Navigating Technology as a Writer

I received an email recently enquiring about my skills at navigating technology as a writer. I was invited to share my favourite hacks and short cuts in using Microsoft Word. In answer to the question what’s your best technology tip? I recommend use of the read aloud function. I use a MacBook Air and it’s easy to set up this facility following these easy instructions. You can even choose the gender of your computer-generated voice. For Microsoft support click here.

I find the read aloud facility is particularly useful during the editing and proof reading phases of my writing.

Editing

I listen to the text (without following the words) as this enables me to hear (and make notes to correct):

continuity errorsclunky dialogueconsistency of each character’s voice

Proof reading

Listening helps to identify and correct

unintended rhymes and patterns in word userepeated wordsword omissionspunctuation issuestypos

If you haven’t used this facility before, it’s well worth trying out. It may help with fiction, non-fiction or even poetry. Why not give it a try and let me know how you get on?