Monday, June 4, 2012
What's in your toolbox?
For Christmas The Engineer gave me a second monitor for the computer. Not only is he the best most supportive husband ever, he's also very tech savy and can do things like this.
They sit side by side on my desk. And yes, my desk is right in front of a window. This has been one of the nicest things EVER! It is so nice to have the extra monitor space as I'm working on my edits. I can have my WIP open on one side, and a beta's edited copy on the other so I can compare. Or I can have the old version of a scene and my new draft. I can drag things back and forth between monitors if I need to rearrange things. This is one of my favorite tools in my writers toolbox. What's your favorite tool in your toolbox.
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Sara - I'm so jealous right now! I have another friend who has two screens - she says she couldn't live without them. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYou get used to it so fast. I would have a VERY hard time going back to one.
DeleteHa! Sara, I just posted on my "low tech" tools--mug and pen. LOL! I'm bad enought with one monitor, I think I'd be lost with two. ; )
ReplyDeleteWell, they're important too. I used my pen and notebook to write the first chapter of a new story at lunch. Even with the luxury of computers we still go back to pen. :)
DeleteI should say two monitors is just like having one really big one. There's nothing to get used to really so you'd be fine!
DeleteSO my boss at work has been trying to get me to have 2 monitors for like 2 years, and I told him no I don't need it. But our new server made it necessary for me to have the 2nd monitor. Man now I want one at home. When I'm editing on my lunch break I do the same thing. I used to print the beta notes out and edit. Now I just have them on separate screens. I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteI had told hubby in the past that I didn't NEED them. And I didn't, though I could see the benefits. But now that I have them I don't want to go back. I've heard that a thrice used luxury becomes a need. Yep, computer monitors fall into that category.
DeleteSo jealous! (; I would love that kind of space especially since I always have several windows/aps open at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt does come in handy. I highly recommend trying it.
DeleteThat's awesome! My husband is supportive too, but it's hard for me to get serious about writing. My family, work, the house- everything pulls me in different directions. A dedicated workspace like that would be a dream!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to focus with all the other demands of life. I highly recommend a work space. Even if it's just a chair under the stairway or in a closet. Somewhere you can go to shut out life, well, as much as anyone can.
DeleteWell, I thought I was tech savvy... but I didn't know about the double monitor deal. What a great idea. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty amazing.
DeleteOh that does seem easier than flipping back and forth between screens. Too bad there's not enough room on my desk for a second monitor. :(
ReplyDeleteMy desk is pretty crowded but it was worth having to move everything else off (except the keyboard and my little purple walrus writing friend)
Delete*love* !!!!! We have the same set up... it's soooooo nice, yes??? I feel like I'm a secret spy with all my technology, LOL. ;)
ReplyDeleteShhhhh, you're not supposed to tell people about the secret spy thing.
DeleteSooo nice. I couldn't go back.
That is awesome! I'm so NOT tech savvy that I didn't even know you could do such things.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I am totally embarrassed that I still haven't gotten your book back to you yet. I am lame. Please forgive me!
No problem. I totally understand the pressures of life. If you have comments I'd still be interested in hearing them, if you get around to it.
DeleteOh my goodness! I am super jealous. Like... ooozing green envy through the computer kind of jealous. That has got to be fabulous. What a great hub you have!
ReplyDeleteEeep, I didn't mean to make people covet. Still, if I can influence the world and get all writers to convert....Wait, what is this green goo on my keyboard???
DeleteThat is awesome! I am beyond jealous!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty cool.
DeleteI used to have that option on my office computer, but I write on my laptop...I don't think that would be economical to buy a screen and lug it around to Starbucks and such with me! :) But great idea.
ReplyDeleteYea, doesn't really work on a laptop. While I can draft on a laptop I find revisions and editing hard if I'm not on my desktop. I like to spread out.
DeleteWow, I never in a zillion years would have thought of that. I have an extra monitor too! Well, we're moving in a few weeks, so guess who's not only getting her own office, but 2 monitors now as well!
ReplyDeleteYay! and good luck with the move. Hope it all goes smoothly.
DeleteWow, two monitors?! That would mean I'd have to clear more space on my desk. Never. Going. To. Happen.
ReplyDeleteBut glad it works for you =)
So worth it! I just moved my stuff to a TV tray next to my desk. It's almost like having a bigger desk....
DeleteDid you know Terry Pratchett works with a bank of six monitors? I saw it on his TV documentaries and it looks pretty amazing. He has his first draft, edits, research, then probably his Twitter feed or something... unfortunately I only have my humble laptop but two monitors sounds like it would be very nice!
ReplyDeleteWow! No wonder Terry Pratchett is so awesome!
DeleteWow, that's awesome. I think that really would help me, since I find it hard to do edits on the computer.
ReplyDeleteSix monitors? Wow, Pratchett's amazing!
That. Is. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've done is open the copy with the notes on my desktop, and lounge on my laptop in front of that. Works great :-D