I originally intended to post something in honor of Halloween today, but due to this morning’s event here at home I decided to discuss something truly frightening—Internet hackers! That’s right, we got hacked… Actually, my partner was “hacked,” so far my computer is okay.
A few weeks ago my partner decided to start his own business. Like most people he is starting out with limited funds so he decided to create his website via one of those places that offers free sites complete with hosting, shopping cart, etc. for online stores. He boasted that he could see his visitors’ IP addresses and even the types of computer systems they had. I remember saying something like, “if you can see them, then someone can see you” which, of course, did not translate into “guy speak” and was therefore dismissed.
This morning his Webroot Internet Security software sent him an alert regarding malware; someone had broken through the firewall, changed his security filter to “allow,” and received free access to all his files. What’s really scary is that he can’t reset his own system; he performed a “system restore” to an earlier time but it did not help—the hacker has apparently appointed a sentinel (probably a Trojan virus). My partner’s only option is to wipe his drive and reinstall his entire system. A hassle? Yes! But even worse—what files did the hacker peruse or download if any? Banking information? The password vault? Nightmarish!
Therefore, I thought it might be helpful for all of us to review/share some safety tips:
Know Your Magical WordsYour computer, your router, and just about everything has a password—use them. I heard that most people never change the default passwords in their systems. If you’ve left your password at “Admin”—change it today!
While we’re on the topic of passwords, please don’t use the same password for everything. You can bet that once the hacker learns a magic word it will be the first word he tries at the next locked door.
Proceed with Caution
We all do it—we’re cruising along on the Internet and come across a detour on some website, a game or some other fun temptation--Do Not Enter! If it is really so interesting then open another window and run a search for the company or program. Make sure the site or download is virus free and find out what personal data is collected and how that information is used. Remember, everyone is handing out cookies and they might be more “trick” than “treat.”
Never Stand Alone
Don’t leave your Internet at idle for long periods of time, this allows time for hackers to be mischievous. If you are going to be away from the computer for any length of time shut down your system, disconnect your internet, or run a program such as a virus scan.
Be Able to Defend Yourself
I highly recommend having multiple firewalls and multiple anti spyware/virus software systems—what one system doesn’t catch the next one probably will. On my PC I have
Webroot Internet Security Complete,
ThreatFire, and
Ad-Aware. (Ad-Aware and ThreatFire have free versions available for download.) There are many anti-virus and anti-spyware packages available though so find one that suits your needs and is compatible with your system.
Plan “B”
Always have a current back-up of your entire system just-in-case. I back-up to an exter
A few years ago, around this time in the year, I was working as an accountant. Accounting was okay but my happiest days were when I had a writing assignment. I would look for any excuse to write--the employee rules needed revamping or the charitable committee needed a flyer. Finally, after a prolonged illness, I decided to ditch the corporate world and write.
Today, in reflection of how far I have come, I would like to share some of the things I have learned…and I would love for you to share your insights as well.
If it weren’t for writing I never would have learned that…
Receiving criticism is like giving blood—it’s only the initial prick that stings.
More people are interested in what I have to say than I ever would have guessed.
That initial door leads to other forms of creative expression such as drawing, jewelry making, photography and even arranging musical selections. I never would have known that tone and even dramatic arc could play into these other areas.
I can solve all sorts of problems with a large blank piece of paper and some colored pencils.
When linear thought goes nowhere try the roundabout.
Not everyone is happy that I am pursuing/achieving my dreams. That’s okay—I can let them go.
There are more like-minded people in the world than I ever anticipated.
...What have you learned?
by Robyn Chausse
microsoft office images
Please meet Jacinda Little, a talented writer and ghostwriter whose story "
Love in a Snow Globe" truly was one of the best stories we have received. The tangible emotions and carefully placed details make for a haunting tale that will stay with you long after the reading.
Jacinda is a resident of South Central Pennsylvania with a penchant for organic vegetable gardening, music and dancing, rumpus good times, and of course, the written word. By day, she works as a professional non-fiction ghostwriter, but after the sun sets, she’s off to meet her imagination in a dimly lit corner for a little fun with fiction.
