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This is not a commercial endorsement page, but rather a single writer's
comments about what works for her. I do not post any links just to earn
money. I do, however, join affiliate networks for sites I would have promoted
anyway. This helps cover the costs of keeping this site up and running.
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I love toys!
Below are some computer tools and gadgets I find particularly helpful when I'm
writing or working on projects related to my manuscripts.
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Enable Virtual Desktop
allows you to run numerous virtual desktops (lots of screens on
one monitor!), which is a great help for multitasking.
Offers a free trial.
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DABBLE DB
allows you to create a database to hold your information--without
having to know how to program! Very easy to use; very powerful.
The site has a nice demo video you can check out.
Free if you're willing to open up your database under a Creative
Commons License. Otherwise, there's a monthly fee.
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BLIST
allows you to create really nice spreadsheets to hold all your
information. Very easy to use; very powerful--BUT it's a Beta
capability as of early 2008 so there are some kinks. For now, don't
use it as the only place to store your information. The site has a
nice demo video you can check out.
Free for the beta version.
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CMAP
allows you to 'map out' storylines, fictional worls, etc., including
the ability to link to supporting documentation. Offered by the
Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.
Free for personal use.
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Writer's Blocks
allows you to organize notes, text, etc. for a project--especially
when there's a lot of research involved.
Offers a free trial.
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Oracle APEX
allows you to create your very own web database. Note: This
one's for those who are technically inclined.
Free.
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celtx
allows you to write screenplays; has preset formatting to help.
Free.
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MagicScore
allows you to create your own music on your computer;
includes the ability to add lyrics and create sheet music.
Offers a free trial.
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MovieStorm
a movie-making capability based on gaming technologies
(machinima). Currently in Beta.
Free; add-on content packs can be purchased.
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RockYou
a slideshow-making capability; very flexible and easy to use.
Free.
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offers a huge selection of photos, video and other artwork. The
fees are very reasonable and, under the terms of the agreement, the
user can then include the images on webpages, in presentations, etc.
Free account; pay for the media you want.
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The AudioSparx Stock Music Site
offers a huge selection of music and sound effects that you can
download for use on webpages, in projects, etc.
Free account; pay for the media you want.
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Creative Commons
offers a huge selection of images, video, music, etc., that you can
legally share, remix and reuse.
Free.
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Multimedia:
Virtual Books With Turning
Pages
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FLIP Flash Photo Album Deluxe
allows you to make virtual photo albums and add musical
accompaniment. Has some capability for text, but that text has to
be handled on a page-by-page formatting basis.
Offers a free trial.
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Desktop Author
allows you to make ebooks; includes capability to handle large
blocks of text, which flow across pages; allows music and video
files to be embedded.
Offers a free trial.
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XDrive
Provided by AOL; allows you to store files online. Also has a great
feature to mount the drive so it shows up in 'My Computer', for
easy drag and drop. Offers options for automatic back-up of
files. The user can set controls to define who gets to see his files.
Free - up to 5 GB of storage
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Office Live Workspace
Provided by Microsoft; designed to work with Microsoft products
Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook. Allows you to store your
files online. Offers an add-on for your Microsoft Office program
that lets you access your Microsoft files directly from Office Live.
So when you edit, you can easily save the new version into the
Office Live Workspace. The user can set controls to define who
gets to see his files.
Free - currently a Beta product
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