Relevant Resources: for Writers

I help edit SPEAKER Magazine for the National Speakers Association (NSA). Each month I curate the Relevant Resources column – a list of time-saving tools and technologies.

The October list focuses on resources for writers and writing.

Montblanc MeisterstuckMontblanc Fountain Pen – Writing with a quality fountain pen is like making love to your words as they flow sensuously onto the page. The exquisite Montblanc Meisterstuck collection is crafted from black resin and 18K gold with rhodium-plated inlay. Its barrel and cap are made of black precious resin inlaid with the coveted Montblanc emblem. A pleasure for the hand and eye, this pen is sure to conquer the page. Prices vary by custom design.

Rite in the Rain All Weather Notebook – Rite in the Rain is a truly amazing paper that is created for writing in all-weather conditions; from the torrential downpours of the Pacific Northwest to the blistering heat and humidity of a Midwest summer’s day. You can even use it in the bath or shower, or any place where you’re prone to spill food or drink. Starting at $3.95 for a 3″ x 5”spiral-bound pocket notebook.

Moleskine NotebooksMoleskine Notebooks – For two centuries Moleskine has been the legendary notebook of artists, writers, and intellectuals. A hardy travel companion, the notebook comes in a variety of sizes and styles, including hard and soft cover sketchbooks, storyboard notebooks, pocket notebooks, and ruled or plain classic writing notebooks. Each is made with acid-free paper and undergoes an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Starting around $12.

LogiPen NOTES – Convert your notes into digital format with LogiPen NOTES, an innovative pen that captures everything you write and sketch electronically for later editing and sharing on your computer. Write on any type of paper (scratch paper, business cards and napkins) and LogiPen magically converts your scribbles into manageable text files. Compatible with Mac OS X, Windows 7, XP and Vista. $98.50

Old School Lap DeskOld School Lap Desk – When writing in your PJs, keep it classy with the Old School Lap Desk. Elegantly crafted with a cherry-stained finish and brass-hinged top, this desk offers a simple solution when working from home or traveling. The top opens to provide access to a divided storage space with soft green felt to protect your documents, and a foam bead-filled pillow ensures comfortable lap placement. 4.5″ tall x 17″ wide x 14″ deep. $54.49.

The Associated Press (SP) Stylebook – has gone mobile and its 2011 edition is packed with 500 revisions, including a new food, wine and spirits section, and expanded social media guidelines. Download this app to put the journalistic standard for writing at your fingertips. Available for iPhone and Blackberry. $24.99

New York Messenger BagNew York Messenger Bag – Tote all your writing gear in this classic NY Messenger Bag from Manhattan Portage. It has plenty of zippered pockets for keys and small gadgets, and a roomy interior for your books or laptop. Made of Cordura classic fabric with water resistant coating and double reinforcement on the corners for durability. 22″ x 12.5″ x 8.5″. $79.00.

Verilux Modern Natural Spectrum Desk Lamp – Natural lighting contributes to an overall sense of well-being by increasing energy and reducing headaches. The Modern Natural Spectrum Desk Lamp from Verilux is easy on the eyes and energy consumption. The Optix lens focuses natural light while decreasing glare. Includes a 10,000-hour bulb and one-year warranty. $129.95

DocupenPlanon DocuPen – Making copies is SO yesterday. Scan and store information from books, articles and brochures with the Planon DocuPen, a sleek portable scanner the size of a pen that can process full pages of text and graphics, and store up to 100 images. DocuPen X Series products provide high-quality images and improved functionality for today’s multitasking professional. Includes leather case, USB cable and software. Starting at $299.

Dragon Naturally Speaking Software – Turn ideas into text at the speed of thought when you dictate your words using Dragon Naturally Speaking speech recognition software from Nuance. Three times faster than typing, Dragon allows you to create and edit documents while focusing on your content instead of the pain in your wrist. Invest in the Premium Edition so you can download audio files from any digital recorder and transcribe podium presentations in a flash. Available for the Mac and PC. $199.99.

You can view articles from the current edition and subscribe to SPEAKER magazine on the NSAwebsite.

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thanks, Ian for all of your contributions to NSA. LOVE this column!

“Writing with a quality fountain pen is like making love to your words as they flow sensuously onto the page” – I couldn’t agree more!



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