Jacinda owes her success to her dear husband, Jeff, who politely smiled and chewed his pork chop when she told him that all she wanted for her thirtieth birthday was his blessing to quit her office manager job so that she could pursue her dream. The pork chop was swallowed and since then, her short works of fiction have been published in
The Painted Door and G.W. Thomas’
Flashshot. She’s guest-blogged about silk flowers, labor pains, and romantic love. She’s ghostwritten hundreds of articles and media pieces. Currently, she’s working as staff writer for
http://www.all-famous-quotes.com/; has just completed
The Body Language of Dating, a book by body language expert Tonya Reiman that’s due out in 2012 and written specifically for women; and has just undertaken a new creative non-fiction book project for an oh-so-clandestine personality.
Jacinda is currently working as a contractor for hire, and may be reached at JacindaLittle[at]comcast[dot]net or through her site
The Creative Ghostwriter Soul, Spirit, and Story. Please take a moment to read “
Love in a Snow Globe,” and then come back for our interview.
WOW:
Hello Jacinda, congratulations on placing in the WOW! Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Contest! I’ve read some of your writing and love your playful way with words; I’m excited for the rest of our wonderful WOW! audience to get to know you.We hear from many women who leave the nine-to-five (or the six-thirty-to-eight) with the intent to finally pursue their writing ambitions. Tell us about your own career transition.Jacinda: I’ve always had a voracious appetite for reading. I love the smell of a book, the way that the pages sound when they brush against each other, the places my mind goes…and at a very young age, I realized that I could score a similar thrill with the creation of my own scenes.
Some very well-meaning people encouraged me to get a “real job” after school, so I chalked up writing as a folly of youth. Then I turned 30. I knew that I had to give it a shot before any more time slipped away.
Two weeks after I made that decision, I was pounding away on a used laptop at my dining room table. It would be three years before I made a penny. However, I wouldn’t trade the rejections and the criticisms that I received in those three years for any dollar amount. I learned from every one of them.
WOW
I’m so excited! This weekend I completed my first assignment for
Lynne Garner’s class on craft book writing. I’ve walked over that threshold of a new project and feel that I have a firm foundation that will carry me through. Of course, it helps that someone is mentoring my progress.
I’m one of those people who, for better or worse, tends to place everyone else’s needs first. Therefore, if I have any other “work” to do I will put my time into that before I ever spend time on my own projects. The consequences, of course, are that “my” projects are ignored. I hold my creative children hostage against other duties. When all my other work is done I will spend time with them…if there is still time.
Apparently I am not the only writer feeding her children with spare chunks of time. Last Saturday
Elizabeth alluded to the same habit of imprisoning her projects in the desk drawer until she had time for them. It is curious…we become writers because we have a creative drive, a story to tell, a soul longing for expression—and then we push all of that aside to attend to what “really” needs to be accomplished.
Knowing that I have this tendency, I recently joined a Friday morning creativity group. Every Friday morning we meet via phone or Internet for a brief chat and then dedicate the next forty minutes to our separate creative endeavors. This “appointment” makes me schedule time for my own pursuits. I’ve found that setting these dates with my creative children enriches my relationship with them and with my soul. The children grow, my soul feels acknowledged, and I have a sense of peace and fulfillment.
If you are like me and have difficulty scheduling time for your own projects try setting regular dates with a friend. You can meet via phone or Internet and agree to spend the next half hour on your separate projects. Knowing that someone else is expecting you to show up might just be the extra nudge you need.
by Robyn Chausse
Do you find it increasingly difficult to move forward? Is your energy and time all tied up in other obligations? Do you desire to reach for more but find you don’t have the strength left to grasp your goal?
I had been dealing with that same issue for a very long time and was completely frustrated with my lack of progress. I didn’t have a clue as to the root of the issue. I had goals, I had the work ethic, I had the passion but every time I gained momentum something would happen to pull me backward.
There were obviously some clues. For one thing, I felt spread thin. I was trying to build a business, manage a household, be on-call care giver for my parents, be the family peacemaker and boost my sister’s self-esteem and creativity. Hey, family comes first right? Yeah, until it all came to an ugly head.
