The Climb

So, not much of an update today I am afraid. Lots go on here and between both work commitments which I am afraid must come first and a new pet in our lives its all a little hectic.

That said, the ideas still flow so its really important to remember to have a notepad or a tech device close to hand so you can capture them for later.

On average I am currently driving around 3+ hours a day, to and from work. So this is a great time to both listen to eBooks (remember to be a writer we must also read) and to dictate new ideas or sections of work whilst on the go.

There are a number of Apps for this kind of work, including inbuilt memo Apps that are included in most connected cars these days. Which one suits you best, again a little trail and error goes a long way here. Find one, use it. Try another, find the best one for your needs and off you go.

Right now I tend to use the inbuilt memo app on my phone when paired to the car and then convert to the written word on an evening. For reference, the memo's are more like crib notes. The characters did this, then that. Places, scenes and settings. The heavy lifting of writing, when I get back in front of the keyboard the rest is gelling it all together.

On that note, I have used a number of writing Apps over the years. From my first beginnings on a 464k using a tape loaded processor with no spell checker or grammar tools. (Such freedom) through the words and the Scrievener and now finally back to Google Docs. I used to be all about the project approach but now I feel I am back to where I started. One chapter at a time, sequential, one page after another.

All of which have been executed on a number of platforms from home micro through to early x86's and through the laptop generation. The UMPC, the tablet, phone and now back to micro tablet with a folding keyboard. I suppose what all this means is, find something that works for you and exploit it. When you suddenly run out of steam, change the platform or the way in which you record your ideas and start again. It is surprising how much the right keyboard can affect your input levels.

Personal recommendations, IBM Model M (FTW) or a microsoft surface folding keyboard. Opposite ends of the noise spectrum but both equally good in their own rights.