creative writing apps

creative writing apps

Creative Writing Apps

1. Introduction

Our aim is to help you find the best writing apps that will suit your needs and give you all the information needed to make an informed decision. The latest generation of writers is not looking for word processor applications. They need software to help organize their ideas, make the writing process less daunting, and perhaps even assist with editing and publishing. This is a tall order. It requires software that is much more complex than MS Word. We will detail the various types of writing software and explore what makes one better than another. Generally speaking, the software must be easy to use and approach the writing process with a sense of simplicity. But the definition of simplicity will vary from writer to writer. Internet and computer junkies will offer two very different interpretations of what is simpler than something else. So we will be careful to rate simplicity specific to the type of writer it is likely to attract. A complicated fantasy-fiction writer might not be bothered by a cluttered interface if the features on offer are exactly what they need. But a busy corporate writer might not have the patience to learn complex software even if it were to be more useful in the long run. We will also rate software by its appearance. This is an important feature since many writers will desire a change of scenery from the traditional pad and pen. This is especially important in the education sector. Here are some key points you should consider about writing software.

2. Benefits of Creative Writing Apps

Inspiration: Just like with any writer, there will be times where you are stuck for ideas. Many writing apps have features to help with writer’s block. This can be through writing prompts, idea generators, or a way to organise and note down writing ideas for later without leaving your current work. An example of this is a feature in Scrivener where you can make a virtual index card for each idea and move them around on a virtual cork board. This option is particularly useful for planning writing as well as forthcoming academic texts and can assist in the creation of complex fiction and non-fiction.

Interaction: Many writers like to get their work critiqued or brainstorm ideas with others. There are apps specifically designed for these kind of interactions such as Google Docs or apps for online writing groups. However, these require that users organise a time where they are both online and can sometimes be hard to do. An easier way to interact with others on specific pieces of writing is to use an app that has annotations and comments. This can be either with real life acquaintances or with others using the app who you can summon to comment on your work in exchange for doing the same for theirs.

Motivation: Many apps have inbuilt writing goals to help motivate users to keep going. This can be particularly useful for writers who struggle to self-motivate or have difficulty staying on track. Goals can be in the forms of writing a certain amount of words in a day/week, writing for a set period of time, or completing a particular task. For example, in Ulysses you can tick off individual sheets and change their colour which can be rewarding and motivating. Some apps also have writing streaks and use positive reinforcement through badges and encouragement. Writing a novel can be a long and solitary process, a bit of automatic encouragement can make a world of difference to some writers.

Portability: Following on from the last point, using an app means that you have access to your work at all times. If you have an idea for your novel you don’t need to wait until you get home to your computer, you can start writing it there and then. This saves time and ensures that ideas are not lost or forgotten. It is also good for those who like to write in different locations, for example, at a cafe, in a library, or outside. Some writing apps also have cloud options meaning that your work is saved online rather than just on your device, this makes it safe and easier to access on different platforms.

Convenience: Most of us carry our phones with us everywhere we go and use them multiple times an hour. Having a writing app on your phone means that you can jot down ideas or even write whole scenes whilst you are on the train, waiting for a friend, or during a lunch break at work. You don’t need to carry around a heavy laptop or buy a pen and paper. This can be particularly useful for those who have busy lives and find it hard to get in front of a computer with the intent to write. Writing in short bursts is better than not writing at all. This is very relevant today where people expect to have solutions to their problems at the click of a button and want to fit as much in to their day as possible. Using an app means that your novels and ideas can be intertwined with your life, rather than being pushed to the side.

There are several key benefits of using apps to support your creative writing process. Some of the most common ones are: convenience, portability, motivation, interaction, and inspiration. These are explored in further detail below.

3. Top Creative Writing Apps

Quip is a fantastic app for those who want to write and share their work with other authors. It is centered around an easy-to-use chat interface, which lets you talk to other authors about your piece, as well as make changes to a document incredibly quickly. It is especially useful for collaborating on shared material or getting feedback from other writers. If you like the idea of having readers for your work, this could be a great way to both write and get real-time feedback. If you are an aspiring screenwriter, Dubscript is a great Android app designed to replicate the experience of using a typewriter. With no delete key and real-time/full-screen editing, it forces you to get thoughts down before editing. This could be especially good for those who spend more time thinking about writing than actually writing. Its simplicity is its key feature, although it may not be suitable for those who make frequent errors.

4. How to Choose the Right Creative Writing App

Do you often find yourself coming up with ideas at random times and then forgetting them because you didn’t write them down? Maybe you need a mobile solution for your writing projects. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, there are many great apps that span a wide range of uses. Let’s take a look at a few apps for iPhone and Android that might help your creativity.

Decide if the Mobile Writer Life is for You

This article has been designed to help make the decision process a bit easier. It will outline some vital features to look for in a creative writing app, and then we will provide some recommendations for both paid and unpaid apps.

Choosing the best app from an abundance of creative writing apps can be a difficult process. The right app will help you develop your writing skills and assist you in completing your writing projects. But with so many apps available, how do you know which one to choose?

5. Conclusion

Overall, for convenience and organizational tools, Storyist was the superior app. It was a bit more expensive than others, but still affordable relative to its features. It had a lot of potential for keeping chapters and characters organized while linking pertinent research and note information to the story. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a lot of frills. The actual writing interface was a bit bland and nothing to write home about. For those just interested in a writing app to get work done, it was more than sufficient.

Creative writers have been fascinated by various writing and organizational tools for quite some time. Each new tool presents more interesting ways to get the creative process moving. With the introduction of the iPad and countless other writing tools, the possibilities are endless. This review focused on only a couple of the many possible writing apps available for the iPad. Each app had its own unique features that set it apart from other writing apps. With the recent boom of the tablet market, it is clear that creating a writing app on the iPad is a great investment.