Sandra’s Search for The Best Dictation Software for Authors

Sandra Boyle needed a tool to assist her on the journey of writing her first novel and so the search for the best dictation software for authors began. As a fellow Harrogate resident, we were extremely excited when Sandra approached us and inquired about dictation software.

Sandra is a budding author who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Sandra wanted a solution that would let her creativity flow.

In her own words, here is her journey.

The Author’s Journey

To wake up one morning, at the height of your career, with a beautiful home and a nice lifestyle, to discover that you have developed a degenerative, debilitating and incurable illness which will eventually take away everything you have worked for, is something that anyone of us could face at any time, but we all think that it won’t happen to us!

Well, it happened to me at the age of 39.

I was a Personnel Executive for Yorkshire Television and I loved my job, but Multiple Sclerosis determined that I had to make the unenviable decision to take ill-health retirement.

Being an optimistic ‘glass-half-full” kind of person, I was determined not to be overwhelmed by the devastating diagnosis and undertook to do everything in my power to retain my independence and my outgoing and positive personality whilst, at the same time, remaining a useful member of society.

As the dexterity in my hands began to fail, it became apparent that it was only a matter of time before it would become impossible for me to use a keyboard.

It was then I knew I needed to consider dictation software.

I cannot remember how I came to hear about VoicePower, but they were my saviours; they were the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

The Solution

Right from the start, I knew that the recommended Dragon Professional Individual (formally known as Dragon NaturallySpeaking) technology was going to be the best dictation software for me.

It completely revolutionised my life, making it possible for me to keep in touch with the outside world. I do quite a bit of voluntary work, mainly giving talks and training – none of which would be possible without the assistance given by VoicePower.

I have also acquired a new hobby by attending Creative Writing classes. Thanks to VoicePower I have managed to write my first novel! Like any new endeavour, mastering voice technology was a challenge.

Once I had got the hang of it, however, it was fantastic. It didn’t take very long at all to get to grips with it. VoicePower were there, every step of the way, just a phone call away!

At all times, I have found every member of staff at VoicePower to be nothing but helpful, pleasant and very supportive.

At the moment, I am still able to use my computer mouse for some tasks. However, I am confident that, when this is no longer the case, VoicePower will be there to offer a solution to the problem.

I can honestly say that I have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Get a copy of Sandra’s novel.

Find out more about speech recognition in our explainer video.