Category Archives: Freebie or Competition

Are Your Books Weighing You Down?

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When I was at school, we used sports bags for our books. After looking at the health statistics and carrying out research, it was suggested that one possible cause for Adolescent *Scoliosis, was carrying those heavy bags in one hand. It was thought that a lopsided manner of carrying bags, placed extra stress on the growing spine, causing it to curve abnormally.

An answer was found. Backpacks were bought in for school use. The idea was that they would distribute the weight more evenly. However, over time the argument has continued as some studies claim that Scoliosis in adolescents is still too prominent, thus the back packs weren’t the answer. Others have argued that backpacks are the correct solution, however, they are being over-filled and worn too low on the back; thus the continued damage.

While a great choice, any backpack, whatever age you use them, may be too large for your body; packed unevenly so the weight is unevenly distributed; or carried by the handles. Doing so defeats their purpose. One study found that the weight of backpacks carried by children was more than it is recommended that a fully grown, adult body should carry. A child’s backpack weight should not exceed ten percent of their own body weight.

Over-filling anything you carry has the potential to do you damage. That doesn’t just include backpacks. It includes handbags, laptop bags, shopping bags and briefcases. These are risk items we don’t think about.

Handbags and briefcases come in various styles: some with long handles which can be slung across the shoulders to distribute weight more evenly; and some with very short hand-holds which, if heavy, will pull on your spine, shoulders and neck. Go to a busy bus stop. Often you will see workers juggling both a brief case and a laptop bag. Whether in school or out, the strain we are placing on our spines is increasing and if we aren’t careful, so will our injuries.

So have a think about your habits in what you carry. What can you remove to lessen the load? Are the handles long enough and wide enough to distribute weight? Have you gotten into a bad habit of carrying your load only on one side of your body, stressing that side more? Anything small you can do to reduce the pull on your spine will be helpful.

If you would like to know more about how to take care of your back and prevent injury, download your free copy of Avoiding Back Pain: A Simple Guide. This is the page link for downloading the book . The file is a 700kb .pdf file which will work on any computer or tablet device. It is protected so you will not be able to print or copy from it, but please, pass it on freely!

* Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in your spine, which can occur in the upper (thoracic) or lower (lumbar) spine; sometimes both which creates what is called a double major curve. Scoliosis can range in seriousness from a mild problem which creates back pain, to curves so severe that they can reduce the amount of room needed for the heart, lungs and your gastrointestinal system. Long term untreated mild Scoliosis can create chronic pain and abnormal wear and tear on the facet joints and other structures of the spine; leading to additional medical problems.

REBLOGS WELCOMED

This blog post, the book cover and it’s content are Copyright Cate Russell-Cole 2012. All rights are reserved Internationally. You may not reproduce it in any form, in part of whole, without Cate’s prior written permission. That includes usage in forms such as print, audio and digital imaging including pdf, jpg, png etc. A fee may be requested for re-using her work if it is for a commercial venture. Link sharing and Pinterest pins are most welcome as long as Cate is the attributed Author.

No images on this blog may be copied, captured, or altered for your own purpose without the consent of the originating owner. Where images are marked as being iStockphoto.com images, they are paid for and licenced to Cate for use on this blog. If you take them, iStockphoto.com has the right to take legal action against you for Copyright Infringement.

Please see the Blog Content and Image Copyright page of this blog for further information in regards to Guest Posts, other images, Cate’s checks on infringements and Liability.

Where to Promote Your Blog

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As we count down to 2013, the next few days will feature the most popular posts of this year. Enjoy!

This post is an ongoing directory of promotional communities and directories for bloggers.

I have been slowly bookmarking various communities and directories for bloggers as I have been reading through other people’s blogs. It’s a frustrating process, particularly when you dimly remember there was a badge you wanted to check out and you can’t remember where it is, or the source code behind the badge doesn’t work! So I wanted to put everything I have found together in one spot so everyone interested can benefit.

