For those who liked the Apostrophe Song...

Shaun McNicholas from Cool Rules posted the following comment in response to The Apostrophe Song video I posted a few days ago:

 Thanks for posting this Debbie. You might like to know that it relates to an iPhone App, The Apostrophe Song, that has hip hop, rock, acoustic and dance versions of the song. The App also has quizzes that test users' knowledge of apostrophes, and classroom ready materials for teachers.There is also an opportunity for schools worldwide to be included on the next update of the App. You can buy it for only $1 (see www.coolrules.com ). Hope you don't mind this blatent self-promotion :-). The Apostrophe Song has been a labour of love...

Taskpaper: minimalist note-taking PLUS other favorite organization/writing apps

I'm a big fan of lists, and have been experimenting with various To Do list systems for quite a few years. Recently I've been using Culturedcode's Things, which syncs between a desktop version and my iPhone. While I like Things, in the past year I've found myself relying more on a plain text file. I suppose part of it is feature overload -- there are SO many great apps out there with all kinds of cool features, but sometimes I find myself spending way too much time fiddling with the settings. I started a plain text file for daily tasks out of a need to see just the bare content without the distractions of other stuff. Which brings me to Taskpaper, which was developed by Jesse Grosjean. Jesse is also the developer behind Writeroom, a minimalist writing environment. Taskpaper works like a simple text editor. From the website:

Works like a text editor Type your lists into TaskPaper and each line is formatted into a project, task, or note. TaskPaper doesn’t force a particular system on you; it provides you with basic to-do list elements and then you use them as you see fit. Feels like a magic piece of paper TaskPaper has a magic trick. It can instantly filter your entire list to show only items of interest. TaskPaper’s filter system is simple to use—focus on a particular project or tag with a single tap. It also supports advanced searching if need.

I've been using Taskpaper heavily on my desktop and iPhone lately, and am excited to hear that Jesse is working on an iPad version. After reading SimpleText, TaskPaper, WriteRoom, Notational Velocity – Going minimalist with my notes from Dougist.com, I decided to adopt some of his strategies. What I'm trying now: For longer writing projects, I use Scrivener. Not sure what will happen with that when I get my iPad, since it doesn't look as if there will be an iPad version of Scrivener. If I end up using my iPad for doing a lot of writing outside of my office, then I'll probably have to look for an alternative. For pure writing (not outlining), my favourite so far is WriteRoom. WriteRoom has improved its features and flexibility a great deal since it first launched; although the green text on black was cute, I found it hard on the eyes. Now that I can write on a lighter background, WriteRoom is back in my favourites list. WriteRoom also has an iPhone app. I use Evernote as my catch-all for everything: important e-mails, maps, audio notes, business card scans, screenshots, etc. plus a reference library for my comics. What I like best about Evernote: (1) search recognizes text and handwriting in images, (2) I can e-mail items directly to Evernote, (3) it syncs with my iPhone, (4) an iPad version will be available and (5) it's actively seeking partnerships with other app companies, making it more useful to me. I use Zengobi's Curio for visual brainstorming. What I like best about this product: (1) the drawing feature supports my Wacom Intuos tablet, (2) Evernote integration, (3) an iPad version will be available, (4) the wide variety of supported media appeal to my packrat nature, and I find it a huge creative boost. I've also just started checking out Notational Velocity and SimpleNote, mainly because they seem to work so well with Taskpaper and Writeroom. But back to Taskpaper... One of my only quibbles about Taskpaper is that the sync process is a bit of a pain. It took me a little while to get everything straight and I'm used to it now, but I suspect this is the factor that will keep Taskpaper from appealing to a wider audience. Anyway, in case there are other Mac users who are syncing between their desktop Taskpaper and the iphone app, I've put together a basic overview in laymen's terms of the process. I spent some time looking in vain for this kind of document when I first started using Taskpaper, so figure it might be useful to others out there: Taskpaper Syncing Tips For Mac Users with iPhones INSTALL SIMPLETEXT All the synching goes through SimpleText, so you need to install and run the SimpleText client from: http://www.hogbaysoftware.com/products/simpletext. When you run SimpleText, it may seem as if nothing happens. Look at the navigation bar at the top of your screen; the SimpleText icon is the black circle with the small white pencil inside. Click on it and choose "Open SimpleText folder" from the drop-down menu. Move any Taskpaper docs you want to sync into the SimpleText folder. TO GET CHANGES FROM YOUR DESKTOP TASKPAPER APP TO YOUR IPHONE TASKPAPER APP: After making your changes, save your Taskpaper document. If you followed the instructions above correctly, this document should reside in the SimpleText folder on your desktop. Click on the SimpleText icon at the top of your screen and choose "Sync" from the dropdown menu. This sends changes to SimpleText. On your iPhone Taskpaper app, go to the main Documents screen. Click on the icon on the top left corner: it should look like a small piece of paper with lines on it. Choose "Sync" from the drop-down menu. TO GET CHANGES FROM YOUR IPHONE TASKPAPER APP TO YOUR DESKTOP TASKPAPER APP: After making changes to the document on your Taskpaper iPhone app, make sure you click "Done" to save it. Go back to the main Documents screen. Click on the icon on the top left corner: it should look like a small piece of paper with lines on it. Choose "Sync" from the drop- down menu. This sends the changes to Simpletext. Back on your desktop computer, open Taskpaper. Click on the SimpleText icon at the top of your screen and choose "Sync" from the dropdown menu. NOTE: If you already had Taskpaper open, with the SAME document open that you've been changing on your iPhone, then you'll also need to go to Taskpaper on your desktop computer, click on the File menu and select "Revert to Saved." To other Taskpaper users: dod I miss anything? Feel free to point out corrections that need to be made to the info above. Many thanks to Lawrence, Elastic Threads, Eugene, Doug and others for their help. Related helpful docs and sites: Main Taskpaper website Developer's tips on how to sync Taskpaper to the iPhone Taskpaper overview video How other people are using Taskpaper Hog Bay Software blog Taskpaper forum

