Posted in better writing, organization, Other Writing Stuff, outline, The Writer's Toolbox, writing, writing resources

Evernote: A Great Way to Keep Track of Notes and Information

Image from Evernote website https://evernote.com/evernote/
Image from Evernote website https://evernote.com/evernote/

I’ve been using Evernote for a few years now. It’s a free software that can be downloaded (there’s a premium addition that costs a little, but the free version works for my needs), and I have found it invaluable to help me keep track of notes on characters, world building items, notes for blogging, and even notes for my web design stuff. I can also paste images into a note or website address. Heck, I’ve even used Evernote to write and store snippets of scenes so I can keep them in a safe place until it’s time to put the snippets in the actual story.

Evernote is great because if I have a stray thought I want to make sure I keep, I open up the program (though usually it stays open in the backdrop) and just type the thought real quick and get back to work. I also have the Evernote app loaded on my phone, so if I am away from my computer I can jot that urgent piece of information down and I am good to go. And the best part about Evernote, is that it saves everything automatically. No need to hit the save button!

Granted, I’ve had the program installed on my computer for awhile, but it hasn’t been until the last few months that I’ve really put it to use and I wonder why I never used it as much before. Maybe I’m taking more notes and they are more on the fly than before? Maybe since I’ve gotten back into web designing my head is everywhere all at once and it’s hard for me to keep track of everything? Don’t know exactly, but without keeping notes, I’d be totally lost by now.

So if you are having a hard time keeping track of notes or are looking for a good note taking software, I highly suggest this program. I love it and am glad to have it as a tool in my writing tool box.

Posted in blog, blog spotlight, Jane Friedman, writing resources

Website Spotlight: Jane Friedman

I recently stumbled across a website and I liked it so much I thought I would share. Jane Friedman has a wealth of information for the writer/author looking to publish, wonderful inspirational posts, and writing craft techniques. There is also a post that has a free market listing where you can find publishers and agents at no charge. Below are just some of the listings. Go to her site to see a full listing.

Free Listing For Book Publishers 
Be aware that most New York publishers do not accept unagented submissions, so sometimes “searching for a publisher” really means “finding an agent” (see next list).

  • Duotrope.com. For fiction and poetry only. About 3,500 listings total, which includes many types of publications.
  • QueryTracker.net. About 130 listings.
  • Preditors & Editors. Hundreds of listings; been going since 1997. Waves a red flag on publishers to avoid. However, unclear how often the information is updated.
  • Ralan.com. About 100 listings, focused on SF/F.
  • AgentQuery.com. Bare-bones list (no submission guidelines), but offers embedded links to publishers’ sites. Useful to preview the landscape.
  • WriterMag.com. If you subscribe to The Writer magazine, you get 3,000 online market listings for free. Vetted list.
  • Poets & Writers. Hundreds of listings, serving primarily the more literary side of the writing community.

     Free Listing of Agents 

    • AgentQuery.com. About 900 listings.
    • QueryTracker.net. More than 1,200 listings.
    • Preditors & Editors. Hundreds of listings; been going since 1997. Waves a red flag on agents to avoid. However, unclear how often the information is updated.
    • AAR Online. This is the official membership organization for literary agents. Not all agents are member of AAR.

     These links have been added to my Writing Resource page as well for easy access.