Looking for writing apps to help whittle down your never-ending task list and get more done? Me too.
A few years ago, I covered four “write anywhere” apps I still use today: Scrivener, Ulysses, Quip, and (of course) Evernote.
Writing apps: my essentials today
Scrivener, Ulysses and Evernote are no-brainers for me. At work, we set up a new Evernote notebook for each client. I’ve been using my personal Evernote since 2009, so a lot of my life is in there.
Here’s a short list of my other indispensable apps.
1. iOS Google Docs/ iOS MS Office: your office in your pocket
The two 800-pound Gorillas of office suite software, Google Docs and MS Office, are available as apps for your phone and tablet.
I’ve found the Google Sheets app helpful too, for one-on-one work I do with clients, and for my writing.
2. Get creative: use Brainsparker to kickstart your brain
If you spend hours writing every day your inspiration flags sooner or later. As the name suggests, Brainsparker (iOS, Android) sparks inspiration. Flicking through its 250 prompts is easy and fun. When you’re stuck, tap a card and use the prompt to inspire fresh ideas.
3. Trello: view your writing and work at a glance (desktop and devices)
I’ve found Trello a brilliant tool for plotting fiction, but I use it as a research tool as well. If you’re not familiar with it, give it a try. It’s easy to use, and is free for personal use.
A friend who’s a professional blogger uses Trello to plan content creation for several blogs every month.
4. Dictation: goodbye Dictate for Mac, hello Otter
Nuance (Dragon) dropped support for its Mac version in 2018. This left many Mac folks frustrated, to say the least.
I’ve been hunting a new dictation app ever since and was almost ready to buy a Windows machine just to be able to use Dragon.
Then friends recommended Otter (referral link); it looks promising. Much more than just a transcription app, it’s very reasonably priced, and you receive 600 minutes a month of transcription time free.
You can use Otter on your desktop as well as on iOS and Android devices.
Writing apps keep improving
Today, syncing between devices is seamless. You can do much of your work anywhere you happen to be, on your phone or tablet — you’re free from your office chair and desk and can truly write anywhere.
Her sister Catherine believes that Elaine's hair tells you everything that you need to know about her. It's flame-red. When Sir Oliver Destry trifles with Elaine, she decides on revenge. Elaine soon discovers the truth of the old saying that if you want to make the gods laugh, just tell them your plans.
A Regency time travel romance... What if you could escape across time, and find your soulmate?
Pure evil dispatches gorgeous Tara Ballantine across the centuries, to Regency England. Tara lands on Adam Jervoise, Earl of Hillingworth -- literally -- as he's riding through a bluebell wood.
Hillingworth is handsome, rich, and kind. He's also set to propose to an heiress.
When Tara realizes that she's falling in love with the earl, she fights the feeling.
She's gorgeous, but hot-tempered, and Scottish heiress Bess Fleming takes the ton by storm. She's refused six proposals of marriage -- will Lord Darius make number seven?
Today, you can make money writing short fiction. Readers love short stories, because they can read a story in minutes, rather than devoting hours to reading a novel.
