Tech Tips for Writers is an occasional post on overcoming Tech Dread. I’ll cover issues that friends, both real-time and virtual, have shared. Feel free to post a comment about a question you have. I’ll cover it in a future Tip.
When I write, I don’t like interruptions. I’m completely in my head with my characters, watching what they do so I can scribe for them. When technology gets glitchy, it throws me out and–like a dream–I completely lose track of the storyline.
I’m probably extreme but because of my quirkiness, I’ve fallen in love with shortkeys. For me, once I remember them, they’re faster, more efficient, and my eyes stay on the screen rather than searching for tools and keys.
I usually write on a PC but sometimes, when I need a laptop, I use my Chromebook. Here’s a poster with ten of my favorite Chromebook shortkeys:
If you use a Chromebook for writing, do you have a favorite I didn’t mention?
More Chromebook Tech Tips for Writers
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How to Make Your Characters Digitally Literate
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Shortkeys are very handy if you remember them!! I do all my writing on a desktop, much easier plus like you I have two screens. Brilliant when researching and writing.
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I use a Chromebook for teaching but not so much for personal stuff. I’m too old to switch from my desktop. It does everything I need.
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Same here. My desktop is where I do all my writing and research. I do use my tablet for checking the various thesauri as a third screen. Am I a tech geek or what? LOL 😀
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Yes you are! I often have a tablet at my side too, for those reference issues. We’re Today’s Writers!
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We certainly are! 🙂
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Am I having a blonde moment…I’m not even sure what a Chromebook is! I’d know one if I had one though, right 😉 And with those tips, I kind of wish I had!!
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I often think most normal people aren’t familiar with Chromebooks. Education has become addicted to them because they’re so cheap but few others I talk to are interested. Well, my son (a satellite geek for the Army) bought one and loves it.
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Thanks for these useful tips Jacqui 🙂
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My pleasure, Deb.
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What is the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook?
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The laptop is like a desktop Mac or PC but in that laptop format–portable. It runs software as well as anything on the Intenret. Chromebooks look like laptops but only run whatever works off the Internet. You don’t load software nor do you download to it. It you use a laptop mostly for Internet and email, Chromebooks are perfect. Because lots of people don’t like software anymore (for oh so many reasons), online sites for MS Office, Adobe, and all what used to be software are becoming more and more popular.
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Useful to know about these shortkeys which I did not know about. I write on my laptop in short bursts.
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Shortkeys definitely speed up the process, allowing your brain to focus on your story rather than where the f*** the key is!
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Jacqui,
Good tips. I don’t have a Chromebook nor do I do much writing on my iPad but shortcuts always a welcome. 🙂
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Many generic ones also work on Chromebooks but I focused on their unique ones. Chromebooks are a tad different than the norm!
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Hi Jacqui – glad that’s there … but for now I can ignore – as I don’t have that personal animal of a Chromebook!! Cheers Hilary
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I use mine rarely, have it more for teaching purposes, but it’s a winner in schools. It has low maintenance, is sturdy, and inexpensive. Nice.
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Keyboard shortcuts also improve speed by keeping your hands on the keyboard. Every time you lift your hand from the keyboard to move the mouse and click, you’ve lost time and train of through. and lord knows my tracks aren’t that solid …
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Really good point. That ones a keeper.
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No Chromebook for me but someone’s day just got easier.
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There are a lot of reasons why Chromebooks are great (my son no longer has to reformat every month because Chromebooks don’t allow downloads) but in your case, I think your PC is a great choice.
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Its useful for me… Thank!!
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Glad it’s helpful!
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My better half has a Chromebook, but there doesn’t seem to be a right-click to it, so actions are limited.
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GP, most times when right click doesn’t come as an individual key, pressing ALT F11 or CTRL F11 will do the job.
I hope this works on a chromebook too.
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I’m going to try this. So often, there are multiple ways to invoke something. This well could work.
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let me know if it works on chromebook.
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hmmmm, it’s the shift not the alt key i use….
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I like Jina’s solutions. The Right Click shortkey is kinda hidden on this chart (as is the Chromebook right-click). You:
tap once on the touchpad using two fingers. This will open the right-click menu wherever you are.
I can’t say I ever think of a two-finger tap, except for this.
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Thanks, Jacqui!!
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I’m with you…no interruptions! Thanks, Jacqui!
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Yep. I’m in my head and searching for that tool throws me right out.
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Very useful Jacqui.. thanks
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Chromebooks are their own animal. I’d prefer a device that was only for the Internet that retained all the keys I’m used to. I guess that’s asking too much.
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