All the links below will open in a new window to take you to the page, plus I have left them in text form so you can print this post off or save it as a .pdf  Please note: I don’t use all these services, so I don’t know if they are good or bad. Use is solely at your own risk.

A word of wisdom, many of these directories want to know what your RSS feed is for your site. If you don’t know, try RSS include. https://www.rssinclude.com/

If you want to promote your site, you need as many options as possible: join by email, allow WordPress and Blogger Follow buttons, RSS feed, Networked Blogs, Google Friend Connect. Everything you can get your hands on. The more ways you have to connect, the more followers you will get. I get so frustrated when I see email sign up only on blogs. I need more options! My email is too cluttered for posts to be noticed.

Don’t forget to add your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google + and other social networking details so people can find you. It all helps. I know it looks scary, but many of these options are just copy and paste their code. You don’t have to be a web developer.

Blogging Communities

Blog Directories

Other Interesting Publishing and Promotion Ideas

  • Scoop It allows you to publish web magazines which you can use for promoting your work in an attractive manner. This is a cost for use service. http://www.scoop.it/
  • Paperli offers a similar service where you can promote your work or web pages you wish to pass on, in the form of a newspaper. http://paper.li/ I have had my tweets published in other people’s papers, which has given me promotion. I am unsure if there is a cost. The site was down for maintenance when I checked it.

Responsible Web Users

Take the pledge and add a Blog With Integrity badge to your site. http://www.blogwithintegrity.com/

If you are sick of spammers, hackers and weirdos on the web, you may also like to join the Pledge Of Responsible Social Media Users on Causes. http://www.causes.com/causes/570107-pledge-of-responsible-social-media-users They have a badge, which again isn’t WordPress friendly. It will be fine on Blogger.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This blog post by Cate Russell-Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to share and adapt it.

Story and Character Tracking Forms for Writers

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As we count down to 2013, the next few days will feature the most popular posts of this year. Enjoy!

A long time ago, when I was mutilating the craft of fiction, I came across writer’s software that had handy forms for working out characters, scenes, plots and story submissions. They didn’t quite fit my needs, so I built my own. As I’ve been blogging on heavy topics such as power, conflict, grief, shock and depression, I thought I’d present these much lighter files before I overload everyone’s brain with the darkest depths of the human condition!

Please understand, these are really old Microsoft Word files. They are in my maiden name and quite possibly, some of the formatting may be shuffled around, depending on what version of Word you are running. You should be able to type straight into them and re-save them under your own file names. For my Mac buddies, they will open in Pages. What formatting carnage could ensue from that, I don’t know. If it’s a terrible mess, please accept my sincere apologies.

They are virus, macro and malware free. These links will take you back to their source on my website. Hit the link and the file will download to your system. It won’t open in your browser.

You may alter, pass on or use these files however you please: just as long as it is non commercial use.

Cheers everyone!

This blog post by Cate Russell-Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to share and adapt it.

Editing Checklists for Writers

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BestofblogAs we count down to 2013, the next few days will feature the most popular posts of this year. Enjoy!

I love writing. I hate editing. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel the same. To attempt to untangle my piles of letters and punctuation into some kind of order, I put together an editing checklist. As I am an article writer, it is predominantly aimed at that work. However, you are welcome to take the concept and adapt it to your needs as you see fit. There are no copyright concerns.

For a list of editing symbols which you can use to mark up printed copies of your work, please visit these web sites:

I have found that I don’t always see mistakes on the computer screen, but if I print my work out, then the mistakes become visible. Leave yourself a two inch margin on the left hand side and double space your work so you can write in revisions.

