"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass."

-- Anton Chekhov

The Rant 'N' Rave Section
New Writer's Software

    I'm a software junkie, I've got to admit it. When I spot a new program aimed at writer's, I have to try it out. Well, over the past five or six years I've tested a lot of software. Some have been good, some not so good. Some were free, some were not so free. I look at writer's software programs like I do the tools in my workshop. No matter what the project is, if I use the right tools for the job I get results that I can be proud of. Software programs are tools, a means to an end. Now to get to the point.
 Recently I found a new program, (just released) on the web. It's called My Story Writer and is, IMHO, the best software program I've ever seen on the market. It is perfect for the newbie writer as well as the seasoned author. Of course it has all the bells and whistles that other programs have but it goes light years beyond.

     When I first started writing I floundered about between trying to write a story and trying to keep focused on format, plots, subplots, characters and such. I wasted huge amounts of time thrashing about in a morass of technicalities. I wish I'd have had some guidelines along the way, you know, some sort of signposts or map that would keep track of my novels format, my characters plot lines and most importantly, what i need to do next. What works for me is to lay out each event so I have a road map in front of me to follow.

     My Story Writer does that and so much more. This new program has a character development wizard, an event wizard, a new story wizard, brainstorming tools, location wizard, scene wizard, marketing tools and much much more. There are way too many features to list in this blog. My advice is to go to their website, read about all the features and then download the free 15 day trial version and give it a spin for yourself. The website is http://www.mywritingsoftware.com.

 I cannot say enough about this software package. I did run into a question or two that I needed help on. I emailed the company for help and much to my surprise the response was within hours. I usually have to wait anywhere up to 24 hours for help and then usually get a standard reply. The help I received was to the point and easy to understand. As to the cost? The software is moderately priced but once you try it I think you'll agree it is well worth every cent.

"TIDBITS"

The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to everyone! This competition welcomes anyone who loves arranging words into the beautiful art of poetry or to write a short story that is worth telling everyone. And to all who have the ability to dream... Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com
Guidelines:

Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed.
And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed.

Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted.
Postmark Deadline: December 31, 2009
All winners will be announced on January 31, 2010

Prizes:
Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.
Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize: $125. Third Prize: $50.
Entry fees:
Writing Contest entry fee: $10 per short story.
Poetry Contest entry fee: $5 per poem.

To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: “Dreamquestone.Com”

Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654
Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for further details or to enter!
 
No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. “And remember, in whatever you do, it’s okay to dream, for dreams do come true.” –Dream Quest One

Word of the Month

 Macguffin: A Macguffin is a literary device used frequently in stories, plays and films. It is usually an object that motivates the actions of characters, while having little actual meaning to the plot. (The Maltese Falcon is a good example.) The term was coined by director Alfred Hitchcock, and had  become a common description for the plot device.

Last but Not Least
"I didn't know that!"

'Blest be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones,' was written by whom?
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short:  http://www.alongstoryshort.net/
Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/
My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo
Linda Barnett-Johnson: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/
Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm
Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.
Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/
StorYBook 2.1.11  http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/
J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html
Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/
USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/
Dr. Wicked's Writing Lab:  HYPERLINK http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html
Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

Freebie Writers Tools
Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com
Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/
Word Web download: http://www.wordweb.info/
Wizardly Web Designs

 I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.
Copyright © 03/17/09

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