For the most part, these tools have to do with staying synced with multiple devices as a lot of my time when I am writing, I am not always on the same computer. I do have my one main little netbook computer that I use to do most of my writing, but sometimes find that I like to write at my desk with my laptop or desktop computers. This created issues while writing my first book, because I sometimes got lost on which version of the file was the latest version.

One of the first programs that I started to use, and this one is the greatest tool I found for backing up and keeping files in sync. The program is called Dropbox. The program is simple, and free for up to 2 gb of usage. With dropbox, you first create an account with them, and then install the program on each of your computers. Once installed, you just log into your account on each of your computers.

This will set up a folder on each computer, and everything that is “dropped” into that folder will be synced nearly instantly to any of your computers. It also keeps a remote version of the file uploaded to their servers for access if you needed to log into your account while not at any of your computers. This is good for using public computers if you needed quick access to print a file you were working on.

How I use this “dropped” folder, is that I have that folder set up as the default folder in which I save my writing. I use this for many other applications and find that the 2 gigabytes of storage is more than enough space for basic usage.
https://www.dropbox.com/

Another tool that I use that also helps keeps things synced is an Iphone App called “Simplenote.” I like simplenote because it is a lite weight text editing program that is great for making quick notes to myself. I use this a lot when I have an idea on the go that I want to jot down in my phone. Now what is nice about this able and makes it better than most the others out there, is that with this app, I can then instantly access that note on each of my computers, both pc and mac. It has both software to install on both platforms, and in fact, is what I am currently typing the rough draft for this blog post in.

I should also mention that while this is primarily meant to be an Iphone app, it doesn’t have to be used 100% in that fashion.  For how I typed up the rough draft of this blog, I typed it on one computer in the program.  Closed it, and then opened it on another computer to cut and paste it into the blog.  I never actually used my Iphone while using the program.
http://simplenoteapp.com/

As you can tell, I like to keep things synced. That to me is one of the greatest issues I had while writing my first novel, was keeping up with my ideas. I would have an excellent idea, but would write it down somewhere or record it somewhere, never to be able to find it again. It was very frustrating, and I actually feel that my first novel did suffer a little because of it.

Now my last recommendation for today is another item that “syncs,” but this one is for voice recording. It is called “ITalk Sync.” Once again, it is an Iphone App, and you probably guessed what appeals to me about this app. Yes, it syncs. The voice files sync to my computer for quick access. I like this because a large part of my best brainstorming is while I am driving. I also like that this app uses a simple interface of a large red butten, easy to press while driving so I don’t have to take my eyes off of the road.
http://www.italksync.com/

These are three of my favorite basic tech tools to help keep my life a little simpler when it comes to writing. I invite you to submit any ideas that you have or feedback to jason@iamdavis.com or follow me and direct message me on Twitter @iamjasondavis. If you have any other great ideas, or software tips to help you write, I encourage you to send them.

-Jason R. Davis

Which I hope that will be in the next couple of weeks. Also, I hope to have a newsletter set up for it as well as well as for this website by the end of the week.

In other news.
Through the FOF Publishing website, for a limited time, “Inside the Mirrors” in pdf format is being given away. That’s right, you read, your eyes didn’t deceive you. FREE, “Inside the Mirrors”, available now!

Just visit http://fofpub.festivalsoffright.com

Thank You,

Jason R. Davis

It will take me some time to get used to the site and to get it all configured, but I like it. I hope to post more soon and to keep everyone updated.

Thanh you and, and please, keep reading.

Signed,
Jason R. Davis