So I often get questioned on how I work, what my office looks like, etc. The reality is I happily spend money on the technology that facilitates the writing process and keeps me out of an office environment. I hate to sit still and this holds when I’m writing. Besides, I talk really fast so the quickest way to get to the point where I can do what I love (edit) is to take advantage of the huge leaps forward in voice recognition software that have come about. I’ll be upfront, I LOVE VR. It is my BFF. My most adored innovation, right up there with my Kindle.

So here’s what my office looks like

Okay, actually more like this which enables me to d that.
A Macbook (yes I’m an apple user from way back ) and a revolabs wireless mike

Now, pretty much, just imagine whatever it is you do during the day and I’m pretty much doing the same thing just dictating while I do it. Cleaning, gardening, cooking… Mowing the lawn (I have a quiet reel mower and count it as part of my exercise regimin) really seems to inspire me, so I set my lap top on the screen porch, clip on the mike and mow away. As long s the muse holds up I can dictate 5k in about 45 minutes and it’s more accurate than my typing. (Which totally sucks for accuracy). I also have a dictation recorder that I use when I’m going to be more than 300 feet from my computer. (I also use this when I’m walking) It’s also handy for use when I’m vacuuming as the noise cancelation with the head set is strong and can block out the roar of the machine. Dictation is wonderful. I really suggest learning to adjust to dictation, especially if you’re one of those writers without a lot of time to write. As on average we talk 4 times faster than we type, productivity goes through the roof. And it really is easier than you think.

When it comes to editing I have a graphic tablet that works just like pen and paper and translates my writing into type. This saves the wear and tear on m hands from the small movements of the mouse. And it’s faster. About five times faster to inputing than using a mouse and cursor.

So there you have it, all my not so secret secrets. A need to move, an active mind, a solid dictation program and the technology to facilitate its use and my office is set up and ready to GO!

Sarah