5 Useful Tools for The Budding Writer
When I think about writing I visualize a pen and paper. Or if I am feeling fancy a quill and parchment. Today many use digital forms of writing, whether it is Word or a form of text documenting. However, there are many other tools that can be used to help the writing process. Sometimes we writers become stumped on a scene or even a character. We require a little jumpstart or an easier way to organize our thoughts.
I found these tools over the years of writing that helped me out tremendously. I have a massive collection of notebooks and nothing can beat the feel of pen and paper. These tools, however, will make the process easier and organization a breeze. Plus, the extra help in pushing along the creative flow is always nice.
These five tools within this list, I found to be most useful in the process of writing.
This creates names both first and last when stumped on a character within your story.
Writers can create vast worlds, deep plots and suspenseful storytelling. However, even with this wonderful imagination and creativity, there are times when names may not come to mind as easily. With this tool names can be one less point to worry about.
This tool is not only free it also gives distinct background for your character. You can give your character’s parents country heritage and then it generates a name derived from both sides.
These prompts help get the creative juices flowing when you are stuck in a rut.
We all get into a rut. Sometimes the many ideas just stop flowing. I have sat down to write, and the blank page just stares at me. No words seem to want to come forth. Writing prompts can help get the writing to flow.
This is also a free service site in which you can just click “generate” and words pop up. With those words you just begin to write from those ideas. It is a great way to start free writing and further get the words to come out.
Easy access to any and all documents, as well as a great word processor on the go.
Writers find themselves in the middle of doing just about anything and then an idea can strike. Most people now-a-days have cell phones in hand or a computer nearby. If pen and paper are nowhere to be found Google Docs are a great way to create a document in a hurry.
It is a free service with Google and can be accessed across any device. This makes it easy to come back to later when you are back at your main computer.
This is a grammar checker program that gives writers a bit more peace of mind in their work.
This service is a great addition to internet explorer and even Word that provides an extra grammar check. The service is better than the basic Word grammar check, it has a broader spectrum of the rules governed in the English language.
It has a free offering which provides a baseline grammar evaluation. There is a paid subscription choice that offers a larger pool of grammar to grab from.
This is a program that helps organize characters, plot and chapters. It can even help flesh out your first draft.
I have used this program for a long time now. I have to say it is my favorite writing tool to date. It gives the option for screenwriting, novel, and short story. There is a section to flesh out your characters and a section to start writing your individual chapters. It will make sure your book or screen play is properly formatted and just organizes everything so nicely. I highly recommend this.
The only downside to this program is that it is not free. They offer a free trial, but you will eventually need to buy it. The Windows version is $45 and $38.25 if you are a student. Well worth the money, however.
My top five in a nutshell…
All these tools have gotten me through some of my writing quandaries. Whether they are there to drum up some content, add a creative name or just help me organize things, they have all come together to make some magical worlds. I hope some of these help you on your journey through the writing world. If you feel I missed anything please let me know, I am open to any and all tools that have helped you out. Heck, it may help me finally finish one of my never-ending stories!
Gabrielle Cataldi
I have been writing since I was 13 years old and have amassed many poems, short stories and novels. Over the years I have found there are a lot of distractions to take away from the writing experience
9 comments
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Hi Gabrielle,
I love the topic of your blog. I know as a writer myself I also have a difficult time coming up with content or characters to incorporate. Your little tips are very helpful for all of the writers out there! I also really like how you rated them with the yellow stars next to the tip. Good job!!
Thank you for the comment! I hope some of these will help you in your writing journeys.
I thought this article was a great read. These are great tools that I wish to include in my writing style. It will be a process but this creates a good building block to become a successful writer. Thank you for this great post!
You are very welcome for the shares! I found all these tools to be vital with helping me keep my ideas organized and continually evolving. I hope they help you!
As a writer, I appreciated that you provided practical tips! I have listened to a number of podcasts and read articles about easing writers block, and I think that prompts are often the most helpful. In addition, your post reminded me of the success I have had using word association in my writing.
Free writing and random words can help kickstart those words to flow. These have all definitely helped me tremendously. Thank you for your comment!
I have heard about Scrivner and you have inspired me to give it a try!
I absolutely love the program and it is great to keep things organized. I hope you love it too!