|
Post by thedarkman on Oct 6, 2016 9:21:34 GMT -5
Started this thread so I can ask a simple question; what do you write on? I ask this because my old Mac laptop is getting dodgy, and I need to replace it. Our house has a decent HP laptop for general use, but I cannot monopolize it for my writing. I need a super basic laptop/notebook just for writing. And it's gotta be cheap. Or should I look for a windows capable refurbished unit? Any thoughts or opinions would be much appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by deuce on Oct 6, 2016 10:28:58 GMT -5
Good question, TDM, but I'm not much of a gear-head/IT guy. I'm sure somebody knows a good answer. Keep on writin'!
|
|
|
Post by paulmc on Oct 6, 2016 10:55:56 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Von K on Oct 6, 2016 11:54:30 GMT -5
George R R Martin uses an ancient dedicated word processor to write on.
Some general considerations regarding the laptop itself. Check out the reviews for things like:
Size, weight, and portability. Duration of the battery if you will be using it portably a lot. Quiet fan operation during use, the quieter the better. Quality and comfort of the keyboard. Good quality bright screen for outdoors use or use in bright areas.
If you go second hand or refurbished you can save yourself a lot of money. A good general principle is to go for an old top of the range model from a prestige range. They tend to have higher quality builds and components.
Some writers have a second pc which has no games on and not connected to the internet, to avoid distractions while they work. But if you want it able to connect wirelessly to the internet and other devices, you're going to need at least that generation of laptop.
If you have a home workspace you can have a docking station set up where your laptop is connected to the station and larger screen when at home, but can still be small and light when on the move or working away from home.
|
|
|
Post by themirrorthief on Oct 6, 2016 14:35:39 GMT -5
my advice is to focus a getting something with a keyboard that really suits you. writing can be a lot more fun and easier when you can type effectively and fast. Although they click louder and annoy everyone else around I like the older keyboards with the keys that stand up high. Just works for me. A messed up keyboard will only make you mad and frustrated as you screw up over and over and over. Hope that helps.
|
|
|
Post by thedarkman on Oct 6, 2016 15:19:18 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great info so far folks! Leaning towards a refurbished unit, with a proper keyboard. Truth be told, I'm a hunt and peck typist, and I usually max out at 30-35 wpm. I certainly do not need the latest keyboard technology, and I have rather thick, clumsy fingers, so a larger, basic keyboard would fit me best. Hoping folks will discuss other aspects of the craft, from chair/desk combos to actual writing techniques and even personal quirks (you know you got 'em!).
|
|
|
Post by paulmc on Oct 6, 2016 15:27:34 GMT -5
Write every day. Don't get hung up on daily word count, just write every day.
Finish what you start.
Submit what you finish.
These are the truest tidbits I have learned. And yes, I am still working on ingraining them into my daily routine, too.
|
|
|
Post by themirrorthief on Oct 6, 2016 16:55:06 GMT -5
sometimes I write novels just top entertain myself...but Im weird like that
|
|
|
Post by thedarkman on Oct 6, 2016 17:10:08 GMT -5
Write every day. Don't get hung up on daily word count, just write every day. Finish what you start. Submit what you finish. These are the truest tidbits I have learned. And yes, I am still working on ingraining them into my daily routine, too. What you say about writing is my biggest weakness; I do not write every day. Not even every week, sometimes. I need to get my head into the game, make writing a daily habit. I have written 3 complete short stories, and had one published. I have several basic outlines for more, and a couple of ideas for novels; one horror and one action adventure. Just gotta get them rolling...
|
|
|
Post by Von K on Oct 9, 2016 14:59:26 GMT -5
Well Darkman, selling one out of three stories right off the plate is a good batting average.
Paul’s advice seems solid to me. An optimised version of Heinlein’s five rules?
When REH was advising Novalyne he said the secret was to “write, write, write,” and that writing was like eating onions, the more you did it the more you liked it.
|
|
|
Post by thedarkman on Oct 11, 2016 15:22:53 GMT -5
Well, I am gonna hang on to the Mac for a bit yet. I was doing some digging in my son's room, and found the original box his Mac came in. Lo and behold, I found several discs inside, including iWork 09. This had never been installed, and I think it will work better than the Apache program I have been running. On to my new Iron Age historical S&S epic!
|
|
|
Post by themirrorthief on Oct 19, 2016 16:40:59 GMT -5
always remember to decapitate someone in the first chapter and have the blood spray all over the place.
I have never sold any stories or even bothered to submit any but my writing has been banned in 46 countries so I am doing OK
|
|
|
Post by thedarkman on Oct 19, 2016 20:21:43 GMT -5
always remember to decapitate someone in the first chapter and have the blood spray all over the place. I have never sold any stories or even bothered to submit any but my writing has been banned in 46 countries so I am doing OK I do like me a messy decapitation scene, for sure!😜
|
|
|
Post by themirrorthief on Jun 29, 2018 23:53:51 GMT -5
who doesnt
|
|
|
Post by BlackHeart on Jun 30, 2018 3:13:25 GMT -5
always remember to decapitate someone in the first chapter and have the blood spray all over the place. I have never sold any stories or even bothered to submit any but my writing has been banned in 46 countries so I am doing OK Why? I think you write interesting stuff...
|
|