Netvibes for fiction writers  

Web 2.0 start pages are the new hype. But the challenge consists in using them wisely. I will talk about how using Netvibes could help you to write. A novel, a short story. Anything.

What is Netbives ?

Netvibes is a customizable web 2.0 start page, much like Pageflakes or iGoogle. For non-techies, it allows you to build a private web page containing any info from the web, with drag'n'drop controls, pretty colors and everything. This article is Netvibes-centered because that's the one I use (and I will share Netvibes tabs, too). But you can use any AJAX start page service. Mashable has a comparison article on web 2.0 start pages. Check it out !

Why Netvibes ?

When you're writing, you must get rid of distractions. Offline distractions are easy to manage (power off the TV, close your door...). But if you write on an internet-enabled computer, you must cope with online distractions : flash games, instant messengers... Netvibes is a good way to sort "useful" from "bad" uses. How about a writing dashboard with writing prompts, dictionary and inspirational pictures on a single page ?

Here are 4 tabs ideas to create your own "Writingvibes". If you've got a Netvibes account, just click on the button to import the tab into your account.

Tab 1 : Inspiration
Writers get their ideas from everywhere. So try to put a bit of everything in your inspiration tab. My tab contains Ask Metafilter, One Sentence Story, Netvibes Image Search and some other writing prompts websites. But you could, for example, add the Delicious/tag/inspiration feed,a MP3 feed or a TV program feed.

Tab 2 : Coffee break
Reward yourself with a little break, but don't quit Netvibes or your 5-min-break will turn to 2-hour-random-surfing-on-wikipedia-and-youtube. My preference goes to webcomics about writing, writing forums and the very instructive Limyaael's rants journal.

Tab 3 : Language
Depending on your language proficiency, you may need quick fixs on some words or sentences. And what about foreign language words ? Ninjawords and Babylon Translator Widget are my picks, because they fit nicely in Netvibes boxes and they do a great job too. For language-specific needs, you will have to look by yourself. (Mini-tip : if you're into swedish, this translator is very handy)

Tab 4 : Quick notes
Nothing impressive here. That's just 6 blank "webnotes" widgets. Now, use them as index cards, rearrange them with drag'n'drop and change colors. Character sheets, plotting, editing notes... Be creative !

I hope that this article gave you ideas to transform Netvibes into a writing framework ! Remember that you can add almost anything you want (with a bit of "hacking", any web page or form will fit in the "Web Page" module). Try to-do lists (Remember The Milk Widget), writing podcasts... And of course, don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments !