I came into computers when they were something of a mystery, pre Amstrad days! I saw they would be a boon to writers but I knew writers who did not agree – ‘They’ll never take over from the typewriter.’  How they have been proved wrong. To me computers were magic because they erased the half of my mind that was concentrated on not making a mistake on the typewriter; now all my thoughts could be concentrated on the writing. It was so easy to correct mistakes. That was bliss. Now there was no ripping the paper out of the typewriter and starting again. Now it was a simple insert and delete. Magic. But now, many years since I tapped my first computer key, the magic has expanded to make the key-board, the monitor and all the hidden bands of versatility, readily available to help the writer’s cause. I never thought the day would come when I could send a 100,000 word manuscript to my publisher at the press of a button, that I could do research so much quicker and obtain information from all corners of the globe by a few simple taps on the keyboard. I can do away with reams of notes and store them – where? That remains mystery to me but I know they are somewhere waiting to be used by me. In an instance I know which shelf a particular book is on in my library. Oh yes, I still use books. They are the core of my writing world but now the are linked into the technological world that makes writing even more exciting. I could go on and on, but you can see how I believe a writer must keep up with the times. However, there is one other thing to remember, this box of magic tricks cannot write the novel for you. At the beginning and the end and all in between, you, the writer, are the creator and entertainer.