Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
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Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Does anyone have a word processor to suggest?
I have Notepad by 7 Dragons, but it's limited to 3000 characters per file--like 600 words. Yeah, I could write a zillion little notes, but it breaks up the flow of dialogue. I just hope one of you can suggest better.
I have heard one can write by creating a text file and then doing the writing in Notes on it. I can see this working wth twice daily down and uploads but so humbug. How big a Note can one write anyway? 5000 words? (I wish.)
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Don't use a Kindle. I love mine, but would not make an attempt at 1600+ words per day on it. The keys are smaller than my pinky toenail.
Try this out: http://www.davidrm.com/
I'm in no way affiliated with the product, but use it everyday. 45 day free trial. I have found it to be the best kept writers secret out there... And this comes from a guy that has access to all the writers tools out there.
Good luck this year!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
You seem to me be missing the point that my alternatives have already been tried and found wanting. I have an hour and a half a day in which I can either write illegibly in steno pads which then have to use computer time to type in, or use the Kindle. I have about 20 hours a week at work, to use which I must pack in a laptop which I may not be able to use if it gets too hot, and brings my duffle load to 25lb, which I can't do more than 2 or 3 times a week, or I can use the Kindle. I use the Kindle or I only have less than 30 hrs a week to type at some cost of back pain.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
This is a link to someone's journaling software. For Windows. I asked about better wp for a Kindle. My computer has all the software it needs for NNWM. I need the Kindlein the many hours during which I cannot access my computers ... I have seven but they weigh what they do and can't be used on a bus bouncing westward on King Street.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Oh, wow, that sounds painful. I love my Kindle and use it all the time for editing, but I wouldn't want to write a novel on that keyboard. But good luck to you! I can see how it would be better than writing on paper & typing up later :)
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
you can actually access the mobile version of google docs on the kindle. Works best over wifi but I have had it working over 3g.
Although I wouldn't do it myself... the letters on my keyboard have started to fade slightly and I am not keen on losing them...
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Kia, you kinda gave me the solution. Google docs wouldn't talk to me, but Yahoo Groups always will. In Files, I can write a text document.
It's going to be a Kindled novel!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I wore off my markings playing word games so wth. I'll loc into google docs even if I am on G3. Thanks.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Holy cow! I can't imagine trying to type a novel on my Kindle! For short notes it's great, but just having to bring up the symbol menu for punctuation would be a killer. Best of luck!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I'm doing all these posts on my Kindle while commuting. You bring up the symbols and leave them up. You don't try to back up to correct the text. When you're all through, you close down symbols and then correct typos. The main thing, like most things, is pacticing until you get over your own mental blocks.
You got two weeks to practice.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Mercy me, I can't imagine trying to type my nano on my kindle. I love my kindle and all, but even typing notes on it makes me crazy.
I admire your fortitude!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
You haven't learned enough musical instruments. The difficult just takes practice. And my back hates the weight of the Thinkpad. Thumb-typin is like playing kalimba.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Typing on my kindle drives me cray-cray. I would rather use my blackberry than my kindle. Which is not to say I'm going to use my blackberry. :D
I'm not sure I'll make the commitment to practice kindle typing, but maybe I won't make a wrinkled nose face the next time I have to type something on there.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Oh gods. I could never write my novel on my Kindle! I get too frustrated with the slowness of the typing xD
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I'm a fast touch-typist and I kept focussing on "this is slower," too. Then Tim Taylor at Greyhart enthused to me about how he loved writing and editing on his. So I thought, "He's probably a hunt and peck typist."
But what I learned to focus on is that
it's faster and more legible than handwriting on TheBus
I don't have to type it in later
it resists perfectionism. I'll actually type pretty punctuation-free then clean it up on the laptop when I get home.
it gives me 2-3 more hours of writing per day
it's much lighter and cooler.
Is it perfect? No, bu it solves problems.
What I would love to see from Amazon is a USB keyboard about the size of the Kindle itself that I could plug in with this cable for recharging, connecting to the laptop, and all. I could really touch type on that and it wouldn't be humbug to pack.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
You're better off getting a new Kindle Touch or waiting for the Kindle Fire (which won't be released 'til November 15).
