Writing Tools + Software
Writing Platforms + Software
Over the years, I’ve found that the right writing tools can make all the difference. These are my go-to platforms and software that help streamline the process, keep me organized, and make writing just a little easier—so you can focus on bringing your story to life.
If you’re working on something big and complex, Scrivener is a game-changer. It helps me organize my thoughts, plot out chapters, and keep all my research in one place. I love how flexible it is—whether I’m drafting, outlining, or revising, it adapts to how I work.
Why I recommend it: Perfect for anyone writing a novel, screenplay, or detailed project. It keeps everything organized and at your fingertips.
For a distraction-free writing experience, Ulysses is my go-to. I love its clean, minimalistic design—it helps me focus on getting words down without any extra clutter. It also syncs across all my devices, so I can write from anywhere.
Why I recommend it: If you’re looking for an elegant, no-frills way to write, Ulysses is fantastic for just sitting down and getting words out.
Word is the gold standard for editing. When it comes to fine-tuning your manuscript, nothing beats its robust editing tools—track changes, comments, and the overall review functionality are second to none. I use it for final drafts because it allows me to dig deep into the details and make revisions with ease.
Why I recommend it: If you’re serious about editing or collaborating with others on revisions, Word is the industry standard that makes tracking and improving your work smooth and efficient.
If you want to take your writing to the next level, ProWritingAid is a must-have. It’s more than just a grammar checker—it helps with everything from sentence structure to pacing and style. I use it to clean up drafts and make sure my writing is clear, compelling, and free of errors. Plus, it integrates with Scrivener, Word, and Google Docs, which makes it super versatile.
Why I recommend it: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, ProWritingAid is like having a personal editor on hand to help you fine-tune every aspect of your writing.
Note-taking + Organizing
Staying organized is key to a smooth writing process, and these are the tools I rely on to keep my ideas, notes, and research in order. Whether you’re plotting your next novel or jotting down a sudden inspiration, these platforms will help you stay focused and ready to write whenever creativity strikes.
Notion is my ultimate organization hub. I use it to track everything from character development to writing goals. You can customize it to suit any project, which is amazing. I love how everything’s in one place—research, notes, and drafts.
Why I recommend it: It’s perfect if you’re the type of person who likes to have all your ideas organized and at your fingertips. If you want a truly flexible space, Notion is it.
I’ve been using Evernote for years, and it’s still one of my favorite tools for gathering research, inspiration, and random ideas. It’s so easy to clip articles, photos, or even hand-written notes—and finding them later is a breeze.
Why I recommend it: If you’re always jotting down ideas or collecting bits of inspiration, Evernote keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
OneNote has a cozy, notebook-like feel, which makes organizing ideas super intuitive. I use it to create separate notebooks for different projects, keeping everything neat and easy to navigate. It’s also great for brainstorming!
Why I recommend it: If you love the idea of digital notebooks and organizing by project, OneNote is your best friend.
Focus + Productivity Apps
Staying focused and productive can be a challenge, but these apps are the ones I swear by to help me stay on track. Whether it’s blocking distractions, setting goals, or tracking progress, these tools keep me motivated and help me make the most of my writing time.
Sometimes, staying focused is the hardest part of writing. Momentum Dash is beautifully designed and helps me break my writing sessions into manageable chunks using the Pomodoro technique. It helps me avoid burnout and keeps me on task—plus, I feel a sense of accomplishment after each session!
Why I recommend it: If you struggle with distractions, this app helps you work in bursts and stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.
I swear by Freedom for blocking out distractions when I need to dive deep into a writing session. It lets me block specific websites or apps for a set amount of time, and it’s a lifesaver when I need to stop myself from scrolling endlessly.
Why I recommend it: When you’re easily distracted (hello, social media!), Freedom is the perfect way to stay in the writing zone.
Trello is my secret weapon for staying organized and tracking my progress. I use it to break down my writing goals into manageable tasks. The boards and lists help me see everything I need to do, and I love the visual aspect—it’s so satisfying to check things off!
Why I recommend it: If you’re someone who loves seeing your progress and breaking projects into smaller steps, Trello is a great way to stay motivated and organized.