Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.
Today its my turn.
Im Beth, and here are some of the secrets to how I work.
Location: Pittsburgh, PACurrent Gig: Freelance health and science writer.
Im the worlds only(?)
Linux user who doesnt have time to tinker.
Its 2016, so I expect things to Just Work.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
Inbox for Gmailis the best thing ever.
Without it, my inbox would be a giant mess.
With it, its only a small mess.
My Evernote is a mess.
I also use Evernote to take pictures of book pages.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I sit on a hard wooden chair in a freezing cold attic because misery is important for creativity.
(That was the impression some folks got last year.
I love this workspace.
Dont worry, I use a heater when it gets cold.)
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Ive tried the apps and they all suck.
I write stuff on paper and hope I dont lose the paper.
(Sometimes I snap a picture and send it to Evernote.)
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you work without and why?
Babys gotta eat.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
I can bang out 45wpm one-handed.
What are you currently reading?
Here are just a few of my favorites so far.
(Seriously, narrowing down this list was the hardest part of writing this whole post.)
All of these books are really entertaining, readable, and engrossing.
As for howmybook is going, well, Im currently working through Step 3 ofThorins book-writing guide.
How do you recharge?
Whats your sleep routine like?
So Im really glad there is an app calledI Cant Wake Up.
Without it I would still be asleep right now.
See, its good.
Heres what it does.
But if I play its little games, the ringtone stays quiet.
It asks me to play a memory tile game, matching the colors.
This doesnt take much brainpower.
I start tapping the squares and before I know it I have most of the board cleared.
Next it brings up a barcode scanner.
I have to get up and find a certain book, and scan the barcode on the back.
Finally, it lets me decide whether I want to get up or snooze.
Well, shit, Im awake now.
All of this is configurable; there are many tortures to choose from.
Oh, and five minutes later, the alarm goes off again, softly.
If you dont do the Yes, Im still awake slider, it starts all over again.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Have you ever eaten a bread pudding that had too many raisins?
I cant imagine such a thing, and so it is with writing.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers or fans?
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
