7 Essential Software and Apps for the Busy Writer

A lot of people think that all you need in order to write is a word processor, and that’s it! Although this is definitely very useful software, especially for writers, there are still plenty of things to consider. For one, it’s important to use the right tools to get the job done. Likewise, there’s plenty to think about aside from writing itself.

Without further ado, we’ve collected some of the best tools that can help not only the professional writers, but even the aspiring ones as well. Julian Wright, Senior Writer at Cool Essay helped us compile this essential list of tools for writers.

1. Final Draft:

For those who are inclined with writing stage plays, television episodic, movie scripts, and the like, Final Draft would be the perfect application for you. Not only does it have powerful word processing software, it also comes with a professional script formatting. What could get better than that? A two-in-one package that’s very easy to use; you no need to be familiar with the script formatting tools. With the help of Final Draft, you’ll be able to format your script depending on industry standards.

2. YWriter:

yWriter is a type of word processor where the novel you’re going to write would be automatically broken down into several chapters and scenes. Although it wouldn’t write the novel for you, this tool gives plot ideas and also capable of performing creative tasks that you can think of. Not just that, it also helps you monitor the progress of your work. All you have to do is keep your mind free from any forms of worries and concentrate on creating a very wonderful story.

3. Scrivener:

Writers who are required to write long texts, such as research papers and novels will find the Scrivener word processor quite useful. Just like other processors, it wouldn’t exactly tell you how to write, but it provides all the necessary tools needed in just one application!

4. Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

If you’re a writer, you know how important words are, and you can’t deny the fact that you use lots of them on a constant basis– especially when you have to deal with work. That said, a dictionary becomes a useful part of a writer’s toolbox. Likewise, as America’s most reached-for reference dictionary, there’s no doubt that Merriam Webster offers several options that writers will find beneficial.

For those who don’t want to spend, there’s a free version and it contains the complete Collegiate Dictionary. There’s one drawback though– the thesaurus is quite limited if you want a comprehensive dictionary that has the synonyms and antonyms available, then the $3.99 version would be ideal for you. Aside from those, this version also contains the foreign words and phrases, and the illustrations commonly used in the English language.

5. Evernote:

Those who need a place to store and organize their thoughts, ideas, and media (this includes audio recording and pictures) will find this virtual notebook keeper amazing. Unlike the classical organizer, you don’t have to look for scissors, glue, string or tape just to compile everything that is important. Everything is just a single tap away.

Furthermore, the contents of Evernote can also be synched across several devices, allowing you to access them wherever you are. Then, there’s the time saving function which includes the search function for keywords that are either text within messages or hand written.

6. Dragon Dictation:

Due to the fact that a lot of people think a lot faster than they type, this app can help you with that. Just hit “record” and everything you’re going to say will be transformed into text. Once you’re done, hit “done” and that’s it! Just copy and paste the text into any word processing program of your choice and with that, you were able to save some time.

7. SelfControl:

There are a lot of distractions online, and it’s almost impossible to ignore most of these. However, through the use of SelfControl app, you’ll be able to stay focused on what you have to do.

Final Thoughts:

It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking of writing a short story, novel, essay, or research; these tools will definitely help in getting the job done. Why waste a lot time writing, if there are tools that can help you do things quickly? Give these tools a try and see how they can change your writing experience for the better.