So there I was standing in my living room screaming into the phone at my poor brother; I had lost it completely. The worst thing was that it wasn’t his fault. A relative had come out for a visit. She wasn’t handling her itinerary very well which was causing difficulties for people who were trying to make plans. My mother became so stressed she had a mini stroke and I had been led to believe that my brother was the one causing all the confusion. It was not until my sister started laughing at the whole scene that I realized there was something more happening-- really, what kind of person laughs at their family falling apart? Not being one to make a rash decision, I decided I needed time to step back, way back, and think this whole thing through.
How is it I find myself in this position? Is there some old definition of who I am, or my place in the family, that I am still in agreement with? Why do I repeatedly take my sister under my wing when I know she is manipulative and not to be trusted? What lies underneath the choices I make? Do I purposefully yet unknowingly hold myself back?
Then comes the tough ones… What do I feel I gain by not succeeding? Is there some emotional reason I prefer to always be reaching and not grasping? Does some part of me want to stay in this unappreciated, watch-over-everything-and-never-reach-your-dreams state?
We like to tell ourselves that we are free individuals making conscious decisions for ourselves yet the majority of our actions come from the unconscious, the reflex area of conditioned responses and adopted viewpoints. Call them memes or baggage these are the tethers that keep us from wandering too far from where we’ve been-- the roots of self-sabotage. The only way to cut these ties is to consciously discover our unconscious beliefs and refuse to grant power to them any longer. How do we find them? By paying attention to our reactions, or reactive actions, and questioning ourselves why we do a certain thing. By acknowledging when our mouth says “yes” while our gut says “no” and having the courage to investigate why. By asking “is this really true” to every little jab our nasty inner voice throws at us. And by stopping to think before we agree with the memes other people say to us such as, “you gotta pay your dues before you find success” or “money is the root of all evil.”
I’m done. It’s over. No more. These are powerful words. As you find your memes go ahead and tell them, “No more, I’m done with you.” Then keep moving forward.
By Robyn Chausse
picture credit: The Great Houdini Gallery
Who are you? What are your strengths, your fears, your goals? What have you learned so far and where do you go from here?
Sometimes who we really are is a mystery even to ourselves. As we grow into adulthood and through the phases of establishing home and job, raising families, divorce and loss, career changes and daily life something happens. We are no longer who we thought we were or who family and friends think they see—but who are we really? It is a mystery only we can solve—with some quiet introspection. Mari L. McCarthy’s new e-book
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life was written especially for the purpose of this journey through self-discovery.
Within this 30 page e-book Mari will guide you to:
- Make peace with the past and gain new respect for the wiser you.
- Learn to recognize and work with your inner critic and inner coach.
- Explore your dream language.
- Develop a new sense of wholeness in the connection of mind and body.
Whether your intent is to invite healing, seek change, or simply discover more about what makes you tick (or ticked off),
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life will help you uncover the answers.
Read Marcia Peterson's review of
Who Are You? on
The Muffin.
Blog Tour Special! Purchase a copy of
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life by Mari L. McCarthy at
20% off.
Who Are You? is available as an e-book for Kindle, Ibook, Sony, Nook and on Smashwords. Download a FREE chapter
here.
Special Giveaway Contest—A Book & A Song: We’re giving away a copy of
Who Are You? How to Use Journaling Therapy to Know and Grow Your Life and a download of Mari McCarthy singing "Rhapsody in Truth" from her album "The Barry Thought of You." Please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this
Thursday, August 25 at 11:59 PM, PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag
#WhoRUBook, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day Friday, August 26. Good luck!
About the Author:
Mari states that, “Journaling is unparalleled in its ability to reveal new information about our inner life, conditioning, experiences and thoughts.” Mari knows thi
There was a summer storm brewing last night. Although the rain never came the thunderheads gathered across the sunset turning the sky an ominous shade of orange. Visibility was low and as I gazed across the street I thought of sinister plots and London fog. Why is it, I thought, that so many writers still use fog to build atmosphere? Surely creepy things can happen in dust storms as well. An apt conversation as this is the time to be writing Halloween tales.
