Keyboard Shortcuts Save Time - Tips for Writers

Keyboard shortcuts can save writers some time. Here are quick ones for that can help as you write.

• Ctrl + C = Copy

• Ctrl + V = Paste

• Ctrl + Z = Undo Last Function

• Ctrl + B = Bold Text

• Ctrl + I = Italicize Text

• Ctrl + U = Underline Text

• Ctrl + = (Equal Sign) = Subscript

• Ctrl + + (Plus Sign) = Superscript

• Ctrl + F = Find

• Ctrl + P = Print

• Ctrl + S = Save

• Ctrl + O = Open a File

• Ctrl + A = Select All

• Ctrl + 1 = Single Space

• Ctrl + 2 = Double Space

• Ctrl + 5 = 1.5 Spacing

Microsoft Outlook Shortcuts

• Ctrl + R = Reply

• Ctrl + Shift + M = Create New Email

• Ctrl + 3 = Open Contacts

Shortcuts on the Ribbon

When in a Microsoft product, click the Alt key, and letters and numbers will appear in black squares on the ribbon.

Type the letter or number combination in the black box to activate that function. If the black boxes disappear, just press the ALT key again. To make the black boxes disappear, click Alt.

This is a quick way to access all of the keyboard shortcuts without any memorizing.

One of the Writing Secrets

One of the writing secrets isn’t really a secret at all. This is how you become a productive writer — BICFOK. I learned this from the great Alan Orloff. It’s Butt in Chair; Fingers on Keyboard.

It’s true. If you want to be a writer, you need to write. And you need to limit the distractions. Here are some ideas that may help you along your journey.

1. Find the best place for you to write. Figure out what works for you. I am fortunate to have an office with a door that closes. And when that doesn’t work, my noise-cancelling headphones do.

2. Figure out what time of day works best for you and your life. I am a morning person (a really early morning person). I like to write when the house is quiet, and this is when I’m most productive. I have found that if I start early, I can usually have my word count done before I have to go to the day gig.

3. When you are writing, don’t stop to do additional research. Make a note and keep writing. Do all of your research or lookups later. When I stop to check on something, I end up watching cute dog videos.

4. Set your writing goal and/or word count for each day and try to meet it. If you have busy days ahead, make sure you adjust your goals for that day (or plan to skip a day). If I know something is coming up that will affect my writing time, I try to write more on the days leading up to it to bank some extra for a skip day.

5. You will see progress if you write regularly. The longer you are away from a project, the more time you spend trying to get back to where you were.

6. Figure out a writing calendar that works for your schedule. Stuff happens. Don’t beat yourself up when you get interrupted. If you can plan your writing time around the other stuff, you’ll be more productive. If not, just try to get back to it as soon as you can.

7. Procrastinating, too much research, or doing anything other than writing keeps you from your goals. You may have to remind yourself to focus on your WIP (work in progress). It may take a few times before it becomes a habit.

8. I create a fairly detailed outline for each chapter before I start my first draft. I’ve found that that keeps me on track. I don’t get stuck in the middle, and I know where the story is going.

These ideas have helped me be much more productive in a world where work, family, friends, and volunteer projects all vie for my attention.

Things to do before You Query

Writing and publishing are a business, and you need to do some research before you send out queries to agents and publishers. Here are some things you may want to consider.

Agents

• Is this agent accepting queries at this time? If not, it will be a quick “no.”

• Does the agent represent your genre?

• What has the agent sold recently in your genre?

• If there is more than one agent at the firm accepting queries, did you look to see who closely matches your project?

• Did you follow all the submission requirements and instructions? Don’t get eliminated on a technicality.

Publishers

• Does this firm accept unagented queries?

• Did you follow all the submission instructions?

• Does this firm publish your genre?

• Does this firm already have a book that is similar to yours? They may not want another one.

• How many books do they publish a year?

• Does your manuscript meet the word count and other genre standards?

• Have you talked to anyone published here for a recommendation?

Sometimes, you only get one shot with an agent or publisher. Make sure you’ve done all you can to make your query and your manuscript the best it can be.

8 Online Tools Writers Need to Know About

Here are some online tools that writers need to know about. Some are free and others have paid subscription plans. Check them out and let me know what you would add to the list.

• Social Security Baby Name List - This site shows you the most popular baby names. If you scroll down further, there is a search feature to see popular baby names from past years.

• Google Maps - This is a great way to find locations for your stories. Put on the terrain or street views to see the surrounding areas of a place.

• WorldAnvil - You can create a free account to build your fictitious world and design interactive maps.

• Canva - This is a great tool for creating graphics for almost any type of promotion. There is a free and a paid version.

• Bitly - This is one of the free sites that will let you shorten a long URL for your social media posts. If you want to customize your URL, there is a paid version of the software.\

• Fake Name Generator - This site helps you come up with interesting character names.

• BrownieLocks - This site has a calendar of holidays (real and silly) for each day and month. You can use these to help with your book marketing tie-ins.

• BookBrush - They have free and paid subscriptions. This tool helps you create book graphics for all kinds of advertising and book trailers. Their training sessions and customer support are awesome.

Improving Your Productivity - Tips for Writers

In workshops and interviews, I’m asked a lot about how long it takes me to write a novel. It took me over five years to write my first novel (and another two to get it published). As I worked on my writing and revising skills, I came up with some ideas that would help me be more productive and focused with my writing time. You need to find what works for you and your life. Here is what I do.

