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| Debby works on her AlphaSmart. |
Debby Giusti here!
I first posted this article in March 2012 and thought it might be a fun way to get us pumped for Speedbo 2016. In case you're wondering, I still use my AlphaSmart to create the first draft of my stories, as well as my blog posts.
Anyone who has stopped by
Seekerville in the last month knows we’re in the middle of SpeedBo. At least 118 writers have been feverishly cranking
out pages to complete—or come close to completing—a book in a month. Read through the blog comments each day, and
you’ll be inspired by the hard work and persistence of the committed folks
pushing forward to the finish line.
Our techniques vary. Some write early in the morning; others turn
on their computers late at night. Pantsers
rely on a flow of inspiration with seemingly little prior planning, while
plotters work from a detailed outline that guides them as they write. No matter
how we attack the SpeedBo challenge, the final result is increasing our page
tally and eventually typing THE END on our stories.
Ask writers about the tools
they use to enhance their creativity and up their daily page count, and they
might mention a good laptop or a Netbook, perhaps even an iPad.
For me, it’s my AlphaSmart. The word processor was developed in 1992 by
two engineers, who had previously worked for Apple Computer. According to Wikipedia, their goal was to "deliver affordable,
lightweight, rugged portable computing devices." While the AlphaSmart was initially created
for classroom use, the company soon realized their product appealed to writers,
as well.
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| AlphaSmart 3000 |
AlphaSmart, Inc, eventually
sold to Renaissance Learning and changed their name to NEO Direct, Inc. Their
newest model, the NEO2, comes with a built-in spell check, thesaurus and
calculator as well as wireless printing capability.
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| NEO2 Courtesy Renaissance Learning Inc. |
Another favorite, the Dana, has more bells and
whistles, and according to the company, is the “Ultimate Palm-Powered Writing
Tool.”
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| The Dana Courtesy Renaissance Learning Inc. |
I have
the AlphaSmart 3000, an older model that has served me well for almost ten
years. The screen shows only a few lines of text, and the simple commands prevent
me from editing my work so I just keep writing…and writing…and writing.
Each of its eight files holds
23 to 24 typewritten pages, which can be downloaded, via a USB cable, to my
computer. Do the math. For a 300-page manuscript, I need to fill 12
files. After completing ten books, I now see the story laid out in 24-page increments
and can judge my progress by how many files I’ve filled.
My Alpha runs on three AA batteries. Since it weighs less than two pounds, I can take it anywhere and work no matter where I go—while in the carpool line or at the doctor’s office, even standing in the kitchen, waiting for water to boil.
Over the past few months, I’ve
tried to change my writing method and go to a daily page count of clean copy,
like some of our more productive Seekers. But what works for them left me
frustrated and blocked.
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| The first Speedbo |
When we started blogging
about SpeedBo, I still had more than half of my current book to finish. Needing to jump start my production rate, I
reached, once again, for my AlphaSmart.
As the files filled, I
breathed a sigh of relief and realized writing a fast first draft is the way I
work best. Yes, the draft requires heavy
edits, but when I have words on the page, I can see the story unfold and know
where changes need to be made.
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| Speedbo Sign Up Details are Here. |
With only ten days left in
March, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learned this month. The most important
lesson is that I need to trust myself and the way I write. The AlphaSmart allows me to push forward and
get pages written in a timely manner without stopping to edit. In my opinion,
that spells success.
Wishing you abundant
blessings,
Debby Giusti
By Debby Giusti
DANGEROUS
INHERITANCE
When Carrie
York arrives at the house she inherited from her father in an Amish community,
she's shocked to discover a soldier's body on the property. Her neighbor, army
special agent Tyler Zimmerman, starts investigating the murder, and Carrie
fears it's related to her father's mysterious death. Tyler doesn't trust the
pretty speechwriter or the suspicious timing of her arrival—especially since
her boss is responsible for his father's death. But when someone attacks
Carrie, Tyler insists on protecting her. With his help, will Carrie be able to
hold on to her inheritance and her life?
Order
your copy HERE!
Also available...
The Agent's Secret Past, by Debby Giusti, winner of the 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award for Suspense ...
and Courting Ruth, by Emma Miller ...
A two-in-one reissue that features Amish heroines you're sure to love!
Join me Saturday if you're in the neighborhood...