Formal Reference Sources

If you need further help, can I recommend two sources. The first is the Elements of Style by William Strunk Jnr. I know it’s not riveting reading, but it keeps you on track. You can get the full text online at: http://www.bartleby.com/141/

My other suggestion is to find a style guide you like and stick to it! Organisations I have worked for had particular style guides, which were developed by a local University. Style guides set specific rules on points such as how numbers are presented; whether you type e-mail or email and if you do or do not place a comma after the word ‘and’ (which in case you were wondering, I don’t do, as the style guides have me firmly on track.) Those rules are adhered to for all writing. There is no variance in approach, whatever the project: you know where you stand! If you are in the United States, The Harvard Style Guide is here: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lib/researchhelp/harvard_style.html there is also an excellent one at Wadsworth.com, which is where the tiny url link to editing symbols came from. It’s comprehensive! http://wadsworth.com/english_d/templates/student_resources/1413001890_burnett/UsageHandbook/index.htm

If you want to know what is acceptable in your part of the world, check the University web sites in your area of the globe.

Good luck!

Cate’s Editing Checklist
Project Name: Project Date:
Yes/No
Sentences too long?
Sentences make sense?
Impact on reader – imagine you’re receiving it
Clarity – easy to understand?
Concise?
Complete sentences?
Familiar words – jargon check, hard to understand?
Plain English boring or needs a Thesaurus?
Gender inclusive language – politically correct
Short paragraphs or hard to read?
Headings where they are needed?
Correct format for publisher?
Attractive layout – want to read further?
Whitespace used for readability or cluttered?
Consistency in fonts, headings etc. re: font size?
Legal and ethical content?
Appropriate to goals and plans as a writer ?
Spelling
Grammar
Style conventions – number, format, abbreviations
Capital letter consistency – including headings and bullets
Cliches – too many or makes it approachable?
Name spelling, if relevant, is it correct?
Title consistency
Captions on photos – names correct, consistent
Page numbers – sequential and correct on contents
Contents page – matches the headings exactly
Copyright and source citations included and updated

If you’d like additional sources of help, please see the Story and Character Tracking Forms To Make Life Easier post from June. http://cateartios.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/forms/

This blog post by Cate Russell-Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to share and adapt it.

App Heaven for Writers

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BestofblogAs we count down to 2013, the next few days will feature the most popular posts of this year. Enjoy!

All these apps are for iPhone, but many can be bought for iPad and Android. As apps are added to the iTunes store all the time, you may like to do a search to see what’s new. Nothing here is over $10AU.

Click on the image to visit the Android Community Web Site. This is where this little cutie came from.

I have not tried most of these apps, so it’s buyer beware and I am not responsible for the quality of your experience, or any problems you may have with your devices after installation and use; no I am not getting paid to promote any of these and I don’t expect to etc. If the software vendor, Apple or Android are not kind, then I am very sorry, but I am unable to help you and I am not liable. I hate having to say all that! Any apps that looked totally awful haven’t been listed.

This post includes the previous part 2, writer’s block smashers.

Happy New Year!

Cate

Getting Organised and Equipped to Write

Aspire Goals

“Aspire Goals is more than just a goal setting application. It has been said that the process of achieving your goals is 80% mental and only 20% activity. Yet most of the apps relating to goal setting focus on the 20% and ignore the most important component – the mental side of things. Aspire Goals focuses on the 80%. It looks not only at what your goals are, but also the reasons why you want to achieve them. Then it takes the next step and looks at what can be done mentally to increase your chances of achieving your goals. And one of those things is visualization.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/aspire-goals/id488685303?mt=8&ls=1

The Author Organizer

“Features:
* track details about each book you are writing
* track details about each chapter you are writing
* records all dates on your iPhone calendar
* email notes for each chapter” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-author-organizer/id422375467?mt=8&ls=1

If you want an personal or writing organizer, do a search for that word under “lifestyle” or “business.” There are hundreds of time management and sticky notes apps. Some are great, some are basic. Try the free versions, if they have one, to see what suits you best. One app I do like for pulling together odd bits of information, e.g. ideas for stories or blog posts, is Idea Store by Spore Tools Ltd. http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/idea-store/id436275897?mt=8&ls=1

Bento by FileMaker, Inc

This is the database I use on my Mac and my iPad. You can also get an iPhone version. It syncs easily between my Mac and iPad by Wifi. It is so easy to use. You don’t need to understand anything technical about databases to use it. I use it to track my articles and blog entries and where they’ve been used. It also comes with great templates to get your started. http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bento/id314638461?mt=8

