I work with a lot of new and not-so-new writers, and I hear about all sorts of tools and sites they find helpful all of the time. Here are a few I hear are really helpful. And even though I'm not a writer myself, I find them useful, too. (When one works with writers, one should try not to look too illiterate, lol.)
I know as an artist, ideas and inspiration strike when they want where they want. Not always when we are at the desk or drawing table. The LiveScribe 3 smartpen uses Bluetooth technology to send your sketches and ideas to your smartphone or tablet. When combined with the LiveScribe notebooks they create a special pattern on the paper and record your pen strokes. And to go a step cooler ... the pen also takes dictation!!! The pen records audio with a built-in microphone. (I wish I had this when I was in college.) Check it out ...
Grammarly is used by my whole family. For me, it helps me think more about what I'm writing than worrying about looking illiterate. Grammarly can be used as a free extension for Chrome, Safari, or Firefox web browsers (I use it for every blog post), or the online text editor. Grammarly Premium, a paid service, checks for a broader range of errors, detects plagiarism, detecting passive voice, and offers style and vocabulary enhancements.
In today's market, we all have to self-promote to some extent, even authors and artists with big-time agents and houses. But unless you went to business school for marketing, you're likely to feel lost as to how to write good content. Even authors can find it a challenge because content writing is not the same as novel or story writing. Content helps with organization, ideas, and more. Though they were designed with big companies in mind, there is a lot of benefit for the little-guy, too.
4 Twords
'Twords is the web app that nudges you to write.' Track your writing: Build a graph of your writing progress and identify your best days over time. Learn stuff: Practice styles, techniques, and tone with writing prompts. Get support. Help your friends reach their writing goals as they encourage you to finish yours. At the very least, try the free trial. 😀
5 Evernote
Another software syncing tool that helps us creator-types ......take advantage of when inspiration strikes anywhere. Evernote lets you capture, nurture, and share your ideas across any device. Organize your life, be more productive, and take better notes.
So what ya waiting on? Got to finishing that book so I can do the rest :D
Onto wrapping up the next book
Until next time ...
This post edited by Grammarly* ~ NOW FREE FOR CHROME USERS!
*Blurbs and quotes provided are not edited by WillowRaven but posted as provided by author/publisher.
