• date stamp
    Observations

    Created On:

    For some reason, I’ve dated my writings ever since I was taught to in grade school. A few years ago, I started including a timestamp as well. When I read my older work, my typical reaction is as follows: a flinch at a typo, a slight head shake if I sound like a novice or a neophyte, and then appreciation at significant improvement. Recognizing progress in one’s skill set can be a boost in confidence, but also a signal that we are capable of more today. The methods below can capture your current state and help show progress of your skills: Save audio recordings (or memos on a phone recorder)…

  • Grammarly
    Tools

    3 Additional Free Resources from Grammarly

    In addition to the powerful browser extension for editing, Grammarly also has three additional free resources that should be in your bookmarks, especially if you are a new writer look to develop your skills. To read about the actual Grammarly browser extension and features offered, check out my initial review. With that, here are the three additional resources: The Handbook. Use their simple guide to English basics whenever you’re in doubt of the basics. The guide covers grammar, punctuation, mechanics, technique, and style. The Grammar Check webpage. Perfect for the times you are not working on your own personal computer or cannot install Grammarly. Go to the webpage version and…

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  • Sprinter demo
    Tools

    Sprint into your new writing habit

    Novel writing month is over but no fear! I’m checking out a few apps that help encourage writing. Sprinter is a great tool to create the habit of brainstorming or timed writing exercises. It’s has a very simple display to avoid distractions. Name: Sprinter.com Company: Freewrite Last Updated: N/A Category: Writing Tool Listed Price: Free! Your personal rating: 4 of 5 Available: Web and on Freewrite

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  • duck taking off
    Observations

    You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Start

    Have you ever thought of an idea and then said: “I’ll get started on this when I have time to really focus on it.” Or perhaps you had an ok start but you ended up telling yourself, “Looks ok, but it needs more work. I’ll work more on it later.” Well, that’s been me for too long. For example, this post came as an idea that I save on Dec 6, 2016, and was in my drafts folder for six months before completing it. Yikes! But why? I could list a series of impediments but ultimately here are my two main reasons. Let me know if you can relate.

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