How to Use Your Kindle Device for Easy Editing

August 29, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 15 Comments

Editing is a daunting and necessary task for writers. Often I find myself reading and re-reading a piece until the words blur. I let the story rest, read it aloud, and run it through editing programs, but after so many times, it’s easy to become immune to errors that may be glaring to our readers. I have, however, discovered a trick that helps me avoid overlooking mistakes – I send the piece to Kindle.

As I listen to the mechanical voice read my work, I’m amazed at the things I missed or new aspects I notice. It might be grammar errors, the way a sentence flows, or even story continuity; yet, this simple technique provides me with a different perspective. Highlighting the things I want to change with notes and comments, I can then return to my manuscript and make the necessary corrections.

How to Send to Kindle:

The these easiest way to do this is to use the Send to Kindle App.

1. Add you Kindle device to your account if you haven’t already.

2. Your device will automatically associate with a Kindle email: @kindle.com. You can find this email by going to the Manage my content and Devices and click on your device. Remember, you will need to use the email account associated with your Amazon account.

3. Download the Send to Kindle App. I keep my app on the dock for easy access.

4. Take your WORD, PDF, or Mobi file and drop it onto the app. Minutes later, the document will appear on your Kindle.

5. Use Notes and Comments to highlight issues. Press and hold the word, text, or an image to create notes or comments for use in editing.

There you have it, an easy way to edit via your Kindle. Have you found a method to make editing easier? Share with us.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Want a New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite?

August 26, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

Everyone loves the chance to win prizes and if you like practicing your writing skills through prompts, you’re in luck.

Describli is and I quote, “… an online writing community that uses writing prompts to spark creativity and connect readers and writers.”

Each day you receive four prompts. You can use them yo write poems, short stories or even, collaborate with another member to write. You can find out all the information you, and join by clicking, here.

Now, for the good news. Ever month, Describli will be raffling off a prize to one of the members. This month it is a brand new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. All you have to do is, become a member and invite your friends. Not bad, an opportunity to practice writing, increase visibility, readers and win prizes.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Twitter @cofcmom and of course, @ Describli

Do You Prefer Real Books or eReading Devices?

March 19, 2015April 12, 2015 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of :
theeducatedprocastinator.com

In a recent Pew Research Study 78% of readers preferred real, paper books over e-reading devices. I’m not surprised, I do, too.

Before receiving my Kindle people told me, “You’re gonna love your it and you’ll read more.”

Photo Courtesy of pslibrary.com

It’s convenient unless the battery runs down in the middle of a chapter, which happens more often than I care.

Thousands of free books can be downloaded on an eReader, but all those freebies can overwhelm you, leaving you with a library of books you may never read. In addition, paying for a book on the bestsellers list can become pricey.

Amazon has addressed the cost, somewhat, by offering Kindle Unlimited. For $9.99 a month you can download and read as many books as you like, that’s $120 a year! Why pay when I can check out a hard copy at my local library?

But, aside from the convenience of having books available in an instant, and the light weight, I prefer old fashion hardback books. And, I’m not alone.

According to the article, Paper Books, alive and well, published, March 13,2015, in the Chicago Tribune, a significant percentage of readers prefer the paper copy. (You can read the full article here).

“A Pew Research study found that 78 percent of those from ages 18 to 24 have read a print book in the past year — compared with 21 percent who have read an e-book.” Chicago Tribune

I don’t read more books. In fact, before receiving my Kindle I read one to two books a week, sometimes more. Now, it’s maybe one a month. It’s hard to argue against the convenience of an eReader, but the same reasons I prefer “real books” over eReaders are also supported by the Pew Research study.

1- The feel and smell. There’s something about holding a book, turning the pages, and the smell of words in print that an eReader cannot copy. Sound silly?

“… College students polled in Slovakia, “1 out of 10 talked about the smell of books. There really is a physical, tactile, kinesthetic component to reading.” Chicago Tribune

2- I like to collect books I can see, touch and pick up on a rainy day. I have a rather large collection on my Kindle, but they do not beckon me as those on my bookshelf.

“… likes the satisfaction of finishing a book, placing it on a shelf alongside others and letting it quietly remind her of its contents.” Chicago Tribune

3- I’m a note taker and a visual, tactile person. For instructional or self-help books, I like to underline, highlight and scribble in the margins. You can take notes and highlight on a Kindle, but it’s not the same.