Comments on: 8 Writing Tools

By: Tom Vander Well

Tom Vander Well — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 18:57:59 +0000

I’m with Lewis on the medicinal tool – beyond that:
morning pages (three pages stream-of-consciousness long hand – first thing when you wake up)
dictionary.com/thesaurus.com
J.S. Bach
Gregorian Chant
Miles Davis
Bob Dylan (have you heard the newest CD, yet?)

By: David Armano

David Armano — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:56:38 +0000

This is really great stuff. One to bookmark for sure.
For me personally–what makes this so helpful is that it makes me realize what a novice I am when it comes to writing. I could use all of these tool but never even thought to.
Thanlks for the tip.
PS, here is one for you. I use mt T-Mobile sidekick to write drafts when I am on location somewhere. I usually find that this is where inspriration strkes for me, and the generous keyboard along with the built in camera allows me to organize thoughts and ideas very rapidly. And it’s way more portable than a Laptop.

By: tom belford

tom belford — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 21:26:09 +0000

If I’m feeling especially writing-challenged — need some special creativity or artful crafting of message — I get a dose of physical labor. I live on a small farm and there are always fix-it projects waiting. Somehow, having half your brain on the farm chore and half on the writing chore usually leads to fresh ideas.

By: Lewis Green

Lewis Green — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 17:55:32 +0000

Ann, you got me. I lied (unintentionally of course). I do have a tool that works 100 percent of the time. It comes in an 18 oz cup, and I drink it black.

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 17:15:09 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Lewis, Gavin, Susan, CK and Rob. It’s interesting that you all have various approaches — great stuff.
One tool I use daily — and I do mean in the sense of “user” (!) — is an IV drip of Starbucks. Can’t function without it.

By: CK

CK — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 16:49:57 +0000

Water is a great writing tool. Not drinking water. Think pools, the ocean, a bath or a shower. Maybe it’s being a Pisces, or maybe it’s the notion of these “negative ions” water emits that supposedly stimulate the brain (scientists have elaborated on this somewhere). Whatever it is, I find that some of my best writing ideas and solutions come to me when I’m swimming or in the shower.
Btw, agreed on both the essential need for an Editor and I’m a HUGE fan of M-W.com

By: Susan F. Heywood

Susan F. Heywood — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 14:42:10 +0000

Two things I find very useful are mind mapping and tagging of material.
Mind mapping enables me to put all my thoughts down quickly and helps me see relationships among them very quickly.
Tagging helps me relate items that I see to projects I am working on and current classes. I’ve made pages on del.icio.us for articles related to my different classes that are continually updated using these tags.

By: Gavin Heaton

Gavin Heaton — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:57:39 +0000

I am also a lover of the Visual Thesaurus … especially the way that you can find a word and watch as alternatives explode out of the confines of a single meaning!
I am also a fan of randomness … so close your eyes and choose a book from your bookcase. Open it, and point to a word with your finger. If you listen closely enough to your intuition you can find some unexpected delights!

By: Rob Fields

Rob Fields — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:52:09 +0000

Lately, I’ve found Flickr to be really helpful, particularly when you’re still working on a post. Sometimes the images you find will help you clarify or sharpen the focus of a post.

By: Lewis Green

Lewis Green — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:32:47 +0000

My personal style: Get it down on paper (i.e., in my computer) as fast as I am able. For me, the writing happens in my mind, not in outlines, tools or contemplation. But, as a former editor for a variety of print media, I agree: A good editor is essential.