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New version of Black Mana Studio's Manuscript fixes import/export issues

Last month, I posted a review of Black Mana Studio's Manuscript app for the iPhone, saying it was a disappointment. The developer has released an update which appears to fix the import and export issues from an to Google Docs. I've only had a chance to do some preliminary testing, but so far everything appears to be working fine now. From Black Mana Studios:

Hi Inkygirl, We have just released a new version of Manuscript that deals with the points you’ve mentioned. It should be live on the app store within a few hours (or days, depends totally on Apple). After installing this new version (v1.1.3), you will be able to start documents on Google Docs and import them to the iPhone, as well as edit existing documents so they can be imported into Manuscript (even if they were not written on Manuscript). To do so, follow these simple guidelines (after you download v1.1.3): 1. First line is the Manuscript name 2. Second line is the author name 3. Each chapter starts with a number and then a dot, like “1. Chapter one”, “2. Another chapter” and so on. 4. Four lines of space before each chapter header will signify it is a chapter header. I have posted a document template on our support forums, under the Manuscript announcement section. We are always open to feedback and comments, and wish to constantly improve our app. Thanks, Aki, Black Mana Studios.

I still find the user interface takes a little getting used to, but at least I'll be able to save files into Google Docs.

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Manuscript (Black Mana Studios) follow-up: a disappointment

NOTE: Black Mana released a newer version of Manuscript which fixes many issues mentioned before. Please see my updated post. I recently posted about an iPhone app I'd discovered from Black Mana Studios called Manuscript, and said that I'd test it out so the rest of you could decide whether it was worth the $7.99. Sadly, my experience has not been the greatest so far. I tried creating a document in Google Documents and importing it into Manuscript, but it didn't work. After reading this thread I tried making the first line in my Google doc blank, as above. Here's the image of the virtual cover that resulted: In the Manuscript library, I'm told that my document has no pages: And when I look in the Chapters section, I don't see any sign that any text has been imported: From the look of the Black Mana Studios forums for this app, it looks as though I'm not the only one who has been having problems: My advice to you? Save your money until the company has fixed the app.

