October 5, 2033

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

Life without a computer or other technology would be a living nightmare that never ends.

I rely on technology due to being dyslexic and having Rheumatoid Arthritis, as it provides the access and accommodations I need. Also, October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.

I rely on dictation software to type for me, especially due to joint deformity in my fingers and dysgraphia. Speaking sentences is easier than typing them, and it allows me to create longer and clearer sentences. Additionally, my handwriting is nearly illegible, making technology an essential tool for communication.

When it comes to editing, I need technology. I love the feature of text-to-speech where it reads it back to me. That has been an awesome help to help me to improve my grammar, and syntax, and make my thoughts clearer without this technology, I wouldn’t be writing.

Over the years, my reading skills have improved thanks to technology. I use narration on the Kindle App for novels, text-to-speech software on the iPad for articles and other materials, and I also enjoy listening to audiobooks. Without technology, I wouldn’t be reading.

I don’t want to go back to a life without technology.

October 2, 2033

What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

Creating characters arcs.

I’m currently in the process of developing character arcs for my main character and supporting cast in my manuscript. This is something I should have done at the beginning of creating my manuscript when I was outlining. At that time, I wasn’t very proficient at outlining a story or a novel, and I didn’t fully understand the significance of creating a character arc. Writing my current manuscript has been a valuable learning experience, teaching me how to create a comprehensive outline and develop character arcs. There have been many ‘firsts’ with this manuscript.

The knowledge I’ve gained from this experience will be invaluable for my next project, and it has clarified for me what I need to do and why it’s crucial. Writing is not only about storytelling but also about discovering the tools and techniques that work best for me. Over the past 10 years, every manuscript I’ve written has been a learning experience. As a writer, I’ve come to realize that growth often comes from learning from our mistakes.

I would love to hear about your writing journey in the comments. If you have any questions please leave your questions in the comments too, and I will answer them.

Prompt’s September 25, 2023

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I received came from a close friend, who recommended using dictation because it results in longer, clearer sentences.

When it comes to receiving advice, you must be willing to listen before you can consider using it. Sometimes, we’re not open to accepting someone’s advice or even considering it. We can be closed-minded about things and limit our options.

Prompt’s September 21, 2023

What would your life be like without music?

1. This prompt is giving me an idea for a story. 😆😉

2. I can’t picture my life without music 🎼 since I love to compose classical music. Music is everywhere from worshiping God to podcasts, TV to movies, and even audiobooks. Every day, I’m surrounded by music whether I realize it or not, and not to have that in my life would be unthinkable.

Here are a couple a of my tracks from SoundCloud.com

Prompt’s September 16, 2023

How often do you walk or run?

I need to make walking and other exercises a priority again and a part of my routine. That is my goal for October, and even starting this coming week.

I prefer walking, and easy low-impact exercising for my joints due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Exercising and stretching are one of the keys to keeping my mobility longer.

How do you exercise? If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis or a chronic illness, how do you exercise? What exercises would you like for me to discuss in a future blog post?