How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?

Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?

How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road pursuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System
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Having Trouble Deciding What Device To Use To Listen To Audio Books?

One of the great things about audio books is that there are the different media players that can be used to listen to them. This is wonderful news for those among us who like to have a choice rather than be limited to just one way to listen to audio books.

"Books on tape," cassette tape audio books or CD audio books are a good option for people who enjoy listening to their audio books while lounging on the sofa or in bed. The PC or laptop is also a good option for this kind of listening. Most likely your PC or laptop already has a media player built into the operating system. If, for some reason, your PC does not already have a media player, there are plenty of free downloads available on the Internet. Two of the highest quality and most popular free players available are Windows Media Player (which usually comes standard with the Windows operating systems) and Real One Player (www.real.com).

If sitting around listening to books doesn't interest you, there is also a great selection of portable media players available these days. A portable media player, such as an mp3 player or iPod, allows you to enjoy your audio books while you're on the go. Whether you'd like to listen to audio books while doing chores, exercising or walking your dog, portable players give you the freedom to do just that.

Having Trouble Deciding What Device To Use To Listen To Audio Books?

Previously, the most common portable players were CD and cassette players, also known as "walkmen," but as technology and industry expand, portable devices that play mp3 files are quickly becoming the new standard.

Products such as audio-ready PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) like the Casio CASSIOPEIA and Compaq iPAQ, for example, are gaining popularity among business professionals since these tools are primarily personal organizers, but they also have mp3 capabilities. These products are usually on the more costly end of the portable technology spectrum, selling between 0 and 0.

Compatible portable audio players are the more cost effective devices. These include your basic mp3 players, which can purchased for about as well as devices like Creative's NOMAD Jukebox 3 and the SONICblue's Rio 900. These devices are more sophisticated than your average, run of the mill mp3 players, and while being more expensive than standard mp3 players, they are cheaper than PDAs and have more capabilities than mp3 players. Some can even play and store video and picture files. Devices like these are in the 0 to 0 price range.

No matter where your preferences lie, if you're a walker, a jogger, commuter or a couch potato, there is a variety of audio players from which you can choose. From your basic, old fashioned radio/cassette tape player to PCs and laptops to the new ultra high tech personal digital assistants, there is no doubt you can find a media player you can use to listen to your audio books that suits both your style and your budget.

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Margret Lilin is the webmaster at AudioBookFanClub.com [http://www.audiobookfanclub.com], an online mega store that provides a wide selection of discounted audio books in various categories. The site constantly gives away surprise gifts and bonuses to subscribers and customers. To search for bargain MP3 players please visit our sister site IncomePlaza.com [http://www.incomeplaza.com]

You are welcome to reprint and republish this article to your websites, blogs, ezines, online and off-line newsletters, etc as long as you do NOT change the article in full or in part, leave all of the links active, and the resource box is intact.

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Choosing the Best Car Audio System

The basic components of a high-quality car stereo system are an AM/FM tuner, a CD player, an amplifier (optional but recommended) and great speakers.

Rule: No auto audio can equal the performance of fine home equipment. The car compartment is small, besieged with engine and traffic noises, and surrounded with competing electrical signals. And all of this in a moving environment. A welter of technical and personal choices dictate the final package.

General guidelines: Shop around. Car audio components are often discounted. Check mail-order houses and the Internet for the best buys.

Choosing the Best Car Audio System

Essential: Deal with reputable businesses and buy name brands. Make sure you can exchange or return components in case they prove incompatible or do not fit into the car. Remember each unit must be installed and may require custom mounting accessories. Keep personal tastes in mind. Rock and country music fans usually prefer stronger bass ranges. Classical music requires good mid and treble.

How to allocate your spending: 40% to 50% for tuner/tape player, 25% to 30% for amplifier, 25% to 30% for speakers (unlike home gear, for which half the recommended expenditure may go for speakers alone).

General recommendations: Components are a better deal than manufacturer-installed original sound equipment. Good manufacturer-installed gear can cost ,000, a price that will usually bring you far better sound if spent on components. Try to find a dealer that has set up a sound room to hear and compare different systems.

New-car buyer strategy: Buyers planning to purchase components should insist on a delete-option clause, eliminating the installed radio cost.