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iPhone app for writers: StoryPages

StoryPages could be a useful iPhone app for those working on picture books or graphic novels. The app lets you create storyboard style pages with your drawing in a top panel and typed text in a bottom panel, mimicking storyboards used in movie production. You can draw in fullscreen (landscape or portrait) and (if you want) add a background to set the scene or use as a tracing template with transparency control. From the website:

StoryPages can be used for sketching movie scenes, animations, and comics. Use it for keeping a record of your product ideas, visual instructions (for hardware, electronics, contractors and landscapers), help files, construction and restoration projects, teacher curriculum, travelogues, hobbies, dream recording and more.

Instead of drawing right the app, you can import an image/drawing from the Camera Roll. This could be a handy brainstorming tool for a picture book writer-illustrator. StoryPages is currently $2.99 in the iTunes store. You can find out more info as well as see extra screenshots on the SpinThought StoryPages website. I'll post a follow-up review once I've had a chance to use it for an actual project.

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Storytelling app: StoryPlease

StoryPlease is a storytelling app that lets you record a story in your own voice, or your can use the default professional recording. I first came across the StoryPlease people (person?) when they attended the #kidlitart chat last night. During the chat, they said they were purchasing the rights to use illustrations/characters in digital format for the iPhone and iPad. For 99 cents, I couldn't resist buying a copy from the iTunes store to try out to see how useful this might be to picture book writers. However, it looks as though you can't add your own stories. The app comes with two stories, but it looks as if you have to pay to get more. Every time I tried recording a line, the app crashed on me, and I was also unsuccessful getting the auto-read function to work properly. Unfortunately I can't recommend this for writers, but future versions of the app may be of interest to parents with young children, depending on what stories the developer adds.

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Audio Footnote lets you record notes while reading an e-book

Audio Footnote Demo from Eric Granata on Vimeo.

After reading Joe Wikert's review, I decided to buy this app. I've been listening to the audiobook version of Stein On Writing during some of my walks, and there have been times I would have loved to be able to jot down a note without leaving the e-book. It sounds as if this might help. I'll post a follow-up when I've had a chance to use it for a while.

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iPhone app for writers: Manuscript

[Update: Read my post Black Mana Studios Manuscript app for iPhone a disappointment before buying this app!] While we're on the topic of iPhone apps for writers, I'm also experimenting with Manuscript 1.0 from Black Mana Studios. It costs more than Auteurist -- Manuscript is $7.99 -- but you can import from Google Docs. Currently only Manuscript-formatted RTF is supported. From the Black Mana Studios iPhone support page:

Announcing Manuscript version 1.0 by Aki » December 3rd, 2009, 1:48 pm Manuscript is a writing application that lets you outline, research, edit and export anywhere between a short story and an entire book – right on your iPhone! Manuscript is not limited to writing stories – you can use it for note-taking, project management, storyboard, mind mapping and much more. Create a manuscript from scratch or import from Google Docs (currently only Manuscript-formatted RTF is supported) Outline your manuscript using multiple levels In addition to Pitch and Synopsis, each chapter can be outlined individually. You can create empty chapters, outline them, and then pour content into them in any order you like. Use Wikipedia, dictionary and thesaurus from within the app. Export your finished manuscript to Google Docs as an RTF file that can be read by both Mac and PC. In Development: Currently, Google Docs does not support storing XML files, which means when you export a manuscript, only the text is exported, not the outline (pitch, synopsis, index cards and chapter outline). We are working on developing an alternative solution. Better import – so you can import any document, not just Manuscript formatted RTF files.

Hm...just noticed that they also have another app for writers in the iTunes store: Screenplay. Could be useful for writing my graphic novel scripts! If I like Manuscript enough, I might have to check out Screenplay. It also costs $7.99. I like the Pitch and Synopsis outlining areas; these are both essential for writers to help us sell our books as well as for keeping on track. The Index Card section lets you add notes and reminders which can be associated with a particular icon as well as reordered. I'm going to test out this app more thoroughly over the next few weeks, and will write up a review of my experience to help you decide whether or not you want to fork over the $7.99 for the app. Where to find more info about Manuscript: Manuscript in the iTunes store Black Mana Studios Black Mana Studios forums for Manuscript Also see my other posts in the iPhone apps for writers category.

