On the Go Writng Helpers

Salt Flats Rest Stop

Any traveler knows that it’s best to keep packing light and to a minimum. I’ve packed laptops around airports, but now have switched to an iPad. Laptops are lighter now, but I love my iPad.

While I use a desktop for some things including heavy duty graphics, I’m using my 9.7” iPad more, my new one yet unnamed.

I am unfamiliar with ChromeBooks, but many writers use them as a cheaper and good alternative. I hope to research those and share... But right now I’m using my iPad.

Tunisian Crochet
Is Restful

The biggest helper for my iPad is a Logitech keyboard. The “stand-up” keys really help me go. My desktop setup has an ergonomic keyboard, and I’m not fond of “flat” keyboards, too many typos. !This keyboard was a big deal for me. It runs on 2 AA batteries forever, and only uses them when there is need. It will also work with an Android tablet. Or with a desktop. Settings allow for changes and all you need is Bluetooth.

For pure writing draft, I use Apple’s Pages (writing documents). It saves to the iCloud, or merges with my desktop for final editing on Vellum. New Pages offers the change for co-writers to work on the same manuscript, which is wonderful, or even share with an editor for comment. (So many different kinds of editors...)

BTW, Vellum is wonderful, spinning out all sorts of formats as needed, even Print. To date, I believe Vellum is only available for Mac products.

There are many uses for Vellum, I.e. plotting, writing blogs, articles, etc. 

Graphics for Twitter and Facebook ads are 250X500 pixels, saved them to Photos. I also use Notes to keep info, but ad links for books. Put those together, the graphics and the saved links and you’ve got handy dandy ad work in a moment. (Save your ad tweets and links. So helpful, especially when traveling and doing ad work.)

Canva is available for creating those graphics, but Art Studio has also been good in a pinch. (I really prefer using my iMac for graphic work as it has more Ram. The designs transfer so easily using AirDrop on Mac.) On the run, I needed business cards printed and Art Studio and Canva worked great at a local printer. Procreate is also a good graphic program. Creating memes in advance really help when you’re busy. (Thank you, @DonnaFasano.) 

I also write (sometimes) a WordPress blog at my website, CaitLondon.com. The WordPress App on my iPad transfers seamlessly up to my website.

It’s all about Apps now. Don’t forget Dropbox, which I use, or GoodRX for pricing prescriptions—and the list goes on.

Meanwhile, I’m writing on my iPad with my favorite traveling keyboard. What is your favorite writing set-up?