Writer’s Toolbox: Slides & Number Generator
This is the first of a new series on writing tools and resources that we find useful. Comment below with your own favorite tools and we might share them in a future post.
Ideating Tool: Google Slides
You’ve probably used Google slides or Powerpoint for presentations, but have you ever used it to develop your ideas? I find it a great tool when I’m organizing my scattershot thoughts or trying to rearrange part of a novel that isn’t working.
To put slides to use, in quick shorthand jot your outline, ideas, goals, scenes, moments, or whatever - even inspiration images - onto individual slides. It doesn’t have to be pretty - no one will see this but you. Then put it in Grid View and start rearranging. If you want to test a different arrangement you can save as many copies as you need.
This method works for a few reasons. First, creating the slides helps me boil down each moment to its essential heart. Many times that is the enlightenment I need most. Second, looking at the story visually makes me notice things I might not otherwise. Such as where there are too many moments dragging the pace down or when I am cramming something in that doesn’t belong. Third, being able to rearrange as many times as I want frees me from the rigidity of working in an outline or a full document. This allows for some innovation I might not risk otherwise.
Once the slides are arranged how you want, it’s easy to follow the slides and start writing. If you get stuck, you can easily go in and rearrange the slides. Or drop in new slides when you think of them. I have always been a big fan of printing sections of text, then using scissors and tape to rearrange my thoughts. Using slides can be just like that, but with fewer trees killed.
Drafting Tool: Number generator and Coin Flip
I use number generators and coin flip daily whenever I can’t be bothered to make a decision. Not surprising then, I find them handy for writing. This might sound strange but go with me.
First, I usually have more than one project I’m working on at a time. Sometimes there is one that is clearly the priority, but a lot of times there’s not. I can easily waste 20 minutes deciding what to work on. With number generator, when I find myself vacillating, I assign each project a number and let ap kick my butt into gear.
To understand the second way I sure you need to know that I am a big believer in fast first drafts. Just get the story down, don’t spend years laboring over every sentence. The first draft will be bad, but then you can edit it into something beautiful. Coin flip and number generator help me keep things moving while I do that first draft.
For example, if I’m writing away and find myself overthinking which punchline is the best, or what sandwich the villain is eating, or whether the fight scene should happen in the basement or the attic I just toss a coin and keep going.
Don’t get me wrong, most of my writing choices are informed and orchestrated by the muse, but does the muse really care whether my main character’s suit is blue or grey? No. Let the coin decide. I can always change it later. The hours I save pondering a million indecisions easily makes up for the revising time.
(Note: The links here are a couple of options but any coin flip ap or number generator will work.)
We have lots more tools to share. Be sure to comment below with any tools you love and we’ll add them to the discussion.