In-dash versus under-dash components. Under-dash components are easily installed.

Overriding disadvantage: A thief can slip out the under-dash gear as easily as an ashtray. Choose in-dash tuner/CD players unless you want to stow the components in the trunk each time you leave the car. (If you still prefer an under-dash system, Sony components are top-notch ones.)

Amplifiers: Most auto-sound packages benefit from amplifiers that strengthen bass and high-treble tones.

Problems: Amplifiers are bulky and often must be installed under a seat or in the trunk. Unless your tuner has a bypass circuit permitting you to plug into the preamplifier, your costly amplifier will only boost the distorted output of the built-in amplifier.

Smart buying: Look for amplifiers measuring power in watts (w) per channel in terms of distortion (THD). Goal: About five watts per channel at 1 % distortion or less. To get this, the amplifier may require 50 watts per channel because few operate at better than 10% efficiency in a car.

Bi-amplifiers: They offer separate power boosts for bass and treble ranges. Bi-amplification may be called for when separate bass and treble speakers are installed.

Speakers: Speakers must be compatible with amplifiers. Their power capacity should be slightly higher than amplifier. Example: Get 60w speakers for a 50w /ch amplifier. One way to be sure of speaker/amplifier compatibility is to purchase them as a package.

Stereo sound requires at least two speakers. Many enthusiasts choose four. Non-directional bass speakers are best placed in the factory cutouts in the rear window shelf. Next best placement: In rear doors. Treble speakers can be mounted in front door panels or under dash.

Installation: Unless you are highly skilled electronics hobbyist, have the auto-sound system professionally installed. Allow 0 to 0 for installation, and get a satisfaction guaranteed agreement.

Choosing the Best Car Audio System
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Tim is a web developer, artist, musician, insurance consultant and loves to learn and try new things. He loves spending time with his wife and family.

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Discover How to Easily Connect Your iPod Touch to a WiFi Network

Successfully connecting your Apple iPod Touch to a WiFi wireless network can be a real challenge. Many owners find the process difficult and frustrating. This is mainly due to the abundant choices available for wireless standards and security protocols that can be used for setting up and securing networks.

Why is Connecting to a WiFi Network a Challenge?

A WiFi compatible device does not guarantee it will work with every network available. Wireless connections can be set up and configured in many different ways. The key point to understand is that the WiFi settings on your device need to be compatible with the network's settings. The key standards that need to be compatible, are the communication protocol and the security protocol. There are many to choose from given that these standards have historically evolved over many years.

Discover How to Easily Connect Your iPod Touch to a WiFi Network

The iPod Touch can only connect to WiFi networks that are based on the IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g wireless standards. If security is also configured on the wireless network, the same security protocol used must also be set up on the device to enable a secure connection to be made successfully. The exception to this rule is where a WiFi network has been set up with no security and is open to all WiFi devices. These are called "Free WiFi Hot Spots" and are offered by establishments such as McDonalds as an incentive to visit their stores.

11 Simple Steps to Connect Your Apple iPod Touch to a Wireless Network

Follow these simple 11 steps to quickly and easily set up your device to connect to a WiFi network:

Turn on your iPod Touch. Press the "Home" button. Tap the "Settings" icon. Tap the "Wi-Fi" menu. Slide "Wi-Fi" to "ON". Slide "Ask to Join Networks" to "ON". Wait for the device to detect a wireless network that is in range. If it is close, you will see 3 bars of signal. If it doesn't detect it, try sliding "Wi-Fi" "OFF" and "ON" again. If the detected network has a "padlock" icon, then it is secure and you will need the password to connect. Tap the menu showing the detected network and enter the password. If a connection is made successfully, then a tick mark will appear. If not, then it means the matching security protocol was not setup on the iPod Touch for the network. If you need to change the security protocol tap "Other..." to go to "Other Network" page. Enter the name of the wireless network and select the matching security protocol used by the network. You have a choice of WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA Enterprise and WPA2 Enterprise. Enter the password for the network and then tap the blue colored "Join" button on the bottom right of the screen. If the network is successfully found and connected to, then it will appear in the list of WiFi networks with a tick. Connecting to a free WiFi network is straight forward, however connecting to a secure home or business wireless network requires some technical knowledge. You need to know which security protocol is used with the network if it is secured, the network name (or ID) and the password to connect to it. If you didn't set up the network at home or at the office, then you will need to obtain the details to log-on from the person who set it up, or seek help from the administrator of the network.

Make "Smarter" Devices that Connect Automatically

As the technical standards continue to evolve and consolidate for wireless networks, the challenge of connecting to a WiFi enabled network with portable devices will become a thing of the past when devices become "smarter". Such devices will be able to automatically detect any wireless standard and network configuration in the local vicinity and connect securely and seamlessly. Hopefully we will see these advances in the next generation of the iPod Touch!

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You can find more useful information about wireless technologies at http://www.best-wireless-router.com/ that explains the best wireless router technologies.

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The Ultimate Car Audio System - The Pioneer AVH-3200BT

With a sleek sheen this car audio system really does look the part in your brand new car. Not only that, but it literally has everything you might ever need in your car. It's a hands free kit, CD player, iPod and iPhone compatible - as well as a DVD player. It's the ultimate system that will let you keep in touch and entertained.

Keep Connected

With a parrot Bluetooth module integrated into the Pioneer AVH-3200BT, you can make those much needed phone calls wirelessly. An added bonus is that the system has high quality sound, allowing you to hear the person at the other end clearly. Not only that, but the excellent quality microphone allows you to reply to the other person just as clearly. Say adieu to phone calls with cracking or distorted sounds with this car audio system.

The Ultimate Car Audio System - The Pioneer AVH-3200BT

But the real cherry on the top with this system is the fact that you can have up to a 1000 saved names and numbers under 5 different users, which is especially useful when the whole family use it! The AVH-3200BT combines the convenience needed for a busy professional with entertainment in order to get the work-life balance a little more balanced.

Be Entertained

Enjoy practically all of your music and DVD collection on the AVH-3200BT through a variety of different mediums. It can play:

-DVD's including DVD-R/-RW discs in VR Mode,

-CD's including CD-R/-RW as well as Video CD,

-Mp3, wma, wav and AAC files from a CD, an USB or SD card,

-DivX film and JPEG files from CD's, DVD's, USB and SD card,

-iPod,

-iPhone,

-USB storage device through the front input and,

-AV source's such as Mp3 players or games consoles through the Aux-in.

The Pioneer AVH-3200BT is the elite machine for in-car entertainment as it combines every possible source of entertainment within one single unit. But what makes this device the creme de la creme is that it uses the new and funky Dual Zone technology which allows the passengers at the front to listen to music, whilst the back passengers can watch their favourite DVD. It is the ultimate entertainment package simply because it can entertain everyone in the car!

Seek Quality

With a touch screen, this device is easy to navigate through without too much trouble. Moreover, you can even personalize you background, menu and even illuminate buttons accordingly to your tastes.

The Pioneer AVH-3200BT also incorporates an 8 band equalizer, allowing you to match up the sound of your system with the sounds of your car, which in turns lessens distortion and any unwanted sounds.

The Pioneer AVH-3200BT is a high quality system that it is at the top of the in-car entertainment field. It combines everything you could ask for in an entertainment package for the busy professional, the commuter and the whole family. It is a perfect system for those who need a full on entertainment package in their car, but also need convenience.

However, it may not be suitable for everyone's needs so if you don't want the full entertainment package or to be disturbed by the phone in the car, opt for a much simpler system.

The Ultimate Car Audio System - The Pioneer AVH-3200BT
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Wireless Surround Sound Systems - Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel Home Theater Surround Sound System

The Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system is a 7-piece system with 5 compact speakers and one sub-woofer. The audio is powered by a hefty 1000 watts that is more than enough for any room and household. This audio system has all the contemporary features. It is Bluetooth enabled, wireless ready and also comes with an iPod dock. There is also a strategically located USB port where you can just plug in your thumb-drive and enjoy instant audio playback.

Setting up the Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system was relatively easy. It took me just over 15 minutes to get the whole thing hooked up. It cable connections were surprisingly easy. Unfortunately, the instructions in this manual makes things more complicated than it seems. Its better that you try to set up the system without using the manual.

The price of the Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system will have to be one of its biggest selling factors. At just a little over 0 (at the time of writing), it is just an unbeatable bargain. The audio quality on this system is also quite impressive. I play a lot of dance music so it is important that I get a strong bass. The bass on this Samsung model is just astounding! I swear I saw cracks on my walls that were never there before!

Wireless Surround Sound Systems - Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel Home Theater Surround Sound System

If you have a Samsung HDTV, you must get the Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel home theater surround sound system. All Samsung devices can share the same remote. You can control the volume of the sound system through the controls of your TV. Neat! For the price, the audio quality and features that you receive in this model will exceed your expectations. In short, this sound system provides an amazing value for your money.

Wireless Surround Sound Systems - Samsung HT-Z310T 5.1-Channel Home Theater Surround Sound System
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Using Character Sheets in Fiction Writing

Writing fiction is a bit like baking a cake. You need the right ingredients in the right amounts, or it will turn out awful. For fiction, you need the right combination of plot, action, description and character development to bring your story to life for your reader.

Character development can be one of the most important things about writing fiction. You want to create a realistic group of characters to move your plot along and to do that you need to know them. But how much do you really have to know about them before you start writing?

Well, that depends on the kind of story you are writing. The length of your tale will dictate the amount of character information you will need to make them come to life. For simplicity's sake, I've broken my character sheet down into what I use for each type of writing. Your character sheets may vary.

Using Character Sheets in Fiction Writing

Flash Fiction

Writing flash fiction is one of the hardest types of writing. You have to create a story with just the minimum of words and it has to make sense. For most flash fiction, you only need the most basic character information.

Name:

Age:

Height:

Weight:

Hair color and style:

Eye color:

Complexion and skin tone:

Character's body build:

These should be enough to create a flash fiction character.

Short Stories

Short stories have a higher word count, so the characters in those should be more developed. You have more leeway with your character's descriptions and can even give background information, which will make them more real for your readers. Use the above information and add the following:

Character back story:

Identifying marks:

Facial features:

Hand features:

Scent:

Mannerisms or gestures:

Novellas and Novels

Novellas and novels require the most detailed characters because they are as much character driven stories as plot driven. Character sheets with more detailed physical description, personality traits, and an extensive background will go a long way to making your story one that pulls a reader in and keeps them reader from beginning to end. Use all of the above plus the following:

Strongest personality traits:

Weakest personality traits:

Needs of the character:

Ambitions:

Father's name:

Age:

Physical appearance:

Mother's name:

Age:

Physical appearance:

Sibling's names and descriptions:

Favorite sayings:

Interests and hobbies:

Favorite foods:

Favorite colors:

Pets:

Education:

Religion:

Financial situation:

Future plans:

Possessions this character values most:

What drives your character:

How does your character handle conflict:

What is standing in your character's way:

What is their favorite room and why:

What vehicle do they drive:

Favorite sport(s):

What are your character's prejudices:

How does your character feel about love:

About crime:

What is their neighborhood like:

What is your character's philosophy on life:

What is your character's family life like:

You also should have a rough background and timeline for this character, from childhood through the start of the story. Break it down into 5 year spans, unless your character is fairly old, then go with 10 year spans. Finally, have a profile summary, taking everything you have for the character and write up a one or two paragraph summary. It is a good way to focus your character's information, and could be used in your story.

Book Series

When writing a series of books about the same characters, it is imperative to keep some kind of record of their traits. Do not rely on your memory when it comes to writing each book. As an avid reader of series books, it is amazing the number of times a character's eyes have been dark blue in one book and dark brown in another then gone back to blue. While most casual readers won't catch that kind of mistake, your dedicated readers will. It costs you nothing to keep a notebook with your character sheets and reference it when writing the next book in your series. It will go a long way to keep the continuity of your books intact.

A note on describing clothing. Unless clothing change is crucial to your story's plot limit your fashion descriptions. You do not need to tell every single piece of clothing your character is wearing. A basic idea of their attire is enough for most readers.

Your characters are as important to your story as your plot. Developing them will help bring your tale to life, but taking the time to plan them out prior to writing is a great way to make them real to you and your reader.

Using Character Sheets in Fiction Writing
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