Hard Copy vs. E-reader What’s Your Preference?

Traditionally, when you go to a book store that’s what you get a book or a magazine.  Now the world has a new choice in settling down to read that book that you have been waiting for, it’s called an e-reader. So, what’s the big hoopla about these little flat screen devices that hold so much information? I decided to check it out.

 There are several to choose from. I chose the nook purchased through Barnes and Noble, and the Kindle through Amazon. Both offer there own bonuses. 

 Depending how much you read books and other stuff, this will determine which e-reader is a good fit for you. Even though I prefer the traditional way of reading, the e-reader is cool to have.

 When testing out the nook, books, newspapers, and magazines are downloaded quickly.  There are two to choose from, the nook Wi-Fi or the nook with Wi-Fi plus 3G with color. The nook with color is mainly used for magazines.  Price is $149 for Wi-Fi only and $199 for the color upgrade. You can lend books to friends that have this device, can read in sunlight without having to worry about glare, and can read eBooks in the store. The nook weighs about 12 ounces with a 6” screen.

 The Kindle e-reader is the leader in the e-reader category with its high speed download ability. This device like the nook can be purchased with or with out 3G both have the Wi-Fi feature. Wi-Fi only is $139 and the 3G feature boosts up the price to a hefty $189. The Kindle has a 6” screen and weighs 8.7 ounces. Battery life lasts up to 1 month. The Kindle also has access to high speed data for downloads at no extra charge. There is glare protection, so reading in sunlight is not a problem. There is this awesome feature where the text can turn to speech in the English language. Again, it’s personal preference.

 If you are a writer, an e-reader is essential to have because it not only is it a great innovation, but writers have to stay in the loop with new technology. Things are constantly changing in the world of publishing. The e-reader is a global device that gives writers a choice in marketing their work. This virtual bookstore shows how technology has come a long way in making reading a modern convenience. As for me, I will incorporate reading from the e-reader, but I still prefer the old school style of turning pages.

So You Wanna Be A Writer?

 I’m a writer.  Well, at least I think I am.  Having a history in the media, and being an editor kind of helps me to claim that right.  When manuscripts from perspective writers cross my desk, I look for certain elements that let me know that they really take this skill seriously. 

In mastering the English language or any other language, the manuscript must make sense.  Subject verb agreement and a sentence that can be written in more than one way that says the same thing shows the concept has been mastered.  This is where a level of clarity is easily found.

 Study the following tips in your quest to becoming a good writer:

•  Be an avid reader – read different authors not just the authors in the genre that you are writing in.  Reading a good writer helps for you to become one!
• Recognize your writing style – whether it’s journalism or writing fiction learn your style in studying different genres.
• Take a writing class or workshop – classes and workshops provide other resources for writers in all genres.  Your manuscript will have a chance to be critiqued and it’s a great source for networking!
• Edit your own work – Sending off a manuscript to a publisher that you have not edited is not a good practice.  Ok nobody’s perfect, but this tip is essential in getting your manuscript published.  Have a trusted friend read your writing.  This will assist you in your rewrites.
• Make sure your writing environment is comfortable – There’s nothing like a writing environment with no distractions.  Prevent unwanted distractions by scheduling your writing time.  It’s what makes you comfortable.
• Be conversational in your writing – Invite the reader into your world by writing the way you talk.  Conversational writing is important in many genres because you don’t want the writer to have to work hard in understanding the story.
• Be descriptive in your writing – Being descriptive in your writing will help the reader visualize the scene.  For example, instead of saying “I listened to the music.”  Say, “I listened to the music while reminiscing about our times together.”  You get the point right? 

 Try to incorporate these tips as you progress in your writing.  Take one day at a time, find a comfortable spot, and start to see a positive difference in your writing.  Don’t give up before you get started.  The writer in you will eventually come out and you will hopefully be on your way to the bestseller’s list!