Running time: 34:33
Welcome back to the Lyric Writer’s Workroom podcast! In this podcast we talk about tools for writing songs and lyrics. A list of the gear I’ve found useful follows, with links.
Analog tools
Fountain pen: this is the Pilot Metropolitan model fountain pen that I use. Ink cartridges here.
Dot grid notebook: this “ghost grid” notebook is pricey, so I sometimes use looseleaf graph paper.
Reusable notebook: I’m experimenting with a “Rocketbook” brand Everlast notebook. I scan and upload the pages with my phone, then erase them with a damp cloth.
Portable notebook cover: I forgot to mention this one during the episode, but I use this notebook cover with these reporter notebooks.
Digital tools
Mechanical Keyboard: Here’s a link to the Corsair Strafe keyboard I’ve used for years. It’s marketed to gamers, but this type of keyboard was designed originally for writers and typists. The Strafe comes with your choice of mechanical switches. I use the MX blue switches, which are “clicky” and tactile. MX brown switches are quieter but also tactile.
WriteMonkey Free full-screen writing software for Windows, designed to screen out distractions. Here’s a link to the WriteMonkey website. They take donations in case you want to support their work. If you don’t run Windows, search “distraction free writing software” in your operating system via Google or an app store.
Scapple: Digital whiteboard software, great for brainstorming, rearranging parts of a song, outlining, or just playing with words in the style of those word magnets for the fridge. Made by the same company as Scrivener, described below. Here’s a link to Scapple’s website.
Scrivener: This software is intended more for writers of long-form fiction and research-intensive nonfiction. I do a lot of research and prewriting when I write lyrics, so I’ve found Scrivener helpful. Here’s a link to Scrivener, but note that if you use Windows you may want to wait for Scrivener 3 to release so you won’t have to pay an upgrade fee.
Further reading
Key Crazy: Inside the Wonderful World of Keyboard Fanatics on Gizmodo