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Five Tools You Need To Write From Anywhere

One of the joys of freelancing is the ability to write from wherever you happen to be. I was able to put this to the test last week as I travelled to Cancun, Mexico. Here’s my list of essentials for writing from anywhere.

1. Laptop

Whether you choose a laptop with everything on it or the portability of something like the Dell Mini, currently on my wishlist (hint, hint), this is what you need to stay connected with your writing business and with the world. Ideally, this should be Wi-Fi enabled to save you having to travel around with extra cables. Invest in some adapter plugs for complete portability.  

2. PDA

Many people use their PDAs for keeping track of their diaries, and it’s true that it’s a good way to make sure you don’t miss out on important deadlines. My PDA serves an even more important function, though, because it has built in digital recording, enabling me to record interviews as I work. This is essential for cross checking with notes later.

3. WiFi Roaming

A Wi-Fi roaming account is the answer to make sure you can connect from anywhere, otherwise you might find yourself paying prohibitive charges for your internet connection. Of course, you can often save money by getting net access for the price of a coffee, or you can use your hotel’s business centre for a cheaper connection option. I used this to keep up with urgent email and to monitor my Twitter account while on the road.

4. Online backup

Being of a paranoid disposition, I have two online backup solutions: MozyHome and Syncplicity. The latter is useful when on the road because it gives me easy access to my files stored in the familiar folders as well as the tools I need to edit them online. Because it’s synced with my home computer, I will always have the latest versions of my files there and can edit without worrying about it. Plus I never have to worry about forgetting something essential.

5. IGoogle

My internet start page is a great thing to have when on the road. If I am connecting from a public computer, I can follow the links to my work and home email, RSS reader, world clocks, weather, to do lists (yes, I have more than one) and much more from one handy interface. I don’t have to remember a lot of web addresses and I can use it from anywhere. (By the way, I discovered that the page automatically detected my location and translated everything into Spanish – no problem since I speak the language). And let’s not forget that you have easy access to Google Docs for another option for writing and editing documents. These are the top five things I found useful on my trip, though I would also include Skype on the list. What do you find most useful when you are writing from the road?

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