Comments on: 12 Gift Ideas for Aspiring Writers

By: Daniel Vreeman

Daniel Vreeman — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:09:00 +0000

Given your high praise for it, I’m surprised not to see an Evernote premium subscription on the list.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:17:00 +0000

I love these posts with lists! Fascinating to find out what other professionals are using. I switched to Scrivener a few months. I love how it helps in getting my ideas laid-out and in order. I am a graduate student and do a lot of writing for class. I also hope to write a (few) books in the future, so I am basically practicing now.

Thanks for the suggestions of “The Elements of Style”, I do need help in the grammer department.

Merry Christmas!!!

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Great suggestion. Thanks.

By: Phyllis Dolislager

Phyllis Dolislager — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:26:00 +0000

What about a subscription to Writer’s Digest?

By: Phyllis Dolislager

Phyllis Dolislager — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:25:00 +0000

I agree. I wasn’t going to add it–then I saw your post.

By: Karenv_2003

Karenv_2003 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:18:00 +0000

The fire in the fiction-Donald Maas, How to write a damn good novel parts 1 and 2, writing the break out novel and workbook

By: 12 Gift Ideas for Aspiring Speakers | Michael Hyatt

12 Gift Ideas for Aspiring Speakers | Michael Hyatt — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:06:04 +0000

[...] 12 Gift Ideas for Aspiring Speakers // Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to my free email updates. For a limited time, I will give you a copy of my brand new e-book, Creating Your Personal Life Plan, just for subscribing! You may also want to follow me on Twitter.I am always on the lookout for unique gifts that would resonate with people’s secret aspirations. If you know someone who aspires to be a professional speaker—or perhaps someone who is already doing some speaking—then these gifts might provide you with an idea or two. (I also have a list for writers here.) [...]

By: Christopher Scott

Christopher Scott — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:27:00 +0000

My favorite writing gifts:

- InerGel Pens, &
- Legal pads

That’s all I need for writing. Thanks for my many good friends and girlfriend, I have a big stockpile of them as I move into 2011.

By: jackthebest

jackthebest — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:38:02 +0000

I don't agree with the choice of the Mont Blanc as the best pen of the world.. I know some collectors and they prefer other brands such as Aurora, Delta, Pelikan, Parker and so on!
Have a look here (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/) and here (http://www.comelity.com/en/items/Writing-Instruments/Ballpoint/)!

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:23:15 +0000

their is a software for windows called Writers Cafe that is fairly comparable to Scrivener. Its a little more expensive around $45 but seems like a solid writing tool for us PC users.

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By: Ryan Plantz

Ryan Plantz — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:36:28 +0000

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet – 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamotte. If anything, it simply adds fuel to the love of writing for the writer and may also inspire him or her to write a bit more.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:21:17 +0000

Actually, I love Stephen King. He is one of my favorite authors.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:20:42 +0000

Since I don’t use Windows, I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions. Maybe someone else can jump in here with some suggestions. Thanks.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:19:24 +0000

Not that I am aware of. Maybe someone else can chime in here. I haven’t used a PC for years, so I just haven't been in that market.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:18:30 +0000

If you still using a PC, my first suggestion is buy a Mac. ;-)

Seriously, someone else will have to chime in here. I haven't used a PC for years, so I am not sure what is available. I'll bet there are some good packages. Thanks.

By: IrmBrown

IrmBrown — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:37:43 +0000

Good list… but what about those of us still using a PC and not a MAC… suggestions for writing software? just curious.
My recent post Sadducees and Pharisees

By: IrmBrown

IrmBrown — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:37:43 +0000

Good list… but what about those of us still using a PC and not a MAC… suggestions for writing software? just curious.
My recent post Sadducees and Pharisees

By: james

james — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:01:25 +0000

Is there anything like scrivner for windows

By: Cindy_Graves

Cindy_Graves — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Thanks for this list.

Someone on a blog somewhere this past summer (it may have even been you) recommended "Writing for the Soul" by Jerry B. Jenkins. It's not only packed with great and pratical advice, but it's also full of entertaining stories.
He even suggests some of the same books you have included here. Can't ignore two obvious experts, can we? :)

By: @BenjaminNeeley

@BenjaminNeeley — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:56:56 +0000

I download the free trial and was immediately impressed. A sermon needs to take the listener on a journey, so it is the duty of the preacher to organize the parts of that journey (teaching, reading, exegesis, illustration) in the most effective way. The cork board and labeling features help with this organization. Incredible piece of software. Thank you for the tips.

By: Dan Clark

Dan Clark — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:51:34 +0000

Thanks for these suggestions. What software would you recommend for those of us still tied to Windows?

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:04:25 +0000

Good advice! I never knew that Moleskin was pronounced that way. I felt surprised when I saw that a Stephen King book got on your list, but now it makes sense looking at the subject of the book. In fact, it looks like something I'd pick up and read, too. Merry Christmas! My recent post Mondays With Mac: Christmas Memories

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:53:36 +0000

I think it is worth giving a try. They have a 30-day trial version that is fully functional. You can try it and see what you think. Once you have done so, I'd love to hear what you think.

By: Peter_P

Peter_P — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:24:45 +0000

Thanks for this, Mike. It's a great list. My recent post I’m Guest Posting Today

By: MUST READ Monday 12/21/09 | Thoughts about Nothing*com

MUST READ Monday 12/21/09 | Thoughts about Nothing*com — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:27:07 +0000

[...] -Michael Hyatt gives 12 resources for Aspiring Writers [...]

