Microsoft OneNote

I’ve never been a fan of Microsoft or their products. However, I have a new laptop with Windows 7 on it because my MacBook Pro died and I couldn’t justify spending a couple grand on a new MBP when I have a nice iMac (I’m quite loyal to Apple products.)
Anyway, I’m quite happy with my $500 Lenovo ThinkPad, but I needed a few things to ensure I can get things done. Among those things was Microsoft Office. Whether I like it or not, there are times where it’s needed (spreadsheets for my “day job”, opening other people’s documents, etc).

In the Windows version of Office 2010 is a piece of software I’ve never even heard of before, OneNote. Holy mother of God! I AM IN LOVE!

I don’t even think it can be described, but it’s like a 3-ring binder with all kinds of capabilities. So far, I haven’t even tested them all, but egads am I hooked. So far tonight, I’ve created a list of scenes, which all link to separate pages where the rough draft can be typed. I have a list of characters which links to separate character profiles, and a list of settings that link to separate setting worksheets.Everything is stored in one place. If I want to see how many words I have in each scene, I just look at the master list of scenes. If I want to see what color eyes Joe Blow has, I just click on the tab that says “Character Profile – Joe Blow” which I created. I don’t have to change what I keep track of to fit other people’s worksheets. I just create it how I want it done.

I also found a map of the area I’m writing about, copied the graphic to another page in my OneNote program, and I can go in and mark up the map. Now I’ll remember that Joe lives next door to Jane Doe, which happens to be 3 blocks north and 2 blocks west of the bar where they met.

Really. I cannot believe that I’m so in love with this software. I’ve tested various software specifically designed for writing novels and I’ve always been disappointed, or overwhelmed to the point where I give up.

I was going to buy an iPad for reading ebooks and revising electronically instead of printing tons of revisions, but because of this program, I’m leaning toward buying a Windows slate. And when my iMac dies, I’ll replace it with a Windows desktop system.

Of course, as soon as I replace all my Apple electronics, Microsoft will make OneNote available on the Mac operating system.

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