Daily Archives: May 27, 2014

Tools of the Trade

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For a writer, at least this one, my main tool is my computer and word processing program. I’ve written all my books up until this point on Microsoft Word.  When I got my iMac a little over a year ago, I got Microsoft Office and kept right on writing.  I was able to get a great price on it as a teacher– one of those few perks.

Since I bought my macbook (and I’ve already written two chapter using it), I tried to get Office at the same price and found out they would only let me have one.  I looked into getting Office 365.  With it, I would get new versions of Word, and be able to use the new Office for iPad and iPhone.  At $100 bucks, I could install it on up to 5 computers– so my son and wife could use it too.  Neither of them are really interested.  Plus, I found out that I would not get a new version of Office, but the same old Office 2011 that I already have on my desktop.

So, I decided to go with Pages, Apples Word alternative.  I already have it on both computers and both my iPad and iPhone.  It automatically saves to the cloud so I can switch between them.  I can even use Pages for iCloud if I’m on a PC.  Of course, it’s different, so it’s taking me a bit to get used to it.  I also need a .doc file to convert to ebook, but Pages does that.

I guess I am now officially converted to an Apple Fan-boy, since I have the entire line of iProducts and am using the software too.  The proof will be in the pudding though.  Can I get an entire book written using these new tools.  I think I can.

The Sorceress and her Lovers: Chapter 15 Excerpt

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The Sorceress and her LoversChief Inspector Saba Colbshallow sat down for breakfast. He looked first to his left at his mother and then to his right at his daughter.

“And where’s the lady of the house?” he asked.

“Mummy says she doesn’t feel good,” said DeeDee. “She’s going to stay in bed today.”

Saba clucked his teeth in annoyance as Risty scooped scrambled eggs with diced peppers and onions onto his plate next to the sausages.

“I’m sure she has a good reason,” offered his mother.

“I’m sure.”

“She’s been having a rough time lately.”

“No doubt.”

“I don’t like onions in my eggs,” said DeeDee.

“Yes you do,” said her father. “Look at me. I’m eating them. Eat some and then Risty will get you a crumpet.”

“Maybe she’s out of sorts because she’s expecting,” said Mrs. Colbshallow.

“And here I thought Kafira was the only Immaculate Conception,” he muttered. He took another bite and ignored his mother’s scandalized look.

The only other bit of breakfast conversation was when DeeDee demanded strawberry jam with her crumpet. When they were done, Saba helped his daughter fasten on her shoes and then her bonnet.

“Come along girl. Your tutor is awaiting.”

“Maybe you should go up and kiss your wife goodbye,” said his mother.

“I’m sure she’s very busy with the second coming and all,” he said, and guided DeeDee out the front door.

They walked across the street to the Dechantagne Staff estate, where the lizzie doorman let them enter. Mrs. Dechantagne was alone in the parlor.

“Hello Saba,” she said, getting to her feet.

“Please don’t get up, Mrs. D.”

“Oh please don’t call me that.” She sat the book that she had been reading down and stepped over to him. “You’ve known me all your life, we lived in the same house for years, and don’t forget you were my husband’s best man at my wedding.”

“I was just a witness, and I haven’t forgotten a single moment.”

“You’re so sweet,” she smiled. “What can I do for you today.”

“DeeDee’s going to start on with Iolana.”

“You’re early. They usually don’t start until 11:00.”

“Yes, well I was wondering if I could leave her early. Her mother’s not feeling well.”

“Of course. I’ll take her upstairs and she can play with Terra. That girl could use some human companionship.”

“If you’re sure it’s not an inconvenience…”

“None at all. But you have to do me a favor first.”

“What?” he asked.

“You must address me properly.”

“As you wish… Yuah.” He blushed furiously.

“See that didn’t hurt,” she said as she took DeeDee’s hand.

“Be a good girl,” Saba told his daughter.

“I will.”