How to Write a Winning Business Plan

Your writing is a business and if you are selling books or articles in any form, you need a business plan. “This guide will help you prepare a realistic plan that will document your vision, goals and strategy. No business should be started or maintained without a plan.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/how-to-write-winning-business/id328153943?mt=8&ls=1

Proofreader by Operandi Limited

“ProofReader is the on-going project to create a visual guide to markup and copy correction marks.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/proofreader/id343815121?mt=8&ls=1

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

This is an essential tool. Available for iPhone, iPad, Android and in free or premium editions, which aren’t expensive. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/merriam-webster-dictionary/id478126577?mt=8

Roget’s II The New Thesaurus, Third Edition by Enfour Inc.

“Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus combines the most useful features of a thesaurus and a dictionary; each entry contains a short definition as well as a comprehensive list of synonyms for the headword. This up-to-date database also features extensive, and useful, cross-references.” http://itunes.apple.com/app/rogets-ii-new-thesaurus/id286861782?mt=8

Word Study & English Grammar By blufish LLC

Word Study & English Grammar includes:
-Importance of the Subject
- Nouns, Adjectives, Articles, Verbs, Pronouns, Adverbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections
-The Sentence and The Paragraph
-Common Errors and Rules
-English Grammar

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/word-study-english-grammar/id380240225?mt=8&ls=1

Word Count Log By Tony Jansen

“Word Count Log is a simple productivity tool for writers. It is essentially a logbook for recording the word count on your writing projects.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/word-count-log/id400855560?mt=8&ls=1

NaNo Saga

If you participate in NaNoWriMo (November) “NaNo Saga is the fastest, most convenient way to compare your progress with your buddies’ during NaNoWriMo – the National Novel Writing Month.” This one is free. http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/nano-saga/id399211362?mt=8&ls=1

My Writing By 21×20 Media, Inc.

This app comes from Writing.com. “With some many venues online for writers, it’s hard to keep track of where your works are showcased. Our “My Writing” app solves the problem by giving you a simple place to store the title and URL of your writings, giving you one tap access to each.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/my-writing/id418380810?mt=8&ls=1

Writing Tips By Rich Lowenberg

“Writing Tips is a fantastic resource for both budding and seasoned writers. Written by bestselling author Alice Kuipers, the application provides inspiration, tips, and more than three hundred exercises to suit any available time frame. Regular use of this app will improve the quality and confidence of your writing, and help you have more fun in the process.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writing-tips/id387625993?mt=8&ls=1

BookMidwife

The number of times I have seen bad formatting or spelling errors in an app description worries me. I know the developers are not necessarily the writers, but don’t they proofread? I haven’t tried this app, I don’t know how good it is. There is a free version so you can see if it suits you. This blurb appears exactly as it is on site. I emailed them about their editing and the owner is contacting the developer to fix the problems! “BookMidwife app is for people who are sure they are ready to start their planning. In an easy and accessible format, authors can capture all the important information about their Plan, Notes and Progress. You will get a list of the KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER in your BOOK PLANNING. You will get help making a PROJECT TIMELINE with all of the KEY MILESTONES so you do everything in the right order and don’t forget anyting important.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bookmidwife/id474408137?mt=8&ls=1

Word Processors and Book Writing Apps

Image from Scrivener Site

There is a rumour that Scrivener is coming out as an App and will sync with your PC or Mac. Please let that be so. Keep checking! http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php

iAWriter

This is the only iPad/iPhone app that doesn’t leave me screaming with frustration. You can move the cursor within words to make changes as it has more keys than the other keyboards. It is designed to be uncluttered so all you focus on is your writing, then you just email the document through to yourself. Plus on the iPad it’s big and thus, less frustrating. Cheap, simple has excellent ratings. http://www.iawriter.com/

