Sue Knott's Blog: Knott The Screaming Type - Posts Tagged "dragon-naturally-speaking"

This isn't the kind of advice I've ever seen anywhere, yet it is the most important advice any serious writer could hope to get. (How's that for a dramtic build up?)

I'm talking about ergonomics. Actually, beyond ergonomics. Writing wreaks havoc on the body. (Who knew? I figured this had to be the physically safest career in the world. Wrong.) I'm addressing this to young writers because it's likely too late for old writers. Sorry about that.

I say "beyond ergonomics" because I'm urging you to consider not just a comfortable chair and a good desk. I think you should seriously consider Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation software by Nuance. This software is amazingly accurate (Siri doesn't even come close). I have the professional version, but I believe the home version can be had for under $50. I beleive this is the way of the future. (I swear, I have NO relationship with this company. My endorsement is unbiased.)

I urge you to start using this software as early in life as possible. High school would be the ideal time to start. Imagine the time and effort you could save if you simply dictated your papers to your computer rather than typing them! If you got really skillful, you could use a digital recorder to "write" while you took a walk, cleaned your room or whatever. (You'd probably have to walk slow as I do. When I pick up speed and start breathing heavy, Dragon thinks I'm saying "him" every time I exhale.)

I know several writers with back, arm or hand problems that have forced them to either stop writing or greatly reduce their writing schedule. It's horrible when you want to write and you can't. It's even worse when that is how you make your living.

I'm urging you to use the software as early as possible because, for me at least, thinking out loud is an entirely different process than thinking at the keyboard. I remember when I first started working as a copywriter. The thoughts came so fast, I'd lose half of them before I got them down on paper. I gradually adjusted and now seem to think at the speed I type. I'm hoping that I'll gradually speed up to thinking at the speed I talk. (I talk really, really fast. Sometimes, I have a difficult time understanding what I said when playing back a recording. Yet, the Dragon Naturally Speaking software understand at least 95% of what I say.)

If you can't (or don't want to) buy/use the software, at least set a 20 minute timer by your computer and get up and stretch every time it goes off. It's interruptive of the thought process, but still better than damaging your spine or nerves.

Also, if you work really hard at your writing -- for long hours at a time -- look out the window at least once every 20 minutes, too. If not, your distance vision is likely to go...maybe in as little as a year or two. (Though, they do have some really attractive glasses out there...and glasses do make you look like a writer...hmmmm.)

I'm not saying you shouldn't learn how to type. But, learning how to type and how to dictate efficiently will serve you well.

You're welcome.