Make your life, and writing easier.
There is very little in the world that doesn’t have its own app, or two. The saying, there’s an app for that isn’t a joke or misleading. It’s incredible how often I just type in a problem and immediately get a list of ways my life could be made easier.
Like most things, being an author means you need tools of the trade. It used to be a pen and paper (still is in my case), but it helps having a tiny device in your pocket with everything you could possibly need ready to be activated with a stab of your finger.
For me, I have eight apps I use the most. I’m not counting my social media apps. I’m talking about actual support for my writing. There are the obvious ones, Microsoft Word, Photoshop, etc, but I wanted to share a few of the others with you in hopes of maybe making your life a little easier, too.
Now, keep in mind that, just because some of these worked for me that they will also work for you. Like all aspects of this life, one app doesn’t necessarily fit all. The only way to know for certain is to give it a try for yourself and determining if it suits your needs.
10 Apps & Programs Every Author Needs In Their Arsenal, a #TuesdayBookBites with @airickaPhoenix <– Click to Tweet
WORDPRESS – it’s the provider I use for my website. Not only do they have 24/7 customer support, which is hugely helpful, but the support is helpful, understanding, and patient. Also,they are recognized by all browsers, which will save you loads of time when you want to be seen. The app helps track your visits, you can write future posts, answer comments, and so much more.
GRAