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nanowrimo · 4 years

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Camp Pep: 3 Tips for Sticking to a Writing Routine

Camp NaNoWriMo is here—but if you’re having trouble finding time to sit down and concentrate on your writing don’t worry! Today we have Kristen Hall-Geisler with us to offer her suggestions for finding a routine in mist of all the everything going on around us:

This spring delivered upheaval after upheaval, in the form of a pandemic followed by global protests to protect and respect Black lives and a month of LGBTQ+ Pride. Times have been tough, but also filled with inspiration. People who’ve written several novels and people who’ve never attempted the form before are fired up to tell new stories. Camp NaNoWriMo is going to be amazing this year.

It’s always a challenge to maintain a writing practice, especially when schedules and routines might have flown out the window months ago. We’ve all heard “butt in chair,” meaning that the writing gets done when your butt is in the chair at your desk and the work is in front of you. But in case you need a little more guidance, here are three of my best tips for writers at any stage.

1. Find your daily time, but don’t be rigid.

Productivity blogs and life hack sites sing the praises of waking up at 5:00 a.m. and getting in thousands of words before the birds wake up. This may be ideal for you, especially if you have young kids who wake up a little later. But it’s not ideal for everyone.

The trick is to experiment, and Camp NaNoWriMo is great for this. Take a week of Camp to try writing first thing in the morning (even if your “first thing” is more like 8:00 a.m.). Try reading for a few hours first, and then writing for an hour or two before lunch. Try the night owl life and begin writing after dinner or after everyone else in the house is in bed. When do you feel most energetic? When do you slip into that elusive state called “flow”? That’s your time.

Now that you’ve found it, don’t cling too tightly to it. If you miss a day, it’s okay. If you have to write later than usual because you have a Zoom meeting during your prime writing time, go with it. Do what you can to hit your daily goals, even if you have to write at a less than perfect time.

2. Find your tools, but don’t be superstitious.

Some people write first drafts on paper with a fountain pen (I’m raising my hand). Some adore Scrivener and its many functions built specifically for writers. Some stick with good ol’ Word or Google Docs. There’s a tool for everyone and every stage of writing.

Again, Camp NaNoWriMo is a fun place to experiment. Write a chapter longhand and revise it by typing it up the next day. Dust off that vintage typewriter that’s been serving as décor for years. Type out a few paragraphs on your phone while on a walk. I’m currently coaching an author who has drafted a dozen short stories in the past six months using his notes app.

Once you’ve found the tools that help you create your magic, set them out so they’re in plain sight and waiting for you at your writing time. But don’t let the tools become more important than the writing! It’s great to have a favorite pen or app, but if that’s not available when inspiration strikes, use whatever is at hand. Capture the idea as completely as possible in whatever way you can and transfer it to your preferred medium whenever you can.

3. Find your goals, but be forgiving.

When you sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo, you get to choose the status of your project. My novel, for instance is in the planning stages. Yours might be ready for revisions. Then you pick your word count goal—how much do you want to get done in one month?

NaNoWriMo offers a benchmark with its 50,000-word goal. But since I’m still researching a historical period for this novel, I’m setting a much lower goal for Camp. If you’re revising, you have a word count already. Are you looking to shorten a bloated first draft? Or do you need to flesh out descriptions and world building? Those will influence your goals. Break those goals down to daily totals and start ticking off those boxes. It feels so good to see yourself making progress every single day alongside so many other Campers. Remember, you can also change your goal if you need to.

Spending a week at camp with virtual writing buddies is a great way to stay on track and feel accountable to your goal. But as we’ve all experienced this year, plans can go sideways very fast. Issues can arise that need the attention of you and your community immediately. And you may be dealing with physical or mental health issues more this summer than ever.

Sticking to your Camp NaNoWriMo goals can act as a north star for keeping yourself focused when everything around you is in flux. But if Camp feels more like a burden than a relief at any point this month, don’t berate yourself or feel ashamed. November’s NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. We’re always happy to see you.

