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Tag: writing

Here’s an accessible desktop app to help you weave a web of words

Published March 7, 2011 by L. Legendary

Ever since I began writing regularly, I’ve been searching for an enhanced dictionary and thesaurus tool that would be available inline with my word processor.  Unsure of exactly what I wanted, I was willing to go the CD ROM route, but I preferred a plug-in that would not necessitate leaving the desktop; perhaps a software download that would allow me access to a better selection of definitions and synonyms than those available in the various writing programs that I use. the issue, as always, has been one of accessibility. There are some great editor’s products and writing tools available, but not to me, since I use a screen reader. I finally found one in the form of a free download called Word Web.
 
Word Web is a little gem that can plug in to almost any word processor you are using.  One feature that was important to me is the ability to stay on the desktop, and not be forced online to get a synonyms list, if my word processor did not have a built-in thesaurus.  Case in point, Jarte, which is one of my favorite programs.  When in Jarte, I can now just click on the thesaurus option and Word Web pops right up in my document. It is easy to use, although I do admit that it is not necessarily intuitive, until you realize that the menu structure is that of a system of tabs.  You can tab to various options, then make your choice from what appears in the tab.

 
Word Web offers a free download, subject to the user agreement.  The basic paid version, Word Web Pro, without add-ons, is only $20. While the free version will certainly get you where you need to go, I recommend the paid version if you are a serious writer who needs access to advanced tools such as collegiate dictionaries and an augmented selection of words, pronunciations and variations.

 

What makes Word Web unique is that you are not stuck with the short list of obvious choices that are typically found in most word processors.  You are also given a list of examples of usage, nearest words, synonyms, and other types of the chosen word.  I have found this particularly useful when I’ve written myself into a corner, produced a perfectly horrible sentence, and have needed a way out.  By showing me other versions of the same word, and examples of how I might use it, I can obliterate the offending prose and rework the sentence to my satisfaction.  If you purchase Word Web, there is an included list of audio pronunciations that is professionally recorded and would be very useful to anyone, but especially non-native English speakers.  What a great idea.  Also,since there are times when the text-to-speech synthesizer in a screen reader program doesn’t get the pronunciation exactly right, having the Word Web audio as verification could be a lifesaver.

 

Get it here:  Word Web

 

LL   

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Improve your writing with an old gem made modern

Published January 15, 2011 by L. Legendary

For bloggers and amateur writers, especially those who are somewhat, um, removed from English Comp in middle or high school, crafting your message with surgical precision can be frustrating.  I just finished reading a book that I cannot recommend highly enough.  If you are a writer  who wishes  to improve your technique yet who cringes at the thought of returning to school, this is a great read.  You may recall from the aforementioned school that a textbook called "The Elements of Style" was used in many English composition classes.  If you want to take a quick refresher course on the subject, get this book and read it again.  You will be amazed, as was I, at how much you will benefit.  After finishing the book, I immediately returned to page one and began rereading.  So inspiring is this little book that I have now embarked upon a reading binge consisting entirely of books about writing.

 

It is hard to find the time to join a writing club, take a college course through an extension or online program, or to find a teacher willing to regularly critique or correct your work.  This short text is the next best thing.  I bought my copy from Audible.com.  Getting the book in audio format is advantageous for several reasons.  One reason is the convenience for commuters and people with print disabilities.  another reason  this alternative format is useful is that the reader is encouraged to use his or her ears as a scalpel when editing.  It is valuable to hear the provided examples, along with the rules for effective  English usage.  Further, the notion of listening to your composition as you revise your drafts  makes use of my own writing secret weapon.     
            
At first, you may believe it to be a tip benefiting only writers who are blind, but I assure you my secret will benefit anyone.  give it a try.  It is simply a twist on the old advice to read your work aloud.  My secret is that I use a screen reader to read aloud everything that happens on the computer.  A person who is blind and who uses a computer must do so with the aid of this assistive tool.  Menus, icons, error messages, dialogue boxes, email, and word processing documents are read aloud by a text-to-speech reader.  The screen readers specifically for people who are blind are in most cases prohibitively expensive, but you can find simpler and cheaper text-to-speech readers that are not necessarily meant to be accessible for blind PC users.

 

How will this improve your writing?  If you do not have a friend  at hand each time you complete a draft, or you have difficulty in reading aloud while maintaining aural objectivity, the synthesized voice will be a helpful means by which to hear your prose.  Now I depend entirely on my hearing to revise my work, but I remember from earlier sighted days that there seemed to be a point at which I could no longer reliably look at my text and catch the mistakes.  I would often overlook punctuation and grammar errors, simply because I had reviewed the work countless times with fatigued eyes, thus diminishing accuracy.

 

Here’s the link to the book in audio:

 

The Elements of Style, revised.

 

Do you have a favorite book on writing to suggest?  I’ll be glad to post your recommendations below.  For me, writing is a great pleasure in life, partly because unlike life, I can edit, revise or delete the unacceptable.  Beautiful.

LL

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Windows Live Writer for easier editing?

Published April 5, 2010 by L. Legendary

I’m experimenting with Windows Live Writer today.  I’ve been having trouble with my blog posts, as they appear to have oddly placed hard line breaks that disrupt the visual flow and readability.

 

What looked interesting about this program is that it may add a layer of accessibility to the Word Press platform that bridges the gap between the admin “back door” area and the use of a word processor.  I’ve been having trouble with html conflicts, so I switched to a text editor, and now I have the word wrap/line break issues.  I’ve now tried Word, Word Pad, Notepad, Jarte and email, both html and plain text.  None of the results look particularly good, so I’m testing out Windows Live Writer. 

 

This program offers more than a text editor in that there is some formatting and editing features that text editors do not have.  These include font formatting, colorizing , previewing posts and  spell check. 

 

You can also easily insert video and links, and add a variety of plugins that make publishing even easier and more flexible. 

 

If you  are having issues with any of the programs you are using now but need something better than the admin interface in your blog’s dashboard, give this a try.

 

LL

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