Recording: Writing Tools
The typical Microsoft Word word processing software is structured more for writing small documents like business memos and briefing notes. Therefore, some historians have switched to using software which allows for better immersion while writing, as well as better organization of notes and drafts. One of these tools is Scrivener, as was mentioned in HIST 2809. Zenwriter is another software with similar organization features that totally closes writers off from other distracting applications on their computer.
Citation managers can be useful for both research and writing. It allows for an easy organizer of sources found throughout the research process, particularly online sources. Then when it comes time to write, sources can be more easily incorporated into footnotes, endnotes and works cited. In HIST 2809, zotero was suggested as an option. Another option is RefWorks which are generally managed through library sites.
Writtenkitten.net is a website that rewards writers with a picture of a kitten for every one hundred words written to motivate writers to press through their writer's blog for the reward of a cute animal picture. If the writer does not like cats or kittens, they can still use writtenkitten to see images of things they prefer by typing http://writtenkitten.net/?search=whatever you want to see (for example "bunny" or "puppy"). Writtenkitten is a useful site for tracking word count on a project. It also might prevent excuses for procrastination as it brings cute animal pictures directly to the writer so they do not have to search for them.