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I'd be better off winning the South German Lottery and being able to quit my job and work on my desktop at home. But that's not to the point.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Dreamway, you haven't mentioned not having a financial budget, so here's something for you to look at:
http://www.neo-direct.com/
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Ah, yes, Neos! Unfortunately my hardware budget went for the Kindle because a Neo is a junk reader and can't show graphics. If I were made of money I'd just dictate the novel to my secretary over the phone. I know a number of people who swear by their Neos, and I know this is a good product.
But the question has never been what hardware to use. This is it. The question was one of word processors for it.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Wow, you're a brave soul! I couldn't even do a decent error-free search term on the Kindle back when I was e-reader shopping. I went with the Nook instead.
You've officially won my Holy Crap, That's Awesome! award for guts and writing determination.
Does the Kindle run Android apps? I honestly have no idea. I have a recommendation or two if it does.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Good idea. I'll go check, though I doubt it.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I know the new Fire is supposed to run Android, and the Nook does, but I'm utterly clueless about earlier Kindles.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Yup, the Fire runs apps. The Kindle keyboard runs active content. Thanks for the thought.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Well, that sucks!
I did come across this, if Google Docs doesn't work well on the Kindle. It's web-based, plain text, so you can access it with more than one device. http://www.simpletext.ws/
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Yowza! I love my Kindle, but hate the keyboard. Good luck!!!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
You are a brave soul Dreamway, and you have totally solved my 'cannot lug 7 lb computer around everyday' issue! <3 Bless you! I am writing primarily in Google Docs as well, so as long as I keep it well charged this will be GREAT! Rock On!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
YESSS! This is totally my point. It's light and it works on TheBus. By working in a remote document rather than the (lack of) word processors, it solves illegibility and time to type in later.
Not so by the way, I have now done a few thou words of a ss with this system and ...
IT TOTALLY WORKS!
We are gonna conquer.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
While I don't plan on committing 50K on my Kindle, I do plan on it being a vital tool for my NaNo experience this year. I always have it with me, and I can easily transport notes and data to my PC (via online or usb). Everyone knows the world doesn't stop for writers in November, and with chaotic scheduling (especially around the holidays), and a personal lack of other available portable options, the Kindle was a prime choice for me. =)
I gotta agree with Dreamway in that the Kindle is light, easily accessible, better than handwriting and eliminates the need to re-type. I also suffer from a horribly wretched inner-editor who rides my brain with a whip, demanding perfection. I'm hoping Kindle-ing parts of my novel will help me deal with that demon.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
OMG, it's a movement!
When I'm home, yeah, I'm going to be on a regular computer, but this is going to add so much time to work in. I doe beat the steno book in the purse.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I haven't played around with it enough to see if that's even possible... at it sits, my notes are scattered in 2 different notebooks, I'm got the first prelude mentally worked out, don't see anything changing as of yet. Hell, I didn't know until just now that it could be done.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Nobody knew it could be done. We're the pioneers.
Get those notes stashed online so you can access them. Keying them in will be a good way to review them and internalize them while you're waiting for 2011/11/1/0000.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I just literally got a Kindle yesterday and I think I may end up using it to novel in school ... ha ha ha :D My parents don't want me to take it around, but I want it for the bus journeys. I was wondering how I could write on it apart from straight into the body of an email to myself, since my Kindle and gmail don't seem to get on very well - Google docs would be perfect. I'm going to start practising very soon.
I find it faster than typing on my phone and I don't have to type it up afterwards, so even if it's slower than a computer it could be worse.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
In school all my teachers thought I was taking notes like crazy when I was writing.
You got the point ... it's not as fast as a real keyboard but it's better than the alternatives. I am so astonished all the textaholics haven't jumped on this.
