Stuff, Gizmos and Various Things for Writers

As long as there is a significant group of people who have similar interests there will be a marketing firm which wants to sell that group products. Some, of course, are only as useful as a paperweight when the window is closed. Still there are software packages, specialty pens, and low glare paper which some writers will swear have been a huge benefit.

So, how do you go about selecting a software package or a new helper tool? Use the writer's network which is built into the Internet, of course. Many e-mail discussion groups, or newsgroups, would not find it offensive to have a writer ask for suggestions on computer software or even comfortable pens. When I was deciding on a keyboard, I sent a small request to an e-mail discussion group. Within two days I had names of keyboard brands, and a list of ways to test a keyboard before buying. Sometimes, all it takes is just asking.

Places On-Line for Writers' Stuff

• The Working Writer: is a software package which tracks the business portion of freelance writing - from query letter to paycheck.
• The Writers' Computer Store: Writers' Computer Store was started in 1982 and they have the goal of gathering under one roof the best software and tools for writers.
• Journalism Jobs On-Line: is a place for (you guessed it!) finding a job! And, how many of us have been in that position?
• Freelance Online: is a directory of and resource center for freelancers in the fields of communication.
• Frontier Cooperative Herbs: is actually a commercial site for an Iowa-based "natural foods" company. But, they have lots of information on herbs and spices as well as aromatherapy which is a great reference for those writing on such topics. And, as if all that wasn't enough, my sweetie works there. :)
• Research Central: is a free, all-in-one search site which brings together 150 search tools and references under nine Internet categories.
• LOGOS: is a database which can translate words into many languages.
• Mike Croghan's Religion Page: is a wonderful resource for information on most any form of religion.
• Authorlink: showcases and matches quality manuscripts to publishers' needs.
• Electronic Sources: APA Style of Citation: is an on-line reference which shows how to attribute electronic sources in APA style.
• Merriam-Webster Online: is an on-line dictionary, free of charge.
• Internet Encyclopedia: isn't a "bad" resource, but I've never found it to have what I was looking for at the time.
• The Copyright Website: is an "excellent" resource for anyone wanting to C.Y.A. or learn.
• Bartlett's Quotations: Bartlett's Familiar Quotations - On-Line!
• Roget's Thesaurus: a gopher site for access to a thesaurus
• Electronic Sources: MLA Style of Citation: is an on-line reference which shows how to attribute electronic sources in MLA style.
• Library of Congress