Writing 
Comments Off Sound wisdom from Seth Godin:
“If you know you have to write something every single day, even a paragraph, you will improve your writing. If you’re concerned with quality, of course, then not writing is not a problem, because zero is perfect and without defects. Shipping nothing is safe.”
Can’t anything worthy to that, other than “just do it.”
Writing Comments Off Anytime I explore a new area and consider whether it might be where I want to eventually migrate for my next life-phase, I always check out the local writer’s scene. Usual there is always a writer’s group or two, and equally usually they’re of the read-and-critique style where hopefuls share work and hear (frequently with deaf ears) feedback. These sessions can be cathartic for a willing writer, but my experiences have shown they’re not for me (plus they are most suited for fiction writing, which is not my forte).
What I yearn to find (and I will state before someone mentions online groups and yes, they are better than nothing) is more of a writer’s guild approach to my want. Imagine a group of serious and published writers who band together for support on the writing life and the challenges of staying in the game. No question that for some, readings and feedback are critical, but that’s more easily found than what I suggest: a venue where writers can close the door to the outside world, drop our world-famous writer’s egos, and benefit from group therapy with like-minded individuals.
My current Quixotic search for an eventual home finds me thinking seriously about a small town two hours south of me: Yellow Springs, Ohio. Although less than 4,000 residents, YS behaves like a much bigger community. Liberal, infused with heavy dose of arts, free thinkers, yoga studios and even it’s own Zen center, plus nestled in woods, hills, and state parks, YS seems idyllic. And I do know there are several published writers in residence (YS hosts the famed annual Antioch Writer’s Workshop), yet I’ve not able to surface any signs of writers connecting. May simply be that as an outsider, I’m not seeing the local scene…yet.
Writing is a solitary art, and most writers I know would be slow to warm to my vision of a writer’s group. Maybe finding or starting such a group is like growing vegetables: plant cucumber seeds (typical writer’s group) and in no time you’re begging people to take them off your hands, but try to grow asparagus, which takes years before their exquisite flavor can be enjoyed (writer’s guild approach) and one learns the meaning of the word “wait.” Time, patience, and networking (although I dislike that word and think it’s overrated, or at least, abused in practice) may be what I need to find the writer’s group I envision.
(unedited) Just because one could write, should one? Yes. Write to speak what your lips can’t form. What your inner tact won’t let loose. What is screaming to get out. Write, or be content to censor your free thought, eventually forever.
Writing Comments Off As mentioned in Part 1, here are three lists of apps I’m using on the iPad: Essential Writing Apps covers things used for writing/writing related activities, Supportive Apps covers other goodies that, for me, make the iPad experience that much better and in some cases help the mobile writing, and Other Apps rounds out either newsy or entertaining apps. Note that prices are at time of posting, and subject to change, and some free apps are available for $ without ads (and vice-versa).
One quick comment on DropBox, the current universal method for moving files desktopiPad: works well, but expect that once Apple releases iCloud, DropBox will see a drop in use. iCloud support will likely be more universal than DropBox (several app developers who haven’t release DropBox integration plan to wait and support iCloud instead).
Essential Writing Apps
Write Room is what I chose for my primary draft writing app. Lots of writing apps out there, but I like the simplicity of WR and the DropBox integration to move files back and forth. Works well. $5
QuickOffice HD is on my iPad for those times when I need to reference or work on MS Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) originating from my desktop. $15
TextExpander – nice utility to streamline writing repetitive phrases, etc., but on the iPad only works well if an app is integrated to do so. WriteRoom is, so that’s why I have TE. $5
MaxJournal – Allows multiple journals, password protected, and a clean interface. No DropBox connection yet (coming), but I use a journal for recording and storing, and seldom need to move journal copy elsewhere. My previous post here is an exception, but a simple copy/paste into the WordPress app sent a journal entry to the blog. $4
WordPress – There isn’t a great WP app yet (there was a great one that was pulled due to strong arming by WordPress corporate). Works okay for simple posts on the run, which is all I really want a mobile WP interface to provide. Free
DropBox – Manages DropBox folders. Free DropBox account provides 2gb of storage, so room enough for such transfers. The DropBox app makes managing the account easier, plus allows one to view what’s saved there (for the paranoid among us who are never sure if these ‘net goodies actually work!). Free
Dictionary HD – lots of dictionary apps out there, including Dictionary Free (same dictionary.com, just fewer words, ads), but I liked the paid app for the ad-freeness and extensive word inclusion (nearly 2MM). Once installed, functions without a ‘net connection, but does not integrate directly in other apps. Requires a power jump over to the app and back to use it (power jump being two quick clicks on the home button bringing up a row at screen bottom to access whatever apps are open). $5
