Writing fiction takes time. Even full-time authors find it a challenge to find time to write. We all have calls on our time. Either we work at a day job, or we have family commitments. Writing apps on your phone or tablet can help you to turn spare minutes into writing time.
Find time to write in the margins of your life with these useful apps
In my day job, I’m a marketer. Although I aim to find time for writing late at night, or early in the morning, it’s challenging. On many days, I don’t write at all.
Writing apps have helped immeasurably. Now write daily.
I write on the train during my daily commute and in my lunch hour. I’ve managed to turn a lot of “wasted” time into writing time. You can too.
These four apps work for me. They may work for you, too. You may be surprised that you can be a productive writer, even when you have “no” time to write.
1. Scrivener: now on iOS (commercial)
I’m a huge Scrivener fan, so of course I got the iOS version as soon as it arrived. Mostly I edit and revise on the app. For me, editing is as pleasurable as writing. My first drafts tend to be lean. In later drafts, I build character and motivation, and make the novel come alive with sensory details.
Oddly enough, although I’m a pantser/ plotter, with Scrivener iOS I’m becoming more of a plotter. So far, anyway. 🙂
2. Ulysses (commercial)
Ulysses is Mac/ iOS only. Like Scrivener, it’s another app I’ve used for years, and now find myself gushing over the iOS version. It’s just… handy. If I get an idea while I’m out with friends, it takes a moment to open Ulysses and tap out a sudden inspiration.
When I open my desktop Mac, my notes are in Ulysses for Mac waiting for me.
3. Quip: prettier than Google Docs (free, until you build a team)
I use Quip primarily because it’s an easier collaboration tool than email. You only need to pay for Quip once you’ve built a team of five. I use it at work, and have a personal account so I can communicate with editors and designers.
4. Evernote (free, and premium)
Evernote is endlessly useful. It’s my digital filing cabinet which I can take anywhere on my phone and tablet; it’s also my favorite dictation app.
You can dictate notes into Evernote at the gym, or when you’re out on a hike. It’s brilliant for those times you get an idea for a scene — you can dictate the entire scene into Evernote on your phone.
More on-the-go writing apps: check them out
The four apps above will help you to find time to write.
They’re far from the only “on the go” writing apps. Friends swear by Trello (free), Dragon Dictation (free), and IA Writer Pro (commercial.) Keep an eye out — you’re sure to find more writing apps you which will make you more productive, and happier too.
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