Writing Tools: Use Your Spare Minutes To Write

Do you wish you had more time to do the things you’d like to do? In our writers’ group meeting, we discussed writing tools which can help us to save time and get more done.

This inspired me because in 2019, writing has dropped off my radar. I don’t have hours to write. Although I’ve had spare minutes here and there, I haven’t used them for my writing.

That brought a realization: planning is essential to maximize your time.

Writing tools: plan first

If you want to use your spare minutes for writing, you need to plan for it. That was my downfall. I’d have ten minutes to half an hour of waiting time. I could have used those minutes to write, but write what?

1. Plan, brainstorm, and research with Trello (free)

I’ve used Trello in the past. I came back to it, because one of our members suggested using Trello for storyboards. Another suggested using it for planning and research.

Since I always have lists of things I want to research for my Regency series, I created a Research/ Reference board in Trello immediately.

Trello’s also brilliantly for planning and ideas — you can add attachments to any card, so you can send photos to any board.

2. Access your files wherever you happen to be (free)

Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive… With so many options to store your files in the cloud, you can take your writing with you so you can write anywhere.

Google Drive and Dropbox offer some storage for free. If you have Microsoft 365, you also get free storage. It’s worth checking your subscription apps to see which ones come with free storage; many do.

3. Get inspired with audio: music and podcasts

It’s easy to lose your motivation to write. Music can help, and so can podcasts for writers.

Numerous websites will create MP3s from your own writing too. Listening to an MP3 helps you to get back into a writing mood and write, even if you only have five minutes.