Writing Tools
There are a number of tools that I frequently use to work out my ideas and produce the final version of stories.
Ideas tend to come to me at random, but most often when I am engaged in working out some other problem or idea! While I used to do a lot on paper I have now become almost completely dependent upon my Macintosh.
The creative process for me is largely visual. I use a diagramming package called Inspiration to work out plot lines and what action stems from which event. This is a great package for brainstorming, not to mention just creating really neat printouts.
Once I have the flow of the story worked out as an outline I use Muse, a tool I created in HyperCard. This stack forces me to detail the viewpoint character, the setting, the time, and the action for each scene. I also include a scene number and a window in which to type in how I see the narrative developing. From this I create an outline (which looks at first just like the one I created in Inspiration, above, and a narrative string that consists of whatever I typed into the text window. This gives me a quick read of the story so that I can start moving the "cards" around and immediately see the results of the change on the narrative string.
The outline at this point deviates from the linear string I started with. Finally, when the resulting narrative, which usually is very detailed at this point, is exported to WordPerfect for the final writing and editing. I usually go to paper so that I can do the final edits.
Once the manuscript is completed I stuff the damned thing in an envelope, take it to the post office and dump it to somebody -- anybody! --so I don't have to think about it any more.
To keep track of my mailings I have created another HyperCard stack to keep track of things such as word count, date created, mailing cost, etc. It also provides me with information on who has the manuscript, when it was sent, and when it is expected back. I placed a copy of this tool in the Pros and Publishing Library on Compuserve for anyone to download and use.
If you want to learn more about tracking manuscripts in a professional manner there is another article within this site on tracking submissions.