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Tips

I have a few writing tips for you this week!

Clear Type
Windows XP - if your type looks either spindly or chunky (and never in-between) try turning on clear type, which is off by default on Windows XP (but on by default in Vista, and not an issue on Mac.)


Full-Screen Mode
Microsoft Word (Windows) - Believe it or not, I just discovered this. Alt+V, then U  will give you a nice, uncluttered typing environment. I wasn't able to make it work on Word '02 on Jaguar.

Word Count
Microsoft Word (Windows) - Alt + W pops up a word count. Be careful not to do Command + W, which closes your document! Mac users have word count in lower left already.

Write Big
Human OS () If you're stuck in a scene, try writing about it really big on a chalkboard, white board or big pad of paper. Circle key words. Draw lines between concepts. I have no idea why this helps me, but it does.

Yay

Send me your "Yays" — don't let me hog them all.

There's a gorgeous analysis of two of my series at Dear Author this week. I'd love it if you left a comment on that post.



Channeling Morpheus is a recommended read a Joyfully Reviewed.

Blurbs Revisited

Here's a link to the first "blurbs" podcast from last year.

Let's analyze some blurbs from Amazon to see how they work.

Here's a screenshot.