Quickoffice® Pro

If you use Microsoft Word files, this is the app I use. There are probably many others out there. Available for Android, iPad, iPhone & Symbian “Create, Edit, Access & Share Microsoft® Office files with the most connected office suite for on iPhone & iPod Touch. Includes fixes for iOS 5. NEW – PPT® Editor, Huddle & SugarSync access.” http://itunes.apple.com/app/quickoffice-pro/id310723177?mt=8&quantity=1

Pages by Apple

If you are a Mac addict and use Apple’s Pages, this very cheap but adequate version is essential. “Pages is the most beautiful word processor you’ve ever seen on a mobile device. This powerful app has been exclusively designed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Create, edit, and view documents wherever you are. Pages works with iCloud, so your documents stay up to date on all your iOS devices — automatically” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pages/id361309726?mt=8&ls=1&v0=www-naus-ipad-appstore-apple-pages

WriteRoom By Hog Bay Software

This is more distraction free software, but doesn’t seem to have the keyboard flexibility of iAWriter. But it does have: “Word Count, Extended Keyboard Row, Search for Files, Custom Line Height, Screen Brightness, TextExpander Support, Automatic & Manual Sync, iTunes Document Sharing, Clean Fullscreen Mode, Print & Email, Startup Passcode, Link Detection, Draggable Scroller, Autocorrect On/Off, Document & Folder Sorting.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writeroom/id288751446?mt=8&ls=1

I Write A Book By DraganCats

The reason I’ve included this is, I haven’t seen many apps where you can have multiple books being written at once. Many apps are one book only. Other than that, it’s basic and distraction free. http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/i-write-a-book/id391119044?mt=8&ls=1

Manuscript By Black Mana Studios

Being a Scrivener user, I like having index cards where you can store the odd ideas and facts you need to put somewhere easy to get to. This gives you index cards. “Manuscript is a writing application that lets you outline, research, edit and export anywhere between a short story and an entire book – right on your iPhone! Manuscript is not limited to writing stories – you can use it for note-taking, project management, storyboard and much more.
• Create a manuscript from scratch or import from Dropbox.
• Outline your manuscript using multiple levels: Pitch – One sentence tagline.
Synopsis – A more elaborate description of the plot or article, covering major developments. Index cards – Serves as a repository for ideas, character development, reminders and more.
• On top of Pitch and Synopsis, each chapter can be outlined individually. You can create empty chapters, outline them, and then pour content into them in any order you like.
• Use Wikipedia, dictionary and thesaurus from within the app.
• Backup your work-in-progress or export your finished manuscript to Dropbox as an RTF, TXT or HTML file that can be read by both Mac and PC.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/manuscript/id339910826?mt=8&ls=1

My Writing Spot By PT Software Solutions

Another writing app with decent features. “My Writing Spot is also handy for keeping track of To-Do lists and notes. Struck with an idea while you’re away from your computer? Capture it in My Writing Spot! Since you can have as many documents as you’d like, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/my-writing-spot/id332503036?mt=8&ls=1

Writers App By Thomas Sillmann

I like the use of predefined attributes. This could be handy for getting ideas together and getting details straight! Again though, their description editing is poor, but it’s how you use the app that matters. “You’re writing a new novel? You want to capture your ideas and thoughts organized, and from any location at any time? You want a comprehensive sticky note that provides templates by which you can define specific characteristics and attributes of the characters and places? That’s exactly what the Writers App was developed for. It’s no app for writing a novel, but to hold your ideas and thoughts and to structure your story.

The Writers App allows you to:
- Create and organize stories
- Write a synopsis, premise, plot and notes for your story
- Create chapters, characters and places
- Edit the predefined attributes such as age, personality and occupation of the character or appearance and environment of places.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writers-app/id423122863?mt=8&ls=1

For Scriptwriters, but Useful Across Genres

Writer Aid By Redwind Software

“Writer Aid” is a first of a kind iPhone app developed to aid scriptwriters overcome the difficulties associated with crafting new and original material in an increasingly competitive market. Great descriptions can punch your story, article, or script off the page. This library of characters, Script Tips and Comment section enables writers to make notes, develop characters and co-write on the iPhone, iPad or iPod. The database works by categorizing the information according to gender, age, genre and variety. Alternatively just browse the descriptions that come Recommended from Hollywoods established writers. “Writer Aid” will help you craft new and inventive characters using the past as an index.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writer-aid/id345881105?mt=8&ls=1

ScriptWrite By Filter Apps, LLC

“Write an entire screenplay or a quick scene on the go, all with one easy interface. The ScriptWrite Toolbar gives you everything you need, right where you need it, without cluttering your creative space. It’s perfect for seasoned screenwriters, or those new to the craft!

