Unleash Your Story is a combined read-a-thon and write-a-thon that challenges readers and writers to unleash their stories and make a difference.
The goal is to raise $10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis.
Date:
September 1, 2008 to September 30
We all know that Google is great for doing research. However, Google provides many other tools to make a writer’s life easier.
Gmail is probably my favorite, since I keep having computers crash. I leave my email on their servers and can access it from any computer. It lets me create folders (they call it labels) to try to keep me organized. Now, they offer over 6GB of space.
Even I, the ultimate packrat, haven’t filled it up yet.
Google documents provides a way to back up your WIP offsite. If you backup to an external drive or thumb drive or memory stick (and you should), you run the risk of losing your data and backup in case of a fire or other disaster. Having the documents on Google’s servers helps minimize the risk. You can also share documents with other people for critiquing and collaboration. You can also put your documents there and share with others, if the file is too large to email.
Each one of my computers has a different version of Microsoft office. The Vista machine lacks MS Outlook. It does have the new Windows email program. I haven’t taken the time to set it up and learn how to use it. Google has a calendar function that works well, sends reminders to my cell phone and can be shared with others.
My XP machine doesn’t have MS PowerPoint. This weekend I had several friends send me inspirational PP slide shows. I was able to view them using Google documents. I’ve saved spreadsheets to Google documents and then set the link to people who don’t have Excel. They don’t need to have a Google account. You just send them a link.
Google Maps is a good alternative to Map Quest, especially combined with Google Earth. I have to be careful with that application. It is very entertaining and can become a great time suck.
I haven’t covered all the features and uses, but these are enough to get you started. If you have a favorite application or use for these tools, please leave a comment.
Write on,
Lynn Jordan
If you are like me, your best ideas come when you are unable to grab a pen and write them down. My memory isn’t as good as it use to be. Whenever I get this great idea
that I’m sure I’ll never forget, I usually only remember that it WAS a great idea.
One company has come to my rescue. http://jott.com is a service that you set up with your cell phone. You can call in and leave voice messages. These messages are then emailed and/or texted to you or anyone else you choose.
This voice-to-text service is remarkably accurate, even with my Yankee infected Texican accent. You can’t leave long messages, but you can leave a message that’s long enough to remind you of your fabulous idea.
Now, all I need is a water-proof cell phone or voice recorder. My best ideas still come in the shower. I have been taking my cell phone into the bathroom with me. Usually I can remember my brilliant idea for a few minutes after I leave the shower.
Try Jott and let me know how you like it. If you have other great ideas for capturing those flashes 0f brilliance, please leave a comment.
Write on,
Lynn Jordan