By: Kyle Reed

Kyle Reed — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:26:29 +0000

Some kind of reminder or kick in the pants once a month.

By: @BenjaminNeeley

@BenjaminNeeley — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:20:24 +0000

Mr. Hyatt, I am preacher who is writing a book while preaching every Sunday. Do you think Scrivener could be used to organize a sermon series as well as a non-fiction book? Benjamin Neeley My recent post Spiritual Spit-up

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:59:54 +0000

It must be because he has an older version of MS Word. In our company, we have a mix of PCs and Macs, all running MS Word. We exchange documents effortlessly. I use Pages frequently and export it as an MS Word file. No one has ever complained.

By: johnmrowley

johnmrowley — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:06:12 +0000

I did get the trial version of Scrivener and love it! I just put the 4 chapters from my proposal into it and it is much easier to organize! Thanks so much for the guidance you share with us! My recent post Vitamin D and Athletic Performance

By: johnmrowley

johnmrowley — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:02:52 +0000

Thank you Michael. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. My recent post Vitamin D and Athletic Performance

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:00:48 +0000

Scrivener has its own outliner, so you don't really need both. By the way, I think they offer a trial version, so you can see for yourself before purchasing it.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:53:58 +0000

These sound like two wonderful resources. I will check them out. Thanks for the recommendation!

By: Michael McCurry

Michael McCurry — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:01:13 +0000

Michael,

Thank you for this article… there really was some terrific information in it!

Needless to say I will be spending some money as a result, as I plan to buy the Moleskin, and a couple of the books.

Hope your holidays are fantastic and thanks for all the great blog articles this year!

@michaelmccurry
My recent post Twitter For Presentations — Channel Or Context, Whats Appropriate??

By: John Richardson

John Richardson — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:37:52 +0000

Michael, another great list. As a long time blogger, I was encouraged last year to write a book by many of my blogging friends. Since my blog is about personal development, I figured I would do a non-fiction book like many other people in the field. A top ten list or success strategies style work.

As I sat down to write, I made a list of books that had a profound effect on my life over the last ten years. I wanted to figure out what captured my attention, so I could fashion my book around those powerful ideas.

What I quickly found was that storytelling was number one. My favorite personal development books all had amazing stories in them. The best were small books from Og Mandino, that had powerful characters and motivational messages, such as the human ragpicker in his classic work, "The Greatest Miracle in the World."

After looking at the list, I knew I had to create a compelling story. The problem was, I had never written fiction before. To get started, I purchased quite a few books on writing and quickly devoured their content.

Then I started with the first sentence and never looked back.

A year later, with the help of an incredible editor, I have self published my first book entitled, The Path of Consequence. During the journey, two handbooks were incredibly helpful. The first was a small little pocketbook written in 1965, entitled The Lively Art of Writing by Lucile Vaughan Payne. This powerful little book was like having a college writing professor by your side. I can't recommend this enough to new writers.

The second was 'Stein on Writing" by Sol Stein. His classic work on editing techniques was so helpful. Almost every question I had about structure and content was answered. A few of his writing exercises in the book are worth the purchase price alone.

Finally, one free gift every writer can take away is a bookmark to your blog…
An excellent writers resource!
My recent post Do You Have a Heartfelt Goal?

By: johnmrowley

johnmrowley — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:37:39 +0000

Michael, sorry for all the questions, just at a critical point right now in completing my next book. Do you like the OmniOutliner Pro or Scrivener for authors writing and laying out a book or do you use them together? My recent post Vitamin D and Athletic Performance

By: Becky Miller

Becky Miller — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:24:47 +0000

Orson Scott Card's "How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy" is my favorite "how to write fiction" book. A few of the chapters are Sci Fi and Fantasy specific, but most of the book is applicable to all fiction writers. It's a short book and easy to read. One of the most helpful parts is his section of figuring out what type of story you're writing – Milieu, Idea, Character, or Event – and how that determines where your story starts and stops.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Science-Fiction-F…

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:23:12 +0000

John, yes. When you finish the book, you can export it as a Word document or a number of other formats.

By: @geoffreywebb

@geoffreywebb — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:52:20 +0000

I use Scrivener and love it!

I also use moleskines – or is it moleskinea? Apparently have been butchering the pronunciation so don't ask me about plurals.

As always, thanks for the list!
My recent post Leadership Lessons from Watching Football

By: johnmrowley

johnmrowley — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:07:23 +0000

Michael are authors using this to write their books? If so do you cut and paste everything into a document in order for the publisher to use it?

By: johnmrowley

johnmrowley — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:59:20 +0000

Michael are authors using this to write their books? If so do you cut and paste everything into a document in order for the publisher to use it? Thanks My recent post Vitamin D and Athletic Performance

By: patalexander

patalexander — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:35:03 +0000

I see that this post is going to cost me money. Luckily I already have Moleskin notebooks I use, Scrivner and a Mont Blanc pen. So may the biggest hit will be the OmniOutliner Professional. As always, thanks for sharing such great tools with us.

By: jackalopekid

jackalopekid — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:46:22 +0000

great ideas. love the moleskin

By: New Gadgets | 12 Gift Ideas for Aspiring Writers

New Gadgets | 12 Gift Ideas for Aspiring Writers — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:27:55 +0000

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