Pen or Computer? The Pentop.

There are certain activities I like to use a pen and paper for. Brainstorming is a big one for me. Has to be done on paper where I can draw circles and arrows and connecting lines. Plot analysis is another. I think physically touching the paper helps me pin down what is in my head. Helps me make it more concrete.

This week I started my edits on my NaNoWriMo ’08 novel. I completed my plot inventory as suggested by our January Guest Blogger Jordan E. Rosenfeld, author of Make a Scene.

I looked at every scene and wrote out what was happening in each. Then I wrote out a timeline to help pin down the sequence a little better. (These NaNo novels can get a little crazy; and sadly, a few scenes will have to go and some will be downgraded to flashbacks or slivers of backstory.)

However, the big drawback to taking notes on paper is that you can’t manipulate the data as easily as on the computer. So, after writing out my notes I usually type it all into the computer. Until now.

My new favorite tool is the Fly Fusion Pentop computer. Unfortunately, this model has been discontinued by LeapFrog, but you can still buy them on eBay. I bought mine for $20 on clearance at Target. I figured for that price it would be a fun experiment. (Note: Fly Fusion is the most recent model.)

You write on special paper that is covered with tiny dots. You upload the pen to the Fly Fusion program and your printing/drawings are put onscreen. To turn printing to text you simply click the “Open as Document” button and a few seconds later, your printing is exported as text. Now, I haven’t tried this with my crazy all over-the-page brainstorming, but for my plot inventories it works great. The pen is large to hold, so your hand would get tired if you tried to write an entire novel with it. But for what I use it for—works great.

The Pentop computer was being marketed to students—has an mp3 player and plays games and other educational applications. They should have marketed the Pentop to writers.

Speaking of Jordan Rosenfeld. Here is the info on her latest summer class:

Learn Fiction’s Magic Ingredient. Online Class with Jordan E. Rosenfeld.

In this self-paced online class Jordan E. Rosenfeld, author of Make a Scene and Write Free: Attracting the Creative Life will teach the “magic” ingredient to creating powerful, page-turning fiction. You’ll take your writing to a whole new level. Begins August 3rd, 2009. Four weeks. In this class you’ll learn how to: make your writing active and alive. Create a powerful emotional punch. Design an easy to follow “map” for your plot and much more. Each week you’ll write new material and receive feedback.

Register by July 15th for the incredibly discounted rate of $99. After July 15th, the price goes up to $149.  Space is limited. Participants will also receive a 50% discount on copies of Make a Scene and Write Free purchased through the author.