Writers don't have to mortgage their homes to find quality creative software. In fact, MakeUseOf writer, Nancy Messieh provides links for several apps that can help authors with everything from generating ideas to cranking out the words in a distraction-free environment.

Looking for another word that rhymes with zipper? Messieh's got you covered. I was familiar with a few of the apps like Sonar from Spacejock Software. But there were many apps and sites with which I was unfamiliar. Interested in finding ways to make your writing life a little easier? Then check out Nancy's article on the MakeUseOf website.

A Writer’s Guide To Free Apps For Inspiration & Organization | MakeUseOf.com

We have 19 Google Wave invites up for grabs for our visitors. Update: The generous folks at Google gave us an additional 26 Google Wave invites for our visitors. If you don't know what Google Wave is, then you're probably not interested. However, for those who have been salivating for an invite, here's your chance. Note that the invite may not be instantaneous as Google is slowly rolling out the preview as they stated in one of their waves:

"Google Wave is more fun when you have others to wave with, so please nominate people you would like to add.Keep in mind that this is a preview so it could be a bit rocky at times. Invitations will not be sent immediately. We have a lot of stamps to lick. Happy waving!"

So leave us a comment below with an email address and we will shoot that invite out to you ASAP. You will need a Gmail address to use Google Wave.

I don't know why, and I hope I never find out.

–Jayne Anne Phillips

I've kept journals (sporadically at times) since at least nine years old; I have all of them as far back as sixth grade. Upon review, I've found that entries often begin with one problem or thought process and by dint of discursive, meandering ravings I eventually arrive someplace worthwhile—the answer, a new understanding, a light bulb moment, etc. It is usually while engaged in the act of writing in my journal that I am able to see myself clearly: once writing autopilot kicks in, my higher brain functions become fully engaged and active. This same, ostensibly uncanny, thing happens during prose writing, which is why I tend to approach those pieces with only a vague notion of a conflict or feeling I'd like to express. Then I write my way out of the maze.

Congratulations to Thomas Rucker, whose poem "Soul's Depths" was voted as our Silver Pen Award winner for our premier issue. The voting was close, but in the end Thomas edged out runner-up Jimmy Burns, capture first issue honors.

As a token of our appreciation and to stand as a symbol of his accomplishment, Thomas will be receiving a silver pen and pencil gift set.

We will feature bios for both Mr. Rucker and Mr. Burns on the site in the near future.