’t post up to my regular blog(s) then adding in another social media site defeats the purpose for all my writing and work. They’ve built a great community and most of it word of mouth! Good job, and a space to get your feet wet if you’re new to social media. Definitely go check it out and see if it would work for you or your family! I can see the draw – it’s robust.

What do you think? Yes? No?