by Hank Quense

I’m a big believer in planning.  As such, I rely on various software programs and apps to help out . For instance, I use five mind-mapping programs (they all have different features and different graphics).  I also use Trello to keep organized.

The thing with Trello is, I keep trying to find something to replace it.  Now, Trello is very good at what it does.  It basically is a sophisticated to-do list.  I want a program that has the Trello functions but also does more.

So far, I’ve spent a lot of time mastering the idiosyncrasies of a number of potential replacement programs.  This isn’t as simple as finding a program with a list of features.  The program has to work in a way that is compatible with the way my mind works.  A long time ago, I learned that for someone to like a software program, that program has to compliment the way the user thinks.  If the program forces the user to rewire her brain the user will hate the program.  Trello works fine for me and any replacement has to fit in with the way my mind works.

Coda, for instance is a very powerful program but it is also too complex for me.  Notion is solid program but its rules are a bit bizarre and foreign to me.  Asana is pretty much the same as Trello and there are any number of Trello look-a-likes.  Taskade is colorful but ultimately, it’s too weak.. I took a look at Monday until I saw the price.  It’s monthly subscription price is too bloody expensive to use.  Clickup almost made the cut.  So did Infinity.  One of Infinity’s strong points is you can buy the program and don’t have to pay a monthly subscription.

Then, about a week ago, I was browsing apps on my iPad.  I came across Monday and noticed it didn’t have the usual fine print that reads “in app purchases.”  Curious, I dug in and found out that Monday now has a free plan (with limited features, of course) .  I grabbed the web version for my laptop and the iPad version and dug into the program.  I love it!  If does everything Trello does and way more.  It fits right in with the way my mind works and the limited feature set is adequate for my needs.

Since I’ve discovered Monday, I’ve spent gobs of time converting Trello content into Monday content and merrily adding much more stuff to Monday.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: this guy is just procrastinating.  You’re right, I am procrastinating, but I can justify the goofing off by noting I’m ultimately increasing my efficiency and (bonus points) I’m getting better organized.

Until I find something better than Monday.

For vacations, Hank and Pat usually visit distant parts of the galaxy. Occasionally, they also time-travel.

Besides writing novels, Hank lectures on fiction writing, publishing and book marketing. He is most proud of his talk showing grammar school kids how to create a short story. He used these lectures to create an advanced ebook with embedded videos to coach the students on how to create characters, plots and settings. The target audience is 4th to 7th graders. The book’s title is Fiction Writing Workshop for Kids.

Blogs & Books

Hank’s Amazon PageCreating a Story

How to Self-publish and Market a Book