Evernote – If you aren’t using Evernote, start now. Best note taking/Web clipping app out there, with versions for all platforms/devices and universal connectivity between all of them. Free
iThoughts HD – mind mapping app. Paid, but I think the best of what’s out there. Being a mapping / flowchart / procsss mapping power user, I tend to use one or all functions when I’m working out concepts, storylines, etc. $10
inFlowChart – a new entry in the flowchart or processing mapping apps. Most of the mapping apps are, quite honestly, junk, and was about to give up having this function on my iPad until I stumbled onto inFlowChart. Uses standard symbols, and has the basic functions needed to create basic decision maps, flow diagrams, etc. iThoughts gives me the more freeform mindmap approach, whereas inFlowChart helps me when I need to sketch out a process or capture linear thoughts with logically branching. Not for everyone, but if you use these, can’t go wrong with these two apps. $10
Supportive Apps
Planner for iPad – I wanted to use iCal as the backbone of my personal appointments/task list needs. Lots of apps for both appointments, meetings, todos, etc., but I wanted something light and as native as possible. Planner integrates with iCal and syncs back and forth. Only app I found to work cleanly like this, and I use it for scheduling, events, tasks, etc. Wunderlist and TeuxDeux were big fails for me (and they both had serious iPad crash/functionality issues), but very pleased with Planner…until Reminder comes out in iOS5. $3
Clock Pro – Don’t use a timer when you write? It helps. Timer has a great interface and multiple timer-types. Handy. Free
PhotoPad – for the occasional times when I need to prep a photo on the iPad, this app works well. Most of the time I do photos from the desktop, but there are moments I need basic capabilities on the iPad. PhotoPad does this well. Free
Wikipanion – Interfaces with Wikipedia and beats going to Safari anytime I need to look something up. Free
Instapaper – probably one of the top five apps on anyone’s list. Grabs stuff off Safari and elsewhere for later reading, and many apps have Instapaper integration, making this fairly painless. Flipboard does (see below), for one. $5
Other Apps
Miscellaneous apps I use frequently, but always adding/trying/deleting apps that look interesting.
AppAdvice – nice collections of lists and categories that are immensely helpful when app fishing. $ for the convenience of an iPad app, but one can also get the same (and more) at their Web site, http://www.appadvice.com. $2
iBooks – Great PDF reading app, or ebooks if you buy via iTunes (I prefer Kindle ebooks). Free
Kindle – Sold my Kindle when I got my iPad because of this app and it’s ability to retrieve all my previous Kindle purchases and continuing using ebooks. Free
The New Yorker – digital version; downloading is slow, and I still prefer my printed magazine, but this app’s good for occasional reading. Need magazine or digital subscription to read anything, or can buy single issues through the app. Free (app).
Flipboard – Best app (in my opinion) for general news plus customizing via Google Reader feeds. Essentially allows one to create a customized magazine with the sources you like to read. I like this better than AOL’s Editions, or a few others like News 360. Free, but starting to show occasional full-page ads. Hopefully they’ll release an ad-free $ version.
BBC – World news without a US bias. Would rather have the Economist to be honest, but the BBC app is free and the Economist iPad digital subscription a mere $100/year.
MyPad+ – Best app (at the moment, until FB releases an app) for Facebook and Twitter feeds. Not perfect, but functional (and includes Facebook Chat, which most FB apps don’t include). Free
1Password – I swear by this app (and program) and have the desktop version. Since being hacked twice on my Gmail account, and two other major hacks of online systems, I’ve gone a bit paranoid on my exposure. 1password has allowed me to create highly cryptic, unique passwords for everyone I go, and keeps track of them (because there’s no way I could). Use this on my desktop, iPad and Touch – daily. $10 for iPad version, $15 for multiple iOS devices, and $40 for Mac desktop. Who said peace of mind is cheap? ☺
CoreMonitorHD – Monitors iPad system stuff, and has a free memory feature. The iPad’s memory can get overload real fast and using this app, plus occasionally clearing out open apps via the home-double-click plus select-close technique, helps. Free
NPR – Public radio (gotta listen to Prairie Home Companion, This American Life, Car Talk, and many other NPR favorites). Free
Pandora – Customizable music lists. Free
Hearts of Space – Great writing music, since it’s mostly instrumental new age/ambient/electronic music. App is iPhone layout at the moment. $1, plus $ for service.
A VERY long list, but these apps make my iPad a pretty sweet experience. What’s your favorite app for writers that I missed? Let everyone know in a comment.
If you missed it, read Part 1.
Journal Writing 3 Comments Keep bumping into these Web posts / articles written in what is purported to be ideal. You’ve seen them…a series of one liners, each pithier than the last, and lots of confirming questions aimed at the reader. I find that style belittling, and assumptive that I as a reader can’t think for myself (the writer has to supply my inquisitive thoughts) and apparently the writer believes I have the mental mastication abilities of a two-month old (else why cut things up in tiny mental bites). That style may be successful, but I think it’s training a generation to be lazy readers.
Writing 2 Comments A four-part series on how I rebooted my toolset and workflows for writing and related activities.
As a geeky writer, not meaning one who writes about geekness, but rather one distracted by bright, shiny geeky objects (especially those offering new procrastinatory reasons), I periodically examine the tools and workflows I use to get things written.
I’ve been writing using my beloved white MacBook for four+ years, with occasional, and begrudgingly reluctant, sessions on my desktop PC (used only for freelance work requiring Windoze programs). But since I’ve rebooted my digital life with an overhaul of garyvarner.com, thought it was time to refresh the tools.
It’s been on my list a long time to work with two computers: a base desktop machine and a mobile solution. I’ve been using the MacBook plugged into a device that allows me to share a large monitor, keyboard, and trackball between the MacBook and the PC. Has worked well, but is cumbersome manually connecting/disconnecting the MacBook with it’s half-a-dozen cables to make it all work when I want desktop Macness.
But no longer.
After a recent research trip to the Columbus Apple Store turned dangerous, my computing/writing setup is completely changed.
My initially thoughts have always been to upgrade the MacBook to a new MacBook Pro, but those MacBook Airs are mighty tempting: portability lightness, and gotta love those snappy SSDs for impatient writers. After all, always in a hurry to get that blank white page up so I can get to staring at it sooner than later. And as long as I’ve been living with a bipolar MacBook (“I’m a portable! No, I’m a desktop!”), I’ve longed for a separate, dedicated Mac desktop to keep life simpler (I’m ignoring the clunker that sits to the side, the one with Windows 7 installed). Thus an iMac has gone off and on the list more times than I can count.
And further to the story, two years ago when I bought my first Kindle, I looked hard at the original iPad in the Apple Store in Chicago, and concluded the keyboard was a no-go for serious mobile writing.
Fast forward to now and to my surprise, my new primary mobile writing gizmo is an iPad2 with a wireless keyboard connected, and a 21.5″ iMac has cured my bipolar MacBook (not to mention cableitis from plugging / unplugging so many cables). Surprised the hell out of me, too!
Wasn’t surprised by the iMac, but I went in thinking MacBook Air, not iPad. But the critter’s not only sleek and lightweight for the nomadic writing life, it’s blown me away as the ideal nomadic device. Falls neatly into the “if you could travel with only one thing…” category.
Some may argue with that, but the iPad’s been such a joy to work with at all levels. As evidence to it’s wowness, after getting home with it and the shiny new iMac, the later remained boxed for two days before I let go of the iPad long enough to notice the big white box silkscreened with an iMac sitting in my study.
There are limitations, of course, to using the iPad exclusively for mobile writing, but not for first drafting or simple writing. I recognize there’s times I need to be in Scrivener working project files, or mass editing of drafts, etc., etc. For the mobile needs I overhauled my old faithful MacBook by changing the upgraded hard drive (320gb) back to the original 80gb for good reason: a) I don’t need the size, and b) the 80 runs quieter and cooler than the 320. Also wiped the drive clean and reloaded Snow Leopard (will upgrade to Lion soon, probably), and reloaded my essential writing programs (more on those in Part 2 – iPad Candy and Part 3 – iMac/MacBook Tools of this series). I’ll take the MacBook along on sojourns where I expect to do post-first-draft writing, but otherwise will try using the iPad for the raw drafting.
Will this Apple overdose and geek refresh help me write more often..or better? Not likely, or at least, not strictly because of the new equipment. But when I do sit butt in chair, wherever that chair is, I’ll have more fun doing so…and that’s a good thing.
Writing Comments Off 
Enjoyed the film, especially the insights she shared on a pre-tourist-driven New York City, essentially before the 1970s and perhaps the last significant era of New York intellectual artists and writers.It’s during these clips that we see some interesting footage of a slightly sloppy Truman Capote, or a gloves-off verbal sparring “I’m not interested in changing your life. I’m interested in changing your mind.” Fran Lebowitz, Public Speakingbetween William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal, and particularly mesmerizing footage of James Baldwin.
Film-maker Scorsese’s documentary style, a simple restaurant setup (Wayverly Inn) leaves Fran front and center to speak for herself (as if she’d have it any other way). While we can only read Dorothy Parker, at least we can enjoy a living Lebowitz, likely one of the few living literary wits that makes one stop and think.
Writing Comments Off I’ve been blogging off and on since 2003 (the off/on only in the last 3-4 years). At times blogging is a blessing; others a curse. At all times it’s good writing practice (if kept in balance). So based on the branding theory, have relaunched a partial blog, partial portal to things I hope to accomplish via writing: garyvarner.com.
If you haven’t had the chance (or don’t know about it yet), rent, borrow, or buy Public Speaking, a new DVD featuring conversations with Fran Lebowitz. Well…not exactly a conversation “with,” given that Fran’s philosophy is it’s her job to talk, and ours to listen.