There was a time when all a writer needed was ink, paper, a little bit of candlelight, and, of course, a great idea. While most writers are thankful that we’ve ditched our candles in favor of electric lights and our quills for pens or keyboards, Web Design Relief knows that not all writers are happy with the plethora of changes brought on by the digital revolution. If you’re a writer who’s also a digiphobe—someone who fears digital technology—here are a few tips to help you deal with your techno-jitters:
Use Technology That Lets You Keep It Old School
Fewer and fewer literary publications are accepting snail-mailed submissions, so writers who prefer to use typewriters or handwrite their manuscripts will feel more pressure to type their final draft into a computer in order to submit their work via email or a submission manager.
The good news, however, is that programs like Evernote or Microsoft’s OneNote mean you don’t have to change your writing habits. Writers can simply upload a picture of their handwritten or printed manuscript, and the app will convert it into an editable Word file that is ready to be submitted! Be aware, these programs often work better with typed text than handwriting.
Focus Only On The Elements You Need
Writers who aren’t comfortable with computers often shy away from using them because they feel overwhelmed by options. The seemingly endless series of tabs and drop-down menus can leave you feeling paralyzed by choice. But there’s now a solution, thanks to programs like FocusWriter, which offers a no-nonsense, distraction-free experience emphasizing simplicity above all else. It’s perfect for any writer who wants to get back to the basics, and it even includes optional typewriter sound effects for the nostalgic among us!
Ask For Help From Someone Tech-Savvy
While it’s possible to write without having to interact with a computer, the same cannot be said about the submission process. The vast majority of publications require that submissions be made through online submission managers or via email, and they often require that your manuscript be formatted according to a particular set of specifications. If you find the technical aspects of making online submissions are totally out of your wheelhouse, ask a tech-savvy friend or family member to guide you through every step of the process. If you’d rather turn to professionals for assistance, the submission strategy experts at Writer’s Relief can help!
Face Your Fear—And Conquer It!
The more you know about computers and how they can make your writing life easier, the less scary and frustrating computers will be! Computers and the Internet can be great time-savers. No more correction tape or scribbling out—just hit delete and type in your edits! And on a cold, rainy day, conducting research from the comfort of home has great appeal. If you want to take the first step toward dealing with your computer qualms, here’s a beginner’s guide to using a computer. You can also sign up for a computer course at your local library or community college.
Question: Do you prefer using a pen and paper or a computer keyboard?
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