Writing tools – 12 Basic tools for writing
- December 15, 2022
- Posted by: IGBAJI U.C.
- Category: Academic Writing Guide
Writing tools – 12 Basic tools for writing
Microsoft Word has been viewed as the central tool for every principle affiliated with writing. Still, before the creation of the computers that housed this software, a much more formal apparatus existed that the likes of Ernest Hemmingway and Mark Twain were abreast with; it was the carrier of their progress.
What defined the golden age writers, separating them from the causal readers and those lacking literary insight, it was the typewriter.
Before that, quails and pens were adopted, and before those adopted items were simply sticks and jagged stones. Every generation of writers had an apparatus, tools and equipment that even though they weren’t convenient, still completed the job.
It is quite apparent that writing has been a human trait inculcated into the DNA code of an expanding percentage of the world’s population
As insufferable as these ancient writing tools were, they became a defining tool because they were the only means through which writers could voice out their thought and simple ideas.
Not many had the eloquence to blurt them out as moonlight folk tales, so they turned to their writing tools using such a glorified mouthpiece for them to be heard.
In similitude, you can speak louder than anyone else even with your mouth shut; you can still be heard; Paul, the apostle, did it severally, same with William Shakespeare; though they were deficient in speech, their messages now are still being circulated.
Of course, you do not champion a notion you haven’t heard of, right? This should bring you to question as a potential author and scribe; what’s the point of being a writer with no audience? An author that no one listens to?
Modern tools can intensify your thoughts and amplify your ideas as if projected from a condenser microphone. They are fashioned to cloak and exterminate errors, and unlike the 1840s, they will make you comfortable as you harpoon through the operational phase of birthing your ideas as finished works.
Below is a list of writing tools and resources that modern writers swear by
1. Draft
One of the most effective writing tools comes in the form of a saving box, a saving box in the sense that it doesn’t let you spend a nickel on its resources. It comes as a saving box because it Is a pocket dimension that stores your time and puts it to good use for your edification.
It is programmed to constantly detect errors and inform users, just like Google docs and Grammarly. It also keeps track of word count and alerts you via email about your progress and desired reach.
2. Evernote
Next on this list is Evernote; it’s an efficient package that comes with a basic and premium plan, with the latter demanding monetary compensation and the former being keener on dispensing freely.
Aside from the monetary demand that will proffer an unpleasant hangover, Evernote is a good and easy-to-operate writing tool for beginners who lack the essential organization that is required.
The app provides an option for you to think out loud—and pen your thoughts down. It also makes avail for a recording of notes, it drafts online articles and script text that can serve as a reference for your soon-to-be-completed work and lastly, it links your work with all devices containing the Evernote application.
3. Scrivener ($45)
This particular word processor functions on simple ideas and fragments of excerpts, so far, it is produced by the user, and it can develop such ideas and excerpts into a completely comprehended book, script, research paper, etc.
It also provides templates for whatever principle or genre of literature you’d be exploring, but the big catch is it’s not for free, but it comes with a 30 days trial
4. Ommwriter
Ommwriter is a tool that influences visual perceptions and expunges the slightly annoying keyboard sounds.
It comes with customized keyboard noises and a collection of comforting backgrounds to select from. Ommwriter is that tool that brings convenience to your doorstep. It has free web access but tenders a $7 price for a full program.
5. Marinara timer
This is wired to promote the Promodoro technique, which requires you to work for 25 minutes and take a break for 5 minutes; by doing so, productivity is greatly enhanced, and fatigue becomes insignificantly low.
The marinara timer offers a customizable timer for your work session just in case you find significant discomfort in the 25/5 configuration. An important fact you should know as a writer is that taking a 1hr break to stand or walk helps to accelerate brain work and improve thinking; aside from that, it helps the body posture and averts postural defects.
6. Cold turkey
This writing tool is, unfortunately, not one that can be accessed freely. This program permits you to eradicate distractions utterly. While using cold turkey, you can prevent yourself from accessing various, and if possible, most of the computer programs and softwares for the period you would be writing.
7. Noisli
The premium writing program emboldens your imagination to roam free. At the same time, it employs the use of certain soundtracks like rain, coffee shop, wind, lakes, and many more to keep you on earth;
It also occasionally mixes several sounds at once to boost imagination. Of course, its sound can be regulated by the user at will.
8. Hemingway
According to the app, it is vested with the ability to make your work “bold and clear” it comes around with a series of features like word counters and an automated readability maker.
Although that sound is really intriguing, the major feature of this app rests in its recommendable capability to keep suggestions for your prose. It does that by highlighting complex sentences that might prove rubbernecked to be read for correction; it also outlines passive tones, qualifiers, verbs, and adverbs that require reaffixing.
9. Reedsy Book Editor
The Reedsy book editor is an efficient tool embedded with an online word processor that helps format your book as you write down words. Your saved works and stored sentences are systematically arranged as actual published work.
It comes with an automated spelling checker and a system-engraved goal reminder that gets you back on your feet once the thought of slacking away starts actualizing.
Unlike the other writing tools that are reserved for collective purposes, this very one is unique in that it helps you edit your work and typeset it into any book format of your choice, whether EPUB or PDF
10. LibreOffice
The cost of this tool is free; Libre Office is an open-sourced styled, formatted writing tool just like Microsoft word. It is compatible with every type of file extension such as Doc, Docx, Xls, Xlsx, ppt, and pptx, meaning that you can as well edit your manuscript into a series of files it depends solely on your choice
11. To Doist
To Doist is more like the advanced mechanized spin-off of the 1980s checklist that comes with a side-step mini box meant to be ticked. Its function constantly reminds you of your task; it helps you effectively prioritize your time to complete your intended work, especially the essential ones. It’s also a premium gift.
12. Cliché finder
It’s okay to laugh at this writing tool’s completely ridiculous and absurd name. The cliché finder browses through your write-up, pinpoints already sold-out ideas and repeated concepts, and highlights them for possible scrutiny and correction. It’s a free-to-use app that modernizes your work by expunging cliché and promoting originality.