Part of the charm of the Halloween tale is the nostalgia, a traditional telling of a tale set in autumn. But tradition can border on boredom if we refuse to see it through new eyes and refresh the imagery. The dark and stormy night with the dilapidated old mansion in a heavily wooded middle-of-nowhere place doesn’t reflect our current day experience. What about that creepy foreclosure at the end of the street though? You know, the one that keeps changing hands—people move in, people move out—they’re gone before you can make an introduction.
What are some of the elements we usually use to build a frightening tale? We touched on a couple, abandoned houses and, of course, the fog. What are some other images that might be over used? What can we substitute for them?
A fun exercise is to take your favorite traditional tale and re-work it. What substitutions can you make to bring this tale into modern times? Can you change the elements around so that the story takes place in a different part of the country without loosing the fright factor?
As my mother once told me, “There is nothing there in the dark that wasn’t there when the lights were on.” Which leads me to my next question… what is that standing next to you?
photos and text by Robyn Chausse
Last year I won a giveaway for a copy of a cozy mystery. When the package arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find not just a book but a companion audio disc of the author reading her novel! I stuffed the book onto a shelf and popped the CD into a player. We had a terrific time, this author and I, both in our kitchens. I was cooking dinner; she was baking…and solving a mystery. Not long after that I downloaded an audio file of Sherlock Holmes stories and just recently I listened to the first chapter of an Irish mystery which I can hardly wait to purchase so I can hear the rest of the tale. I’m hooked on audio, and I’m not alone.
According to the Audio Publishers Association 25% of Americans listen to audio books. The demographic is well-educated, median-income consumers who also read more books annually than the average non-listener. The Association of American Publishers states that downloadable audio books accounted for 81.9m in sales in 2010 with physical audio books bringing in 137.3m. And this doesn’t include all those teens attached to their listening devices! Is there a market for audio books? You betcha! Would you like to get in on it?
If you contract with a traditional publisher your agent can make all the arrangements; indie, small-press or self-published authors listen-up.You will need:
A quiet place to record
A good quality studio microphone (sometimes called a pod-casting mic)
Audio recording and editing software
Someplace to market your audio book
Software for recording, editing and converting audio files is available via download and there are several choices. Two of the most popular are Audacity and WavePad. Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing, it is updated often and you can choose from “stable” versions or Beta versions. WavePad offers both free versions and professional versions. Depending on your computer system and the desired result you might choose to use more than one editing program.
Once your audio file is ready it will need to be available for purchase.
Digital Content Center and
PayLoadz offer file storage, automated delivery, shopping carts with multiple payment options.
CDBaby works with both digital downloads and physical CDs. They handle distribution and sales to Amazon, iTunes, and other outlets. (Note: iTunes has exclusive agreement with Audible.com and will pull anything labeled “audio book” that isn’t through Audible).
Will offering audio books suddenly make you rich? Not likely, but you’ll gain exposure to readers who may not stumble upon you otherwise. Not every novel is available in audio format, but audio lovers scour over all the novels offered. If they like the audio chances are they will purchase the book, or eBook, and recommend your book to family and friends.
By Robyn Chausse
Thank you to Scott Swift of darktimetales for sharing his experience.
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By: Robyn Chausse,
on 7/23/2011
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Children’s stories and poems never submitted, outlines for short stories and notes for articles--in notebooks, on scraps and spread across several file folders. My mind is ever-open to new ideas and I’m quick to jot them down on the nearest surface-- the electric bill perhaps? Now, where was that web address…? So, as I read yesterday’s "Speak Out" post I felt admiration for Jo Barney with her finished projects fluttering about. Then I thought, "Hey, I’m that prolific--at titles, lead-ins and cryptic synopsis--it’s the follow-through where I fall through."
I don’t think it’s an issue of focus, if so I would never finish anything. Is it an organizational problem? Not really, well yes—I shouldn’t write on the bills, but for the most part my jottings are in notebooks. No, I think it is time I admit to myself that I have Shiny Penny Syndrome.
Ooh, shiny penny—that’s a pretty one! The plot flashes before my eyes, I get a feel for the mood, a taste of the characters. For the next few hours, I’ll add little notes. I feel the excitement, think of places to submit the piece, imagine the book trailer. Then in the distance, I hear a voice. Reluctantly, I bring my attention back to the moment. A friend is speaking to me and out of his mouth falls a new shiny penny.