ScriptWrite Features:
- Universal for both iPhone and iPad (also iPod touch)
- Change the name of and duplicate your scripts
- Write Mode and Read Mode in portrait or landscape
- ScriptWrite Toolbar for easy, simple access to script elements
- Ability to change elements after they have been written
- Scene database that provides ‘go-to’ and ‘rearranging’ of scenes
- Character database that provides auto-fill upon import as well as add/delete character names for each script
- Character name auto-suggest
- Smart auto-advancement from element to element as you write
- Smart scrolling so that large scripts do not hang up the app as you are writing/reading
- Settings page that will auto-fill your Title Page
- Quick Start menu provides icon descriptions
- Links to our video tutorials and homepage
- Import and Export files for Movie Magic Screenwriter 6 (.txt), Final Draft 8 (.fdx), and Celtx (.txt) [Not all features of Movie Magic Screenwriter 6 and Final Draft 8 are supported]
- Import and Export via Email, iTunes and Dropbox
- Export scripts in .pdf format (Includes Title Page)
- Print scripts using AirPrint
- Works with External Keyboard on iPad, including Tab Key support for element advancement.
- Superior Customer Service”

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/scriptwrite/id334928503?mt=8&ls=1

Just a reminder: I have not tried most of these apps, so it’s buyer beware and I am not responsible for the quality of your experience, or any problems you may have with your devices after installation and use; no I am not getting paid to promote any of these and I don’t expect to etc. If the software vendor, Apple or Android are not kind, then I am very sorry, but I am unable to help you and I am not liable.

Prompts, Idea Generators and Block Attackers

Writing Prompts By 21×20 Media, Inc.

This app comes from the highly competent people at Writing.com, thus it has four star reviews. I discovered it in researching this post, and I’ll be buying it! It is also available for Android. “Our writing prompt generators use current events, scene elements, words, sketches, colors, genres and writing types, unleashing endless random bits of fantasy to fuel your muse. Plus, we’ve included our database of 600 creative writing prompts so you’ve got them right at your finger tips, online or off!” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writing-prompts/id417683378?mt=8&ls=1

Character Prompts by 21×20 Media, Inc.

Another writing.com app. “Character Prompts gives you 19 different profile characteristics filled with randomly generated information. We take the process of character development to the next level by adding thousands of character twists and 150 thought provoking questions for your character.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/character-prompts/id493346374?mt=8

WriMuse By Rasmus Rasmussen

“WriMuse generates creative writing prompts at the push of a button. With 4 different modes, it can give you a few keywords to get you started, or a full prompt, a visual prompt and even an essay prompt.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/wrimuse/id416219275?mt=8&ls=1

FantasyMuse

If you are a fantasy writer, Rasmus Rasmussen has though of you too. “FantasyMuse generates content for fantasy writers, gamers and game masters with the tap of a button. Millions of possible …
+ Character outlines, for quick NPCs or side characters.
+ Factions, groups and organizations of good and evil.
+ Quest seeds, to put your heroes to work!” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/fantasymuse/id457403478?mt=8&ls=1

Writer’s Muse By 2009 Positive Alliance, LLC

“Having a bit of trouble coming up with a great idea for your next novel? Stuck on how to get your characters to meet? This handy app will help you pick characters, scenarios, outcomes, any item or detail you need to inspire your writing. Use the predesigned Character, Plot and Resolution details already in place and SPIN! If you have some ideas and need to create your own choices, you can do that! The pickers are designed to edit and personalize for your creative needs.
Still stuck? The Muse has some great tips, cures and strategies to help you get past any block.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writers-muse/id405049708?mt=8&ls=1