Bus commutes are what ereaders are about. Put it in a big zip bag agaiinst rain and puddles. Keep it in a padded pocket. Convince your folks you will be careful of it. Tell them I carry and use it on a 45 minute commute and it saves my sanity besides not hurting the Kindle.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
We need a Kindle brigade! I was already thinking of using it when I saw your topic. The typewriter users have got one, so why shouldn't we? ;)
I will probably end up sneaking it with me. They won't know, they're at work same as me. Even if I leave it at home some days, I still have my bus trips to ballet and stuff when I could use it. I tried that text file thing, but it didn't work on my Kindle (and trying to use Write or Die killed it completely for about half an hour), so I think I'll be going for the email-to-self route.
It will save me from RSI, too. I can alternate between a keyboard and my Kindle :D
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
If google docs doesn't work like it didn't for me, go to YahooGroups and create your own one-person group. You can create txt files in the Files section.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Google Docs didn't work for me either (largely due to Google insisting things open in new tabs/windows), so I'm using WriteBoard, where you can create a board (free) and then just continually add more to it as you go. It has its own link that I can easily bookmark on Kindle and it is a simple page (header and a text box) so it loads easy.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I'll go and look that up - that sounds like a good thing. Yes, the whole things opening in new windows is very annoying! Some of the emails I get are ALL like that, it's a nightmare.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Writeboard is perfect! Thank you!
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Glad to help. =)
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
If it works for you, go for it! I can see the portability would be nice if there's a practical way to store the words and transfer them to other platforms. Use web-based email to send yourself chapters. Word limits might be an issue. I have a notepad "app" I've used to take notes, but it sure would take a lot of prettying up later.
I wouldn't do this, but it's fascinating seeing what *can* be done with a Kindle, even if there's better technology out there... sometimes you just have to use the tools at hand!
Are there good Kindle apps for when you're not connected, that can store and send later? It'd save a lot of battery life that way.
Chris
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Apparently not. That was what I was hoping to find.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
From what I've seen, not yet. All I have is Notepad by 7 Dragons, which seems to be a staple, but VERY limited in the word count department. Someone with technical ability should create one... I'd definitely buy it! If I stumble across anything, I'll be sure to post about it.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I know you're insisting on using a Kindle, but I would really recommend an Alphasmart 3000 or Alphasmart Dana...you can get them on ebay for $20-30, it has a decent screen, a comfortable keyboard and is small and light enough to be portable.
Kindles are great readers...but I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to try to write something of any length on a Kindle keyboard.
Even though the only tool you have right now is a hammer, sometimes you really do need a screwdriver instead to get the job done. :)
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I used to use an Apple Newton as my portable and hated the tiny screen -- which is huge compared to the Alphies (as my friends with them call them). The Kindle has a larger screen.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
I keep a journal on my Kindle keyboard, so I don't see what would be so hard about writing a couple hundred words of fiction. I just properly punctuate it on my PC when I get home, no big deal.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Thank you for the encouragement. I can do several hundred per commute stretch (well, it is 45 minutes), which is actually most of the daily 2000 ... if only I didn't have to think up what comes next. ;-)
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Okay, this definitely is working. Let's hear from the others giving it a shot.
The one drawback so far is wa little thumb soreness from not being enough in shape. But not bad.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
Poor Kindle, he will be broken by the end of the month no doubt. They aren't designed for the repeated stress of hundreds of thousands of keystrokes. The letters will rub off the keyboard before that too.
Why not just write with a pen and paper?
Or perhaps the novelty and attention you are getting from writing on a Kindle is all that matters.
Re: Can it be done on a Kindle keyboard?
You can offload the Kindle notes files in under a minute and add it to the main manuscript on your PC. It's a lot less intensive than transcribing from pen and paper.
I have used my Kindle to make notes, keep a short form diary, perform Google searches, tweet, and send email for nearly eleven months now. My E key has faded a bit, but I know perfectly well where it is.
Unless you've personally read the reports of Amazon's stress testing team, you aren't qualified to say definitively what it is or is not capable of withstanding. Neither am I, but I do know that my Kindle has stood up to an awful lot of what you would call abuse and suffered no ill effects.