Using the Computer t Written by Margaret Procter, Writing Support
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You already know that the computer makes a good typewriter, letting you easily type in text, shift it around, and make small proofreading changes. It can also do much more for you if you make the most of its capacities. It has some disadvantages too, though—for instance, you can see only half a page of your work at a time. Here are some practical tips on making the most of the computer and minimizing its limitations. Use the Help key in your word-processing program to learn more about the functions mentioned here
Composing
If you use word processing only for typing final drafts, you may be surprised how much power you gain by doing all your writing on the computer. Try it!
1. You don't have to create clean or fully developed text the first time. Try jotting down your ideas as they come, without looking up spelling or other details—just make a note or a few XXXs or //// in the text to mark the place to return. You will be able to create a full draft quickly—then you can go back and strengthen it. Using a word processor means you never have to recopy!
2. Try doing brainstorming on screen. It's encouraging to scroll through your results later and develop worthwhile bits. For real writer's block, turn the monitor brightness to zero and type in anything at all on a darkened screen: you'll probably be surprised at how much sense these seemingly random sequences make.
3. Outlining is easier on computer. If you like working out your logic first, type in your initial ideas in outline form. Many word-processing programs include built-in outliners (use Help or your manual to find out). Even a simple list of points to cover helps get you started. Then you can fill in as much as you want in each draft. The computer also lets you check the logical strucure of a completed draft: either use the built-in outliner function or just copy the opening sentence of each paragraph into a sequence and look at the set to see if it shows the structure you want.
4. A simple idea: don't double-space your text until you're ready to print it out. You need to see as many lines as possible on screen to get a sense of the flow of your work.
5. Save time by using short forms in your first draft. Then get the Search and Replace function (Alt-F2 in WordPerfect 5.1) to insert full wordings. Type s-a at first, for instance; then replace that set of letters with sovereignty-association.
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