Write-In for the Win!
Thanks to all of the members of Citrus Crime Writers for inviting me to host a fun virtual write-in on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, from 2:00-3:00 pm. I led two fifteen-minute writing sprints for members. Sherry Morris blew us away with her high word counts with Martha Geaney and Jen Walsh right behind her. Our resident podcaster for WZRD Radio and self-described nerd, Bess Carnan, and Jen Walsh also shared their fun experiences with NaNo Orlando, including their virtual participation in “Writing Around Disney” write-in this week.
Aside from kick-starting our writing, the session provided a wonderful opportunity to share information about useful craft tools and events. For those considering software programs to aid their writing, several CCW members indicated good success with Scrivener, originally intended for use with Apple Computers, but now accessible on a wide range of platforms.
CCW members noted that there is a steep learning curve with Scrivener that they felt paid off in the end for moving around content or locating key plot elements and clues in one’s writing projects. They indicated that the program can be helpful for both “pantsers” and plotters”. Some options for learning about how to use Scrivener are listed below:
For advice on Scrivener, check out Gwenhernandez.com. Her site offers free articles, free classes and paid private instruction. Gwen is also the author of Scrivener for Dummies.For online classes, Charlotte Hunter, recommended The Loft Scrivener Class 101 with instructor, Nicole Kronzer. The website, Loft.org, offers different writing classes with registration fees.Charlotte Hunter and Martha Geaney also advised members about checking out a new software program that helps “plotter” authors outline their writing projects, aptly named Plottr. To round out our meeting, I pulled the winner in our drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card out of a fedora hat—Bess Carnan—congrats to Bess!
A great event with truly motivated writers. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone…gobble, gobble!!
