THE STORY SO FAR: PART 234

TOOLS OF THE TRADE—AND HOW TO USE THEM

Years ago, when I was seriously interested in photography and thought of going professional (it remains an interest) I yearned for the latest and greatest gadget—and devoured photography magazines in search of them.

After a while I learned that I was better off mastering the equipment I had to the point where it became intuitive—and only adding new technology when I really, really needed it. In sum, it is better to really know the tools of your trade than to have the latest and greatest—or such is my view based upon my own experience. And you save a fortune on magazines.

I hold much the same view where software is concerned—though, generally speaking I upgrade after a suitable interval.

I have been using FINAL DRAFT 6 for this screenplay rewrite and it is working just fine. True, FINAL DRAFT 8 is available—and it does have some potentially useful features like the ability to highlight from within the program—but FD 6 is currently all I need. It’s an excellent program, by the way, and is pretty much the industry standard.

Will it make you a better screenwriter? Sadly, no—but it will ensure that your presentation looks professional.

Is there any software which will improve your writing?

Actually, I read that we have now reached the stage where some computer programs can generate quite acceptable prose—though I have never seen one in action. Frankly, I find that a depressing development.

However, I am much in favor of spelling, punctuation and grammar checkers—and use them where possible.

I have included a photo of a “BROOM HANDLE MAUSER” in this blog because it features in the screenplay I’m working on, and because it is a fascinating weapon. Over a million were made. With the wooden shoulder-stock detached, it was a fast-firing semi-automatic pistol. With the wooden stuck (which also served as a holster) attached, it was an extremely accurate carbine. The official designation was the MAUSER C96

The stripper clip held ten rounds and the original weapons was chambered for the powerful 7.63×25mm Mauser cartridge--which was the highest velocity commercially manufactured pistol cartridge until the advent of the .357 Magnum cartridge in 1935.