Tools of the Trade
I get a lot of questions from people wanting to know about the resources and tools I use to support my writing. So here's a list of some of my favourites and a link to where you can find out more information or buy the product.
I'd love to hear if you have some tools or resources you find invaluable. If so, please leave a comment.
Software
Scrivener
Scrivener is the software I use for organising and drafting all my stories.
Buy Scrivener for Windows (Regular Licence)
Buy Scrivener 2 for MAC OS X (Regular Licence)
Scapple
Scapple is a mind-mapping tool. It's a fabulous tool for outlining and I use it to brainstorm my stories. The mind-map can then be imported directly into Scrivener.
There's a free trial you can take advantage of.
Aeon Timeline
This is another tool that integrates into Scrivener. It's great for managing timelines within a book or a series.
Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 15
Dragon is voice recognition software. I'm still learning but it's proven to be a very useful tool. I've used it to add directly into my manuscript but I also like the ability to transcribe voice recordings I've captured on the run.
Buy Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 15
Freedom
Freedom is a fabulous piece of software that allows me to block all internet access, or create blocklists to prohibit access to groups of specific social media sites, for varying lengths of time. It works on my laptop and my mobile phone so there's no cheating. What a fabulous way to ensure uninterrupted and focused writing time!
Calibre
I mainly use Calibre to manage my ebook library but I also use it to format books into different formats for self-publication. It can convert documents into Mobi, ePub, PDF and so forth. And it's free.
Online/Mobile Tools
Voice Record Pro
This is a handy app on my iPhone. I can dictate my latest story or simply record notes. The voice recording is synced to my Dropbox. I can either listen to my voice recording at a later date or access the file from Dropbox and use Dragon to transcribe the voice into text. Brilliant when I'm driving or on the run!
Dropbox
One of the most important things you need to do is back up. I can't say it enough. Back up, back up, back up! I use Dropbox because it syncs with a number of my applications. For example, Scrivener, Voice Record Pro etc. I also use other cloud storage solutions but Dropbox is one I can't do without.
Evernote
Evernote is one of the best tools around for storing information. I use it to make notes and store information of all sorts. I have notes covering writing related information, information I need for managing my website, recipes, receipts, and all sorts of documentation. I upload photographs of articles or things of interest I find in magazines, I upload PDF manuals for all my electronics, I bookmark websites and the list goes on. The best thing is the search functionality - when you conduct a search, Evernote searches titles, tags and the text within both the note AND any attachments.
As a reader, I love browsing through Pinterest to find new and interesting things. I find it inspirational and useful. I pin everything from recipes to ideas for my dream home, to links to educational articles.
As an author, I use Pinterest to find images that suit my setting and characters, and create inspiration boards for my books. This allows me to keep a visual representation of my story which aids me in the writing process, but also allows me to share glimpses with my readers. Posting covers and links to blog posts also assists with marketing.
If you don't have a Pinterest account already, I highly suggest setting one up. It's lots of fun and very useful.
The Love. Writing. Life Pinterest Page
5,000 WPH
Edit Feb 2018: Unfortunately this app isn't currently available.
5,000 WPH is an app I use on my iPhone (there's also a related book). I use the app when I'm sprinting. Sprinting is writing in uninterrupted timed bursts, aiming to get as many words done as possible. The app has a timer function and records your results, allowing you to track your progress and writing rate and it also gives you little encouragements along the way.
WordPress
WordPress is the platform my website is built on. WordPress.org (as opposed to the free WordPress.com) supports the many features that maximise the functionality of the website/blog.
Bluehost
Bluehost host my website. They offer an excellent service at a very reasonable price.
Canva
I use Canva to create my graphics. It's quick, simple and indispensable!
MailerLite
MailerLite meets all my newsletter needs and is cost effective, particularly when just starting to build your blog and mailing list.
PromoRepublic
I use this fabulous tool to schedule posts across all my social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Get PromoRepublic
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links are Affiliate Links. That means I may earn a small commission for referring people to that product. But these are products that I use and recommend. Any commission earned helps to fund this blog.
