My Favorite Tools

In Tools of the Trade from Sioux's Page, Sioux asks,

“What are some of your favorite tools? Do you have a computer program that helps you as you masterpiece up your manuscript? Where do you weigh in when it comes to pens?”

My favorite tools are my laptop and my phone. I think if my house were on fire, next to my purse, my laptop would be the next thing I grab. When we go traveling, my laptop is always with me. I’ve taken it camping and I’ve taken it on cruises.

When writing, I use Microsoft Word because I’ve used it for years and I’m comfortable with it. Even though I now have a MacBook Pro, I have installed Word on it. Of course if I didn’t already have a subscription for the program, I would probably try Pages since it comes with my laptop but I feel why invent the wheel if I don’t have to. When I write letters or reply to emails, I usually compose it in Word before I copy and paste it into the final copy. It is easier for me to edit, refine, check grammar and spelling and revise it without worrying about accidentally sending it by the slip of a click.

I am trying to wean myself off the use of pen and paper unless I absolutely have to. I used to always write up my grocery list on an excel spreadsheet (along with the aisles of the store where I can find the items) and then print it out. When I get to the store, I would mark them off as I put the item in the cart. Now I email the list to myself and open it on my phone at the store. I don’t mark it off because I go aisle-by-aisle getting things so it doesn’t matter. If I can’t find something, I use the voice recorder on my phone to take note of what to put on my list for next time.  I’m also using the voice recorder for small reminders instead of writing notes to myself. This is great when I get inspired for a blog post and I don’t want to forget about it.

So readers, what are your favorite tools? Please share.