By Robyn Chausse
Do you have Shiny Penny Syndrome or a discipline to share for following through with those sparkly inspirations? Share your thoughts!
photo by robyn chausse
I was innocently researching information for today’s blog post when I came upon a headline stating that Catherine Middleton and Jane Austen were indeed cousins according to Ancestry.com. The connection may be faint—6th cousins 11 times removed is what I read—but hey, that’s still family! So I began to wonder if there are any famous writers peeking out from the leaves of my family tree. Wouldn’t that be fun! Needless to say the thought of fun trumped the desire to research, so I decided to play a bit of a game today.
The Author in My Tree
Tell us which famous author you are certain you must be related to and why; include a few of your favorite quotes from your adopted ancestor. Of course, if you are actually related to a famous author now is the time to name drop!
I’ll start. I just know that somewhere back there I’m related to Emerson. Like me he found solace in the natural world; had faith in intuition; and spoke his truth though it went against the grain. He also looked after many people who did a poor job of looking after themselves, a role I can relate to.
My Favorite Emerson Quotes:
"Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding."
"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."
"Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."
"The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions."
Now it's your turn! What famous author is peeking out through your branches?
by Robyn Chausse
photo credit: Jane Austen Society of Australia
Congratulations to Judy Beaston for placing third in WOW!’s Winter 2011 Flash Fiction Contest! If you haven’t had a chance to read Judy’s prize-winning story, Chance Encounters, head on over to the winner’s page then hurry back to enjoy an interview with Judy.
Judy Beaston lives in Beaverton, Oregon, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Retired, as much as any parent can be, she now spends her days penning tales short and long. Chance Encounters is her first flash fiction publication, though WritersType recently published her short story, Jason’s Triumph.
Judy hones her flash fiction skills in an online workshop at Writers Village University. In addition to short fiction works, she has a YA novel in process and enjoys spending hours on poetic compositions. When not lost in the words of her stories and poems, Judy enjoys the creative connections found playing tenor saxophone. Two grandchildren help round out her enjoyment of life.
WOW: Hi Judy, congratulations! Flash fiction is a new form for you; what are your thoughts on winning third-place in our Winter 2011 contest?
Judy: First words out of my mouth: “WOW!” I put a lot of hours into editing and revising this story. I’m delighted by the strong response Chance Encounters generated, and inspired to continue sending my writing into the world.
WOW: The time and care you put into the entry was apparent and really paid off; well done! Will you share with us the inspiration behind Chance Encounters?
Judy: I was not consciously aware of a specific inspirational spark for this story, though it did take form the day before Valentine’s Day, a day given over to special relationships. Over the years, I have grieved the loss of several close relationships. Where those relationships were intensely intimate, the grief at times manifested with an intensity that baffled logic. So, I think you could say that grief and love inspired the unfolding of this story.
WOW: I enjoyed your description of Amy’s physical sensation while being in the presence of Connor’s apparition as an “embracing stillness.” How did you come to choose that particular sensation?
Judy: In my own life, I have experienced many moments when I just knew something enveloped me, or walked with me. The sensation varies though the sense of being embraced, held, connected beyond and within is always present during those moments. I wanted to convey this energy to my readers without telling them precisely what to experience. I wanted my readers to draw from their own grief experiences and with the power of emotional energy to project those emotions on current circumstances. I believe what we most want projects upon our present reality.
WOW: Very effective, it alludes to a universally recognizable experience. Tell us how you came to the
The things we do to ourselves… Last week I decided it was too hot to have the lights on in my office. I worked in a dim room all week and ended up with an annoying twitch in my right eye. So, I decided to do some research on eye strain and how to prevent it. Are you ready for the condensed version?
Office Ergonomics:
Your computer screen should be at arms length, with the middle of the screen setting approximately fifteen degrees below your sight line. Place the monitor at a right angle to any window or bright light source to reduce glare.
The lighting in the room should be no more than three times brighter than the screen. The best lighting is indirect; the aim is to avoid glare and shadow. Use task lighting for any paperwork.
