Let's be honest: virtual assistant technology has a long way to go. It's equal parts helpful and equal parts repeating yourself like you do at Sunday brunch when your Aunt May forgot to turn up her hearing aid. Until the obstinate woman in my echo dot responds in a helpful way to my "Alexa, finish my novel" command, I'm not sold on having a digital co-pilot in my writing world. But I have gone beyond her two most popular commands (timers and weather forecasts) to make my writing and freelance life easier. I encourage you to use this list as a springboard to finding out other ways Alexa can help you, from productivity cues to a bit of yoga or meditation to keep those creative juices flowing.
Alexa, turn on Ambient Noise.
This was particularly helpful last fall when I was writing a scene that took place inside a beach shack on the Georgia coast and wanted ocean background noise. You can say "Alexa, ask Ambient Noise for a list" and she'll rattle off an exhaustive list of available looping sounds or you can specify a noise like birds or thunderstorms or fans. No matter the scene you're writing, there's a sound guaranteed to put you in that head space.
Alexa, how many days until (my deadline).
For writers of lengthy projects this is a double-edged blade. The bitch is also counting weekends, which works for some, not so much for others. Personally, my muse has to be on 24-7 when writing a novel in order to flex when I sit down to create.
Alexa, how do you spell (your mental hiccup word).
All writers have these. Please tell me all writers have these. You can also ask Alexa for synonyms and antonyms but she'll likely give you the most common 5-10.
Alexa, inspire me.
Some days, general inspiration is all a writer needs, but you can get specific here regarding topic. Ask for quotes about writing, storytelling, persistence, rejection or quotes from your favorite author. Beware, Alexa did steal two minutes of my life reading a J.K. Rowling dissertation on paying taxes in the UK.
Alexa, set a timer for 30 minutes.
This is the number one command requested of Alexa. But before you use it to time the 18 minute brownies that will give you writer's spread in the tastiest of ways, consider that the greatest threat to your health as a writer is the physical act of writing: sitting, one position, lost in your story world. Awhile back, I mentioned that I get eye migraines. My optometrist suggested the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look up at something at least 20 yards away for 20 seconds. Moving the body goes without saying. And yeah, it sucks to be pulled out of your story world by anything but a steaming hot pan of brownies, but this is your life and your health and you want to be around to write many, many more books.
Alexa, what do I have to do today?
There are several productivity apps you can merge with Alexa, but I find her to-do lists just right for what I need to remember. For things of a time sensitive nature, I add a reminder at a certain time. I check in with Alexa at lunch to see how I'm doing then at the end of my day to see what I can add to tomorrow's list. I can't say I use these for writing priorities, but keeping me on track with my life while I'm immersed in my story world helps me from getting the stink eye from family members who won't buy into excuses like "There was no way I could call the dentist office to get an appointment because I was immersed in a sword battle in the middle realm."
Alexa, tell me a joke about writers
These are bad. Really cheesy. Like you probably won't even laugh rom-com style. However, there is something to be said for a smile, keeping the day positive, and having an arsenal of the worst puns for your writing group.
Alexa, how many days did the Battle of Gettysburg last?
This is a search related to my WIP that I did last week. Of course, Alexa can address many basic items of research that can also type into Google's search box. The advantage? Alexa answers these without opening up the rabbit hole of endless research you will find with Google listings.
Alexa, start Radio Mystery Theater
Okay so these are classic old-time shows from the golden age of radio. And they remind me of just how far fiction and storytelling has come from melodramatic days gone by. To writers, they serve another purpose. When reaching for precise tones of voice, the oft forsaken audio sensory input, and nuances like cadence of dialogue, they can be a wellspring of inspiration.
Alexa, tell me something about Jude Law
Inspiration dries up, does it not?
In all seriousness, Alexa is far from perfect when it comes to being a writing companion. What she will do is keep you on track and keep you healthy without all the distractions that our cell phone and internet browser can sometimes bring. She even has a favorite romance novel. Predictable, but fun.
