garyvarner.com

I love and embrace this Albert Einstein quote: “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” And in today’s world, that quote means by foot and URL.

How can I best portray my reading/library habits? I tend to check out far more than I can read, but that’s by design. Being a selective reader (defined here as impatient with writers who fluff it up, or content trying to sell before tell, or less-than-readable writing), I have to over-borrow to sate my appetite for constantly having something good to read at hand. Like many, I’m swayed by a nice cover, punchy subtitle, and powerful must-read encouragements on the dust jacket flaps. But the truth is most my picks come via references from other sources, recommendations, reviews, etc. If I wanted to fathom a guess, I’d say 1/3rd I fully read, 1/3rd I skim, and the rest leave me convinced the editor and/or writer was asleep on the job.

At this point, you might be curious on what I mean by “check out far more than I can read.” I submit the list below as evidence, your honor, of my addiction to both books of the library persuasion and interests steeped in the eclectic:

Library checkouts:

• Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder – Nassim Taleb
• Let’s Pretend This Never Happened - Jenny Lawson
• Wabi-sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers – Leonard Koren
• Clockwork Angels – Kevin Anderson / Neal Peart
• Life Sentences: Literary Judgments and Accounts – William Gass
• Think Twice: Harnessing the Power of Counterintuition – Michael Mauboussin
• Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data – Charles Wheelan
• The Visual Miscellaneum: A Colorful Guide to the World’s Most Consequential Trivia – David McCandless (visual journalism)

Library holds:

• The Braindead Megaphone: Essays – George Saunders
• Justice for the Damned - Priscilla Royal

Owned and on the reading pile — but waiting silently for their turn:

• The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? – Seth Godin
• Whatcha Gonna Do With That Duck? And Other Provocations, 2006-2012 – Seth Godin
• The Sketchnote Handbook - Mike Rohde
• Workarounds That Work: How to Conquer Anything That Stands in Your Way at Work  – Russell Bishop
• Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies – Charlene Li, Josh Bernoff
• The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking – Oliver Burkeman
• The Impact Equation – Chris Brogan, Julien Smith
• Wired for Story – Lisa Cron

On the Kindle — also patiently waiting for a trip or excuse to Kindle-away some idle time:

• APE: Author, Publishers, Entrepreneur – Guy Kawasaki
• Cook Ding’s Kitchen: A Kung Fu Carry out (Practical Taoism in Everyday Life) – Rick Matz
• Drawing on the Power of Resonance in Writing – David Farland
• Under the Dome: A Novel – Stephen King

Now before my published friends get wrinkly noses about my ratio of purchased-to-borrowed, I frequently use a library checkout to test drive before buying, an approach that’s been both a money saver and the bane of my overloaded bookshelves. The power of this approach is magnified by my local library’s ability to serve up books from ANY library in Ohio, and for those it cannot, an inter-library loan request will tap the vast beyond.

Back in my Houston days, I would frequent Rice University’s wondrous Fondren Library. When public library channels failed, I could nearly always find the book at Fondren, or more often than not, a dozen or so related titles I didn’t know existed. An amazing library where just strolling the book stacks invites serendipity, with open access to books hundreds of years old. I let myself get intentionally lost in the stacks on many a rainy Saturday back in the 90s. And I still remember wandering through the maze of stacks and happening upon a tiny study carrel tucked in a nook replete with a studying or sleeping student. I believed at the time that without much effort, one could stay in there and not be seen for days. I think at one time I pondered testing the theory, or perhaps in retrospect wished I had. Fondren remains my favorite library, although not the awe-inspiring temple of a literate mind the Boston Public Library (Bolyston) is, but that’s a tale for another day.

All these memories of time well-spent in libraries makes for a desire to add visiting significant libraries to my bucket list, assuming I ever make one! In the meantime, I’ll continue leveraging the tried-and-true method of surfing the library site to select and walking to the library to collect. A nice combination to keep my mental pantry full of tasty treats.

The rule of thumb on making or breaking a habit is, theoretically, doing the consistency dance for 21 consecutive days. Embracing that philosophy, I present 21 reasonings to use, one per day, until dancing with the muse becomes habitual.

1. I have something to say.
2. I want to be heard.
3. There’s a (good) novel inside trying to get out. It’s taking its sweet time, but it’s in there…somewhere.
4. I’m seeking the the perfect sentence…and hopefully it’s one that I write.
5. Because I have fingers, a computer, and knowledge of vital rules like “i before e” and other good stuff, I write.
6. It’s a way to explain myself to myself.
7. Writing is cheaper than therapy – if you ignore the plague of rationalized writing toys (Apple-anything) and creative procrastination detours caused by deadlines.
8. Writing keeps me in at night versus out enjoying tasty, but bad-for-me food and alcohol…ergo, writing must be healthy.
9. I can participate annually in NaNoWriMo with irrational optimism mixed with blithe ignorance of laws of probability regarding publishable material.
10. It allows me to relive the highs and lows of a life, with an occasional medium-whatever thrown in for good measure.
11. It also allows me to regurgitate stupid things said yesterday…or last week…or for that matter, this morning.
12. Because there are lots of words in a dictionary and somebody has to be OCD about putting them in order.
13. It’s nutrition for my soul, salve for my ego, and will be more fun than watching TV or playing Solitaire when I retire.
14. If I don’t write, my head will become so filled with thoughts, concepts, dialogue, and intriquing-yet-impossible plot twists that it might explode.
15. Without writing, I’d have no way to translate those wonderful story dreams I have, like the one the other night about whats-her-name located…uh, somewhere doing whatchamacalit.
16. We are what we write; which is why I gave up trying to become the next Stephen King.
17. By writing, I leave behind a legacy of thoughts that my boys will someday read and realize, in retrospect, that Dad really was basically nuts.
18. Because if I write often enough, someday I might actually earn the right to write poetry and thus achieve bohemianism.
19. Sometimes the opiate of anticipation to write is enough to serve as contentment, but not for long.
20. Words are better to collect than the dust bunnies of an idle mind.
21. Because if I don’t, I’ll regret it at the end of my days.

Just out of reach lies the decision. How far out? Don’t know. How near? Know even less. How aged the act of reaching? Don’t remember. But the need to grasp the decision? Indelibly etched in mind. Permanent. Prominent. Necessary.

Reasons once clear yet long forgotten spur on the reach. Countless days reaching with empty hand returning forgiven. Each day a new reach, fading memory sparing me from repetition’s pain. Yet the goal beckons. Still.

The day after success is my visual? No. The day that obviates reach is my inspiration. Is not journey the real and destination the false god? Or so we’re told. And sometimes even believe.

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 add anything worthy to that, other than “just do it.”

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.

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.

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.