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Ahh, the Sweet Sanity of Organization

Heather introduced me to Document Map in Word the other day. Oh my. Am I the only person who didn't know this wonder has been available in Word all this time? I've only been using it for a couple days and I already can't beleive I've been writing for the last five years without it. If you set it up right, it's like having a mini-outline right on the side of your document. No more scrolling through pages forever. And I can keep track of all my notes and thoughts. I feel so much more organized and sane, like I might actually be able to get through this draft without losing my mind.

So... if you haven't tried it, I'm officially recommending it. The same goes for Windows Live Writer. I started using Live Writer last week for my Agent Spotlight entries and it's a huge help. I can write up the post, link all my links up ahead of time, upload any pictures I want to use, and avoid any formatting issues between Word and Blogger.

With these two things working for me, my writing world suddenly feels so much more together and streamline.

You might not have a need for Live Writer, but really, seriously, try the Document Map if you aren't already. Plus, you can e-mail me if you want an easier run-down on how to use it.

9 comments:

PurpleClover said...

Holy Bejolies Batman. Where have I been? I have been using Word forever and never knew about Document Map (nor explored Word for anything like it).

Um...that is going to help me tremendously. It beats scrolling...and scrolling...and more scrolling and then giving up and hitting "find" to just figure out the last name of one of my characters...lol. If I could just separate my chapters I'd have an easier time with it.

Thanks for this useful information!

Deb Markanton said...

Are you kidding me? There's cool stuff like that on boring Word? I never explored it either. What a dork I am. No wonder I never finish anything!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

hm I dont know if Ive used that -thx for the tip! BTW how is the baby?

Casey Something said...

Woo, glad I'm not the only one who hasn't been using it.

Thanks Heather!

Shelli: My sweet baby boy is doing awesome. Thanks for asking. Maybe I'll post a couple pictures this weekend.

Keri Mikulski said...

Sounds like great stuff. And I'm glad to hear your writing is coming together. :)

Heather Hansen said...

I’m so glad you love it!!!! I can’t live without it.

And, yeah, the Microsoft instructions on how to use it SUCK! Mine are way easier. hahaha

Angela Ackerman said...

I'm trying to figure out how to set it up so that I can choose the points that show up in the map, like chapter titles. I'm sure it must be something so easy, yet I can't seem to do it!

Heather Hansen said...

Angela -

place the curser on the line. Right click. Choose paragraph. Change from "body text" to "level 1"

or level 2... or whatever...

;)

Nora MacFarlane said...

Ooooh! I didn't know that. Must try!