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iPhone app for writers: Auteureist

Recently discovered Auteureist, an iPhone app for novel writers. I've only played around with it a little so far, but am impressed. Still haven't had time to go through all the detailed documentation provided on the website. Looks as if the app comes with support from the author, and there are even forums (though still pretty empty). Not only can you work on your novel(s) using this app, but it looks as though you can also track aspects like characters, location and timeline. The app export via e-mail via plain text file; no special formatting is kept unless you export to Scrivener's multimarkdown format. The only way to import text is cut, copy and paste. Because of the import/export limitation, I would probably only use Auteureist for short sessions of writing. However, the author is working on a new version; you can see some screenshots in the Auteureist blog. Auteureist is available for US$5.99 from the iTunes store. To find out more info about this app: Auteureist website Auteureist blog Auteureist on Twitter

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iPhone app for writers: Write Chain

Writers with iPhone should check out Write Chain, an app which provides motivation by storing word counts for each writing session and tracks the total words written across all sessions. The "chain" part of the whole strategy is to try to write for as many days in the row as possible. If you miss a day, you break the chain...unless you change the settings to allow yourself some leeway. Cost of the app: FREE, at least right now. Check out the rest of the How Now Not To Write site for helpful tips for writers from Jamie Grove. Found out more about this app at the Write Chain site. Related: List of other iPhone apps for writers.

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Story Tracker app for writers

For those who want to keep track of their story submissions on their iPhone and iPod, Andrew Nicolle has just updated his Story Tracker app for writers. I have the app on my iPhone but haven't had a chance to really check it out thoroughly because I'm not submitting short stories/articles right now. According to the Storytracker Web site, here's what you can do with the app: - Check the status of your stories, markets, and submissions at a glance. - Use the index to jump through long lists of stories and markets fast. - Add or remove stories, markets and submissions with ease. - Add details for each story, including title, word-count, genre, and notes. - View total income earned for each story. - 'Trunk' stories to hide them from the story list when creating submissions. - View the submission history for each story, sorted by date. - Add details for each market, including title, genre, editor and more. - Use the embedded web-browser to quickly check on market websites. - Launch email or phonecalls directly from market details. - Log whether a particular market is open or closed to submissions. - Closed markets are hidden from the market list when creating submissions. - Quickly check whether you already have a submission at each market. - View submission history for each market, sorted by date. - View response times for each submission. - Add details for each submission, including story, market, and sent/response dates. - Log whether a market has rejected, bought, or published a story submission. - Store income earned for each submission. - Statistics show totals for: stories, markets, and submissions, stories that have never been submitted, or have been abandoned (ie trunked), submitted stories still out to market, rejections, sales, and publications. - income earned. - Always remembers what screen you were looking at last. - Saves changes on exit, or when interrupted by a phonecall. - Database backup, restore, import and export over WiFi to your computer's web browser. Found out more at: http://andrewnicolle.com/storytracker/

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iPhone app for writers: Dragon Dictation

I've been using voice-activated software from time to time, mainly when I'd like a break from long periods of intensive typing. I find voice dictation useful mainly for first drafts, not editing, but it's great to be able to "write" while I'm walking around in my office (my headphone/microphone set has a long cord). I use MacSpeech, which uses dictation technology from Nuance, the company that makes Naturally Speaking, voice dictation software for Windows. When I'm away from my laptop, I've started using Dragon Dictation for the iPhone (which is FREE right now) and I'm really impressed. The text in the screenshot above/left was dictated by me a few minutes ago, with no edits. You can dictate up to 20-30 seconds at a time, with the text accumulating on the iPhone screen. When you're finished, you can e-mail yourself the text or copy/paste it into the iPhone app of your choice. Like any voice-activated software, the transcription isn't always perfect, but it beats the heck out of trying to thumb-type text while you're walking or having to manually transcribe a recorded message later. You can read some reviews and find out more info here: Review: Dragon Dictation -- iPhone voice transcription by Dragon NaturallySpeaking MacRumors.com review Some useful tips for Dragon Dictation (be sure to read the comments section, too!) NOTE FOR THOSE NOT LIVING IN THE U.S.: At present, you can only buy Dragon Dictation for the iPhone from the U.S. iTunes store. Here are Apple's own instructions for how to create an iTunes App Store account without a credit card. Dragon Dictation for the iPhone is FREE for a limited time, so be sure to buy your copy soon!

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