This month we have expert advice from Rob Innis on how to ensure your work is stored safe and sound, Ten Top Tips advises on how to make your dialogue convincing. Useful websites helps in that area too as well as offering some markets and a research site. And hopefully, you’ll find some fun and something to inspire you in the end note.

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Better safe than sorry!

By Rob Innis

Being a writer means having to face many types of setback. Editors rejections, missed deadlines, and the dreaded writer's block - which probably tops the list - or does it? How about computer failure and loss of work? Having to try to recreate that original story or article is an extremely difficult, soul destroying task. So how can it be avoided? Well, we all know there are only two certainties in life but sensible precautions can help avoid losing those precious words from your Microsoft computer. (Sorry Mac users I will leave you on your Mac planet.)
The easiest way to create a backup is to copy your files to:

• CD disk

• removableUSB flash drive

• external hard disk

CD disks are a little out of date now, but if you still want to use them make sure you buy ones that are re-writeable so you can use them again and again.

Personally, I prefer using flash drives because they are very easy to use and cheap to buy. I now understand that a programmable version has hit the market, which will make this option even more attractive.

However, if you have a lot of other data apart from text, like photos or maybe videos, the external hard disk might be a better option given their huge capacity.

If you choose one of the above options remember:

a) You need to regularly copy your data to the device (obvious I know, but easily overlooked!)

b) It needs removing from the computer after use to ensure it has maximum chance of surviving either virus attacks or power surges. However, it is still in your house and exposed to accidents or disasters.

Another very simple way to backup that precious file containing your latest novel is to attach it to an email and send it to a friend. Assuming the friend does not live next door the chances of you both suffering simultaneous disasters are, one would hope, very slim!

If you have a Google account you could also use the option ‘Docs'. Intended as a way of sharing documents with a co-worker this again would place your document out on the net and will be automatically backed up by Google.

If you are making changes to or creating new files every day, you may need to consider something more sophisticated. There are a number of automated products, which will automatically backup your data according to the parameters that you set i.e. frequency and which files. There are many free products but you can encounter charges for any additional external storage options.

Check out IDrive - http://www.idrive.com/ 

Their basic 2GB service is free and probably adequate for most writers' needs.

Good housekeeping will minimise the chances of your computer having a software problem. Run Firewall software, like Microsoft's Windows Defender and regularly update your main software from Microsoft (via Internet Explorer's Tools options). Run anti-virus software and keep it updated. Look here for an example:

http://www.filehippo.com/software/antivirus/

You can also obtain free update checker software from filehippo

http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/

This will tell you when programs running on your computer have newer versions available. It is always worth downloading the latest versions for improved security and functionality - and they are mostly free!

All of these actions will help minimise the risk of virus attacks. For general housekeeping, deleting old system files (not your personal data), keeping the registry tidy etc. try

http://www.glaryutilities.com/gu.html

It's easy to run with a one click maintenance option as well as other useful functions. And the only two certainties in life? Death and Taxation.

Rob Innis is a Freelance Writer, living in southern Spain, and was a Writers Bureau student. His articles are regularly published in various magazines and internet sites. He also writes short story fiction, recently published in the anthology ‘Courting the Bull'. He is Deputy Chairman of the Torrevieja Writers Circle and a member of Writers Abroad. He edited the Writers Bureau Students' E-zine, Chapter and Verse, for a year, producing four editions. For more: http://www.spainrico.com