Paperwork should be placed at the same level and angle as the monitor, or directly in front of the monitor, to reduce the strain of repeatedly changing focus.
Rest and Exercise:
Take a break at least every thirty minutes to relax your eye muscles, either rest with your eyes closed for a few seconds or choose one of these exercises.
The Stretch
You know this one. Look up, look down, look left, look right-- you should be able to feel the stretch. Making “figure eights” will work just as well, or look around the room and trace the outline of objects with your eyes.
Zen Vision
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures where there are two possible images. For instance, one might see either a beautiful woman with a bared shoulder or an old hag with a wart on her nose. The trick to seeing both images is to look without focusing. This type of vision relaxes the focus muscles.
The Painter
Hold up your thumb, now look at your thumb then look at something distant. Go back and forth several times.
Finish by quickly rubbing your palms together and placing your hands over your eyes, the warmth and darkness will relax the muscles.
Lubricate:
Did you know that when we are relaxed we blink twenty-two times per minute, but when we are at a computer we only blink seven times per minute? Blinking replenishes the moisture shield across our eyes. This moisture shield protects our eyes from germs and also allows proper light refraction for accurate sight. If your vision is fuzzy, or if your eyes are red or feel gritty, you may have dry eyes.
Artificial tears are perfectly safe to use as often as you need. Choose a good quality tear replacement product; many are available in preservative free formulas.
Increase your intake of EFAs (essential fatty acids), they are essential in keeping the mucous membranes moist.
If eye strain continues to be a problem, ask your ophthalmologist about computer glasses.
I’m more aware now of the improper lighting and the discomfort it has been causing, and my eyes feel better after trying just a few of these exercises. These tips helped me; I hope you find them helpful as well.
Robyn Chausse
I love to write. Taking in the information from the world around me and transmuting it into what I hope is a cohesive structure that others can understand and relate to gives me a sense of purpose and connection. Once I feel that I am close to being finished though my enthusiasm takes a dive—it’s editing time. All the time spent reading and rereading the same document hoping I don’t miss a mistake and knowing that I probably will—it’s such a grind! If the editing process lands you slumped in despair banging your head with your mouse you need to check out AutomatedEditing.com.
After listening to an author’s frustrated ranting about the time and expense of editing a new book, Don Russell, a nationally known software developer, took up the call. Combining his talents with those of an author and a teacher Don created an ingenious, user-friendly site where writers and editors can cut their editing time by hours or even days!
I had the opportunity to try the Standard version of Don's software which allows up to 10,000 characters per document. It worked great! DARedit caught punctuation, grammar and even style issues (like low numbers being spelled out). I'm impressed. Below, I share with you how to use the software and what I've found along the way.
How It Works:
The magic lies in linguistic algorithms that evaluate sentences for what might be wrong. Simply paste a copy of your already spell-checked manuscript into the window provided. The DARedit Manuscript Editing System then matches the text against an already substantial and constantly expanding bank of knowledge and offers back an analysis.
Anything that says "cut and paste" sounds like something even I can handle, so I gave it a whirl. I fed it emails, .pdfs, text from Blogger, and Word .docs complete with embedded links and highlighting. Here is what the readout looks like:
The summary states character count, word count, sentence count and how many errors were found.
The detailed report shows errors in punctuation, improper word usage, participial phrasing, clauses of reason and more. Hard Errors are those known as problems 80% of the time; Flags are suspected errors that need a discriminating eye. Copy the analysis and save it in your own file. Knowing which areas to review and which ones are clean frees up time to devote to those processes of editing requiring human evaluation such as Point of View. Read more information on DARedit’s capabilities at the end of
this page.
What I Found:
DARedit will analyze the body of the text in emails but doesn’t like the email addresses, everything else went through just fine.
There is a slight discrepancy (l
I love to write. Taking in the information from the world around me and transmuting it into what I hope is a cohesive structure that others can understand and relate to gives me a sense of purpose and connection. Once I feel that I am close to being finished though my enthusiasm takes a dive—it’s editing time. All the time spent reading and rereading the same document hoping I don’t miss a mistake and knowing that I probably will—it’s such a grind! If the editing process lands you slumped in despair banging your head with your mouse you need to check out
AutomatedEditing.com.