Kristen Hall-Geisler is a writer, editor, and publisher living in Oregon. She's honed her research and interviewing skills with the New York Times, How Stuff Works, Popular Science, and more. She is the author of the historical novel Skull and Sidecar, and she'll be publishing her translation of A Voyage Around My Room in September 2020. You can find her editing and coaching work at kristenhallgeisler.com and her publishing company at practicalfox.com. And she's on NaNoWriMo as KristenHG.

Top photo by Jonny Caspari on Unsplash

#nanowrimo #writing #amwriting #camp nanowrimo #by nano guest #Kristen Hall-Geisler #Time Management

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cdrforea · 4 years

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The Best Cars for 2020 | Trucks, SUVs, Sedans, and More

New Post has been published on https://bestedevices.com/the-best-cars-for-2020-trucks-suvs-sedans-and-more.html

The Best Cars for 2020 | Trucks, SUVs, Sedans, and More

This article was last updated on March 31, 2020 by Kristen Hall-Geisler, an employee of Digital Trends.

Digital Trends is about testing new cars and playing them off against each other to find the best in each category. We take on this terrible task for you, our readers. The crème de la crème for every segment rises from the battle of mediocre limousines and monster trucks. We routinely group the best of each category – limousines, SUVs, or hybrids – but it was high time to put all of our favorites of the year in one convenient place so you can see the best of the best in one glance. Here you can easily find the Digital Trends selection for the best cars overall.

further reading

The best vehicle of 2020: Jaguar I-Pace

Why should you buy this? It combines state-of-the-art design and technology in a very mobile electric vehicle.

Who is it for? Luxury SUV buyers who want the very best in technology and design from a brand they know.

How much will it cost? $ 69,500

Why we chose the Jaguar I-Pace:

The most exciting vehicle on the market is not a million-dollar supercar, a broad-shouldered truck, or a seven-passenger SUV. No, the car the world can't wait for is a fully electric crossover from British automaker Jaguar.

Contemporary electric vehicles have several performance advantages over their gas-powered brothers, and Jaguar turns each of these weapons into weapons. It starts with the platform that stretches the I-Pace's 90 kWh battery across the floor. This gives the vehicle an extremely low center of gravity and distributes the weight evenly front and rear (50:50). Without the load from the engine and transmission, Jaguar was able to push the wheels to the absolute ends of the body, thus improving cornering stability.

The I-Pace offers no better range than a Tesla Model X or the loading capacity of the Mazda CX-5, but is characterized by general dynamics, packaging and driving experience. The car simply disappears from thought when you commute, but is still the focus when you are driving through tight bends. It is only disappointed by its infotainment system, a small price to pay for this level of ride quality.

Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review

Read out the settings of the editor

The best small car: Mazda3

Why should you buy this: It is an economical car with a soul.

Who is it for: People who want more than just simple means of transport.

How much will it cost: $ 21,500 +

Why we chose the Mazda3:

The Mazda3 is the type of car that other automakers should build. It's a normal compact economy car that emphasizes style and driving dynamics in a way that most competitors don't. Many normal cars feel like devices, but not this one.

The Mazda 3 is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback and is not particularly fast, but very nice to drive. The steering and chassis react with an immediacy that other cars in this class lack, as does Mazda's Skyactiv four-cylinder engine. All models and trim levels feature a 2.5-liter engine that transmits 186 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is also available.

Mazda's Kodo design language results in a car that looks good and is distinctive without resorting to excessive styling gimmicks. The current Mazda interior is a bit understated, but the cabin of the 3 is reasonably designed, and Mazda's infotainment controller with rotary knob is easy to use.

Like many popular cars these days, the 3 is also available with a range of electronic driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.

Read our 2019 Mazda3 AWD First Drive test

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The best truck: Ford F-150

Why should you buy this: It does everything well.

Who is it for: Almost everyone who needs a full-size pickup.

How much will it cost: $ 28,745 +

Why we chose the Ford F-150:

Because it has the basics.

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades, and it's easy to see why legions of truck buyers flock there every year. The F-150 does not dominate a particular category, but covers all bases with solid performance, impressive sophistication and stylish and well thought-out design features.