1. I spend about a week plotting the story idea and thinking about what characters need to be involved.

2. I write an outline of each chapter. It’s usually a bulleted list of what happens. This helps me see where I can add clues and suspense. It also helps me see motives.

3. I need between 28-35 chapters for my word count. (I write cozy mysteries.)

4. I create a character list in an Excel spreadsheet to make sure I remember the key details. (I add a column for each book in the series.)

5. Then I start to write. I still have a day gig, so I write before work and during lunch. If I don’t hit my word count for the day, I’ll write more at night.

6. I try to do 1,000 words on workdays and at least 3,000 words on weekends and holidays. Life gets in the way sometimes, so if I know I have something else to do, I try to write ahead. Do your best to keep your schedule, but don’t beat yourself up. Some days, the words aren’t there.

7. I just write during this time. I don’t revise or edit. When I started writing, this really bogged me down. I spent months rewriting and revising before I ever finished the first draft.

8. When I’m done, I save it. (And always make a backup.) I then print out the draft.

9. Now it’s time for revising. I’ll spend another month or so looking for typos, plot holes, and any other thing that doesn’t make sense or contribute to the story. I add new stuff, and I delete a whole bunch of junk that bogs down the flow.

10. It’s time now for beta readers or my critique group.

11. Then it’s time for more revisions.

12. My agent and her fantastic crew read it next and provide feedback.

13. And it’s finally ready to go out for query.

This is my system, and it works for me. Give it a try. Keep what works for you. I am able to write at least three novels a year now.

Expanding Your Web - Networking Tips for Authors

Sometimes, networking is a challenge. It can be difficult to step out and strike up conversations. Here are some ideas to help authors expand their network of contacts.

1. Save business cards of people you meet. I usually jot on the back where I met them. It helps later when you have a pile of business cards and no recollection of the meeting.

2. Use some sort of software or contact list (e.g. in your phone or email program) to keep all of your contacts in one place. When you get a new contact, add it immediately. I add notes about where I met the person. I book a lot of programs for my writing group, so it helps to remember what they do and where I met them. I also use the “File As” field to help me find them again. Instead of typing Doe, Jayne. I enter, Doe, Jayne - Web Designer. (Make sure you back up these files, so that you can recover them in an emergency.)

3. If you are shy, quiet, or not outgoing, make a pact with yourself to meet five new people each week. It’s good practice for putting yourself out there and talking to strangers. You will meet some interesting people. You can use this technique on social media too. Follow five or ten new people a week or join in a conversation.

4. Volunteer. It’s good for everyone. There are so many groups out there looking for the skills you have as a writer. And it’s a great way to meet new people.

5. Donate to prize give-aways. I do a lot of book baskets for my favorite charity fundraisers. It’s a nice way to contribute.

6. Let the planners in the organizations that you are a part of know that you’re a writer, and you’re willing to do events. Clubs, book groups, religious groups, charities, and alumni organizations are always looking for speakers and program content.

7. Find an organization that you’re interested in and join. Go to meetings and events to network with new people. The easiest way in an organization to meet others is to volunteer for an activity.

8. Follow hashtags (Twitter and Instagram) and groups (Facebook) to join online communities to meet others with similar interests.

Unless you’re an outgoing, people person, it’s often hard to meet new people and strike up conversations. It’s good practice to get in the habit of networking. Authors are often called upon to do speaking engagements or interviews. What would you add to my list?

Follow the Instructions - Tips for Writers

When you are submitting queries, requests for marketing, or contest entries, make sure you read the instructions and follow the directions. You don't want a careless omission to disqualify you.

• Many times, you only get one shot when querying an agent or publisher. Make sure you follow all the steps in their process, so that the manuscript you worked so hard on will be considered. If your work does not fit the criteria, don’t submit it.

• If you’re entering a contest, make sure you provide all the requested information. You don’t want to be disqualified for not completing the requirements.

• Make it easy for the people receiving your information. Your response should be organized and easy to read. Don’t sent a bunch of separate emails. Your information will get lost.

• If the requestor provides a form or template, use it. Don’t create your own.

• Confirm all dates and details. If you correspond with someone, make sure you keep the contact information.

• Proofread everything before you send it.

Writing/publishing is a business. Your work is valuable, and you need to do everything in your power to make sure it gets noticed and not disqualified because of a clerical error.

Preventing Your Writing Time from Slipping Away

Time is a precious resource. You need to guard your writing time. Here are some things you can do to eliminate some of the distractions and time hogs.

• When you’re writing, make notes in your manuscript of things you need to research. Then later, go back and do all your research at one time. If you hop on the internet each time you need to check something, you could be on there for hours looking at llama videos.

• Figure out how much time you have for your writing and put it on your calendar or task list. We reserve time for things we need to get done.

• Turn off the TV. We often spend hours watching television or movies. You may be able to use this for extra writing time.

• Record shows that you want to watch, so you can fast forward through the commercials. It does save a lot of time.

• Schedule your social media posts for the week.

• Don’t check your phone every five minutes. It’s too easy to get sucked into email or social media feed when you’re supposed to be writing.

• Training and learning are good things. Just be careful not to over schedule so that you’re always attending training or watching training videos. I did the same thing with writing books. I was always reading about writing instead of writing.

• Networking is great and much needed. I am on a lot of online groups where each post creates an alert to all the members. I adjusted the frequency of the emails for these sites to a daily digest when I didn’t need to follow the conversations in real time. This helped me cut down on the emails.

• Spend a few minutes unsubscribing to sites and newsletters that you don’t need or aren’t interested in. By pairing down your inbox, it saves you time when you review email.