After listening to an author’s frustrated ranting about the time and expense of editing a new book, Don Russell, a nationally known software developer, took up the call. Combining his talents with those of an author and a teacher Don created an ingenious, user-friendly site where writers and editors can cut their editing time by hours or even days!
I had the opportunity to try the Standard version of Don's software which allows up to 10,000 characters per document. It worked great! DARedit caught punctuation, grammar and even style issues (like low numbers being spelled out). I'm impressed. Below, I share with you how to use the software and what I've found along the way.
How It Works:
The magic lies in linguistic algorithms that evaluate sentences for what might be wrong. Simply paste a copy of your already spell-checked manuscript into the window provided. The DARedit Manuscript Editing System then matches the text against an already substantial and constantly expanding bank of knowledge and offers back an analysis.
Anything that says "cut and paste" sounds like something even I can handle, so I gave it a whirl. I fed it emails, .pdfs, text from
Blogger, and Word .docs complete with embedded links and highlighting. Here is what the readout looks like:
The summary states character count, word count, sentence count and how many errors were found.
The detailed report shows errors in punctuation, improper word usage
, participial phrasing, clauses of reason and more. Hard Errors are those known as problems 80% of the time; Flags are suspected errors that need a discriminating eye. Copy the analysis and save it in your own file. Knowing which areas to review and which ones are clean frees up time to devote to those processes of editing requiring human evaluation such as Point of View. Read more information on DARedit’s capabilities at the end of
this page.
What I Found:
DARedit will analyze the body of the text in ema
Last night my partner brought me flowers and tools: diagonal pliers to replace the ones he broke, and joint pliers because mine do not work very well. Another woman might have offered an evil eye for a gift of tools, but for me it was perfect.
Embrace who you are.
I learned a long time ago that I don’t fit in the usual boxes. To some people, like my sister, my having nine careers in thirty-four years seems flighty and unfocused. Others see my ability and willingness to shift lanes as adventurous. For me, it has just been the natural progression of my life.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller
So often we become stuck in society’s boxes of what is acceptable or what is required of us to move forward. Almost every writer experiences these judgments at some point. When leaving a well paying corporate job to work from home. The stigma of following a creative passion versus a good business position. The credentials needed to fulfill a dream.
A friend once told me, “If God gave you the inspiration you are already qualified.”
The world is in a topsy-turvy state. We are in a flux where no one decision is the “right” one. Work for yourself or someone else? Stay in the business world or pursue creative drive? Print publications or eBook? What kind of platform works best and is FaceBook really necessary? With the economy constantly shifting, the benefits of long-term employment no longer secured and conventional marketing loosing ground society has no choice but to roll with the shifting sand.
Don’t be stressed, be happy!
This chaotic state offers us the gift of choosing our own way, the space to create new paradigms. It is as if a big, dry-erase pad is sweeping through all the old, tired models and leaving us with a big, blank board. The only question is…
What will you place on it?
by Robyn Chausse
"There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full"--Henry Kissinger
Most of the time I feel I am jogging alongside the bus; happily busy checking off my list. Other times the bus runs me over. For the past few weeks I’ve been in a in a bus-runneth-over state.
I’ll bet you’ve been here…juggling a colicky relationship, financial matters, the care of aging parents, deadlines, social obligations and the weeds in your front yard. Just when all the balls are in the air and you’ve got the rhythm down someone tosses another ball--of a different weight—and it throws you right off. Please excuse the mixed metaphors, it’s 1 AM and the little editor in my head has clocked out.
This isn’t the first time I’ve been clicking away while the neighborhood sleeps. On the up side, there are no distractions and it is a short commute to my bed. I do wonder though, how common is it for those of us working from home to put in extended hours? Do unscheduled demands throw off your juggling act? How do you handle life’s little emergencies?
Share your thoughts with your friends…
Robyn Chausse
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Robyn and Don:
Great interview. I know that this type of program would help many of my writing friends, too. What I love about this interview is your message that the main reason we need to learn grammar and punctuation is to make our message clear. YES! YES! YES! I completely agree with this. Thanks for sharing your software and the hard work that goes into it.