Writer’s Block Buster By Socially Conscious Software LLC

This app has low ratings, but you never know, it may have features that suit you. “Writer’s “Block Buster is everything you need to free yourself from the pains of a bad case of writer’s block. Writer’s Block Buster gives you the ability to search through its large database of questions and explanations for different things that may be causing or lead to a cure to your writer’s block.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/writers-block-buster/id329389227?mt=8&ls=1

StoryForm By Pig-n-Chicken Software

If you can get past the romanticized description, it looks good. “StoryForm is designed to be the ultimate brainstorming app for writers, filmmakers, teachers, and anyone else who can use an endless supply of fresh ideas. StoryForm does the brainstorming for you by thinking up the building blocks of a story, like character personality, profession, and a location. StoryForm will even give you a possible theme and an item that might be important to your story.” http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storyform/id394760445?mt=8&ls=1

Just a reminder: I have not tried most of these apps, so it’s buyer beware and I am not responsible for the quality of your experience, or any problems you may have with your devices after installation and use; no I am not getting paid to promote any of these and I don’t expect to etc. If the software vendor, Apple or Android are not kind, then I am very sorry, but I am unable to help you and I am not liable.

This blog post by Cate Russell-Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to share and adapt it.

Avoiding Back Pain: Free E-book

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Back pain affects more of us than any other complaint, including heart disease and asthma. It is an epidemic which is largely avoidable, but rarely addressed in public health education. I grew up watching my father struggle with debilitating, chronic back pain that was never adequately relieved. Many of his spinal problems came from being a manual laborer at a time when work safety procedures, such as safe lifting and posture, were not seen as a priority.

Our family paid for that attitude for the rest of my father’s life. Back pain took him out of the workforce, decimated our family finances and chronically stressed our home life. He was often depressed and aggressive due to back pain. Unsurprisingly, back care and safe lifting are educational issues very close to my heart.

The information in this book is quite diverse. Taking care of your spine is an issue for everyone, including mothers; athletes; military personnel; the aged; computer users and office workers who battle with back ache due to posture; builders; manual laborers; and anyone who regularly lifts, bends and twists their spine to get tasks done whether at home, work or recreationally.

This book evolved out of my work with a non-profit back injury prevention organisation. The medical content in this book has been checked and approved by a registered, qualified Spinal Surgeon with a Masters Degree in Spinal Biomechanics. When I left the organisation, it was agreed I could take my work and use it however I wished. In the spirit of what we were doing, I would like to make this e-book free so people can learn to avoid back injuries.

Contents include:

  • Back Health Essentials: A Simple Overview
  • Basic Guidelines on How to Lift Anything
  • Conditions Caused by Repetitive Back Strain
  • What Type of Bag Do You Carry?
  • Back and Neck Friendly Computer Use
  • Household Maintenance and Back Strain
  • Lifting and Caring for Children
  • Spine Safe Sport and Recreation
  • Back Saving Water-Wise Gardening
  • Avoiding Back Strain While Packing and Moving
  • Taking Care of Your Back After Corrective Surgery: A Cautionary Tale
  • Back Care for Carers
  • Back Care for Wheelchair Users
  • A Special Chapter for Young Carers
  • Online Back Care Resources

Please note: it is essential that I emphasize that these articles are not a substitute for independent professional advice, which will take into account your own unique circumstances and medical conditions. Also, as research and advances in medical techniques and knowledge continually occur, at some stage the information here may go out of date as we learn more and get better at preventing injury. Please don’t use this book as the sole source of your information. Take further steps to ensure you have all the facts you need to get the best outcome for your health.

This is the page link for downloading the book . The file is a 700kb .pdf file which will work on any computer or tablet device. It is protected so you will not be able to print or copy from it, but please, pass it on freely!

Wishing you excellent back health and a pain-free lifestyle.

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