Under the hood, the available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with two turbochargers (available with 375 HP and 450 HP) offers a lot of torque and a very fast throttle response. This makes it a good choice whether you want to pull a boat or just want to pull in a hurry away from lights. Ford also offers a more traditional 5.0-liter V8, a turbo diesel engine, and two more petrol V6 options. The truck itself has an aluminum body that, according to Ford, saves over 700 pounds compared to a conventional steel body. While the F-150 has a relatively simple suspension, the ride is impressively calm and comfortable. The styling is also a nice departure from the boxiness of traditional trucks.

Ford has also taken the lead in adding technical features to trucks. The F-150 is available with the same Sync 3 infotainment system that is available in most Ford car models. It's a solid system with a fairly simple menu and an appealing touchscreen display. The layout of the dashboard makes it easier to use both the screen and the analog controls. Other notable technical toys include a surround view camera system and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, with which the truck can take over the steering when securing a trailer. Even if you don't choose these features, the ride quality, performance, and design of the F-150 should prove satisfactory.

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The best luxury car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Why should you buy this: It's the luxury sedan that says, "I did it."

Who is it for: Managers, entrepreneurs, rappers.

How much will it cost: $ 94,250 +

Why we chose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class:

The S-Class has been the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz series for decades. "It has long been the benchmark by which luxury cars are measured," we wrote when we drove the latest version of it. It's far in the sixth generation, but has recently been updated with small visual improvements, new engines that use less gasoline, and much more technical features under the skin.

Mercedes lived up to its motto “The best or nothing” and ensured that the S was comfortable, regardless of whether the owner was driving or driving. The sedan pampers its occupants with a spacious, well-lit cabin that is as quiet as a bank vault, and offers some of the most comfortable seats you'll ever sit on.

There is an S-Class for every luxury buyer. The range includes an entry-level model with a six-cylinder under the bonnet, a V8 model, an immensely powerful variant from Mercedes-AMG and a pair of ultra-luxurious Maybach models. In addition to the sedan, Mercedes also offers coupé and convertible models from the S-Class.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class test

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The best car: Subaru Outback

Why should you buy this: It is the all-rounder.

Who is it for: Drivers are looking for a car that can do everything.

How much will it cost: $ 26,645 +

Why we chose the Subaru Outback:

Most car manufacturers deleted their station wagons in the 1990s and filled the gaps with SUVs. Subaru stuck to the course because he found that he could continue to sell cars profitably by placing them on stilts and making them look a bit more robust. Decades of experience make the outback the best new station wagon in the USA.

The outback tries to be everything for everyone, and for the most part it succeeds. It's relatively affordable, relatively efficient, and extremely powerful thanks to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system. It was redesigned for the 2020 model year and the updates include an available 11.6-inch touchscreen with Subaru's StarLink infotainment system. Users can rearrange the icons in the start menu like on a smartphone, and an available WiFi hotspot keeps every passenger connected on the go.

Outback technology can also help you disconnect. The infotainment system comes preinstalled with an app called Chimani that contains information about more than 400 national parks in the United States, including the history and highlights of each location. Access to one of the parks shouldn't be a problem thanks to the 8.7-inch ground clearance. The loading capacity checks in at 32.5 with four occupants on board and at 75.7 with the rear seats folded down.

The entry-level engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. That's not much for a vehicle of this size, so buyers can buy a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with more generous 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of the torque. Both four-cylinder shift via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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The best hybrid: Toyota Prius

Why should you buy this: The Prius continues to define the hybrid category in almost every way.

Who is it for: Who hates visiting the gas station.

How much will it cost: $ 24,325 +

Why we chose the Toyota Prius:

The name "Prius" is synonymous with "hybrid" for a reason. Toyota's best-selling hybrid continues to take precedence over fuel consumption, and while efficiency is the primary goal, the Prius doesn't ask buyers to compromise more – except perhaps in the styling department.

The Prius is the most economical hybrid on the market and has an environmental protection rating of 56 mpg in eco equipment. This is thanks to Toyota's proven hybrid synergy drive system and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves a thermal efficiency of 40 percent, which is much higher than most engines. The Prius also achieves a very low drag coefficient of 0.24, which means that it has a relatively low drag, which helps improve efficiency. The Toyota designers did this while maintaining a spacious cabin and a useful hatchback shape.

Thanks to changes such as a lower center of gravity and a more sophisticated double wishbone independent suspension system, the Prius of the current generation is also significantly sportier than the previous models. Like other Toyota models, the Prius comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense Suite with driver assistance functions (including adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection).

The Prius is still a champion in fuel economy, but the current version's focus on sporty handling and technology makes it a better all-round car than ever.

Read our impressions for the first time in the Toyota Prius

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The best SUV: Jeep Wrangler

Miles Branman / Digital Trends

Why should you buy this? It is the original off-roader for on the go.

Who is it for? Those who want to explore nature.

How much will it cost? $ 28,295 +

Why we chose the Jeep Wrangler:

The Jeep Wrangler dates back to the original Willys, which was developed in World War II. It has evolved considerably in recent years and generations. The revamped 2018 model finally swallowed the tech pill that its predecessors didn't want to approach, but its mind is still the same. That said, it's simple, relatively affordable, and practically unbeatable off-road.

The Wrangler range includes the standard two-door model and a more spacious four-door version. All variants leave the factory with either a convertible top or a convertible top (a power-operated convertible top is available for an additional charge), making the Wrangler one of the cheapest convertibles on the market. As a bonus, buyers who want to do serious offroading can customize the Wrangler by buying parts directly from the Jeep or from an apparently endless list of aftermarket suppliers.

While the entry-level sport remains relatively simple, the more sophisticated equipment options are much nicer on the inside and even comfortable in the city. If you are an adventurous type, the Wrangler is the best choice in the SUV segment.

Read our full Jeep Wrangler review

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The best hatchback: Volkswagen Golf

Why should you buy this: The Golf meets all requirements in the mainstream hatchback segment.

Who is it for: Who only needs a car.

How much will it cost: $ 23,195 +

Why we chose the Volkswagen Golf:

It is no coincidence that the Volkswagen Golf has been the best-selling car in Germany for decades. The seventh generation of Volkswagen's most popular nameplate offers one of the best interiors in its class, plenty of space in the trunk and agile handling at an attractive price.

The Golf also speaks technology. All but the lowest panels are equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that is displayed on a color touchscreen. The list of options includes driving aids such as a lane departure warning system, a forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. You can even purchase a digital instrument cluster that is usually found on much more expensive cars.

Volkswagen offers various variants of the Golf. Shoppers in select states can purchase an all-electric model called the E-Golf that can travel up to 125 miles on a single charge. At the other end of the spectrum, the legendary GTI is one of the best hot hatches you can buy for money. And the Golf R with a 300-PS turbo all-wheel drive and all-wheel drive pulls the hearts of speed lovers.

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The best sports car: Audi R8 V10 Performance

Miles Branman / Digital Trends

Why should you buy that?: It's the everyday super sports car.

Who is it for?: If you want high performance without sacrificing comfort.

How much will it cost: $ 195,900

Why we chose the Audi R8 V10 Performance:

The Audi R8 is an anomaly. Audi has built a car that is as sophisticated as a luxury two-door car with the power of a hyper car.

The deep-seated coupe differs from smaller sports cars in sharp folds, carbon fiber accents, and a mid-engine layout, but it doesn't get the same attention as the competition. Its 5.2-liter V10 delivers 602 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The acceleration is blistering: 0 to 60 mph takes less than 3.2 seconds and the top speed is 205 mph.

In the cabin, the occupants are pampered with a great engine scream and first-class comfort features. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display from Audi gives the driver access to all vehicle functions and reduces clutter. Audi Drive Select adjusts the suspension damping to change the driving quality from gentle to aggressive in no time at all. It's not just quick and sharp. It is also high-tech.

At less than $ 200,000, the Audi R8 V10 Performance invites the McLaren 570S, the 911 Turbo S from Porsche, the NSX from Acura, the V12 Vantage S from Aston Martin and the GT R from Mercedes-AMG to take on challenges. Every vehicle is amazingly fast, attractive, and desirable, but the R8 is the only super sports car that's as exciting on a track as it is in a neighborhood.

Read our full Audi R8 V10 Plus 2017

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The best sedan: Honda Accord

Miles Branman / Digital Trends

Why should you buy this: It is the epitome of a medium-sized sedan.

Who is it for: Who needs a car.

How much will it cost: $ 23,870

Why we chose the Honda Accord:

Together with its rival, the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord has long been the standard choice for a wide range of US car buyers. The Accord name is so associated with quality and reliability that Honda could probably sell it even if the seats were covered with spikes. But the latest deal definitely deserves its reputation.

The latest redesign gave the deal, which is known to be incredibly competent and somewhat boring, some momentum. The current model borrows style elements from the smaller Honda Civic, giving it a more stylish appearance that doesn't offend buyers who just want to blend in with traffic. Honda also increased rear legroom and trunk.

The drivers will also find a lot to like. The Accord is one of the few mid-range sedans that are still available with a manual transmission. You can combine this six-speed stick with the 2.0-liter turbo engine of the Civic Type R (basic models get a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder). You don't get that much power (just 192hp compared to 306hp in the R type), but the Accord can definitely get out of the way and turn corners with serenity.

The agreement also represents good technical value. Each Accord equipment variant includes the Honda Sensing safety functions (forward collision mitigation, downhill driving reduction, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system and traffic sign recognition) as well as a reversing camera. A 7-inch touchscreen display is standard. An 8.0-inch device with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is optionally available.

Read our full Honda Accord review

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The best electric sedan: Tesla Model 3

Tesla Motors

Why should you buy this? It is the first EV to deliver the promise of high range and low (ish) price.

Who is it for? Tesla fans on a budget and drivers willing to take the all-electric leap.

How much will it cost? $ 39,900 +

Why we chose the Tesla Model 3:

The Tesla Model 3 is modest on the outside, luxurious on the inside, surprisingly fun to drive and available with a range of up to 310 miles. It checks all the right boxes. But this is just the beginning. What really impresses the Model 3 is its innovative comfort and safety features (including some of the best semi-autonomous driving aids in the industry) and its future-proof technology. Thanks to the wireless updates from Tesla, the Model 3 is constantly being improved and can be reconfigured according to your needs and wishes – even after you have bought the car.

Tesla may have the growing pain that most established automakers have long overcome, and the Model 3 wasn't immune to quality-related issues, but the tech startup has a lot to teach the automotive industry how to build a compelling product. Although it may take a while for your Model 3 order to be fulfilled, we can assure you that it is worth the wait.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review

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The best coupe: Ford Mustang

Alex Kalogianni / Digital Trends

Why should you buy this: It is an American legend that lives up to the hype.

Who is it for: Anyone who has seen Bullitt.

How much will it cost: $ 26,670 +

Why we chose the Ford Mustang:

The Ford Mustang is an icon, but that doesn't mean that every version was a good car. However, this is the case with this. The Mustang of the current generation was introduced for the 2015 model year and significantly updated for the 2018 model year. It has the spirit of the original from the 1960s, but also the makings of an outstanding performance coupe in the 21st century.

Mustangs have always been good at driving fast in a straight line, but Ford added cornering to the current-generation resume by adding independent rear suspension (with adaptive dampers as part of the optional performance pack) and the hardcore, track-oriented Shelby GT350 developed GT350R and GT500 variants. In terms of technology, Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is a significant improvement over the automaker's previous efforts, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster is on the options list. There's also a Bullitt edition inspired by the 1968 Mustang GT from the legendary Steve McQueen film with a 5.0-liter V8 engine.

A real Mustang needs V8 muscles and Ford doesn't disappoint. The Mustang GT has 460 horsepower, the Bullitt 480 horsepower and the Shelby GT500 surpasses them all with 760 horsepower. At the other end of the spectrum, Ford offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with turbocharger, which together delivers a 25 MPG model suitable for a muscle car and still delivers 310 hp.

Read our full Ford Mustang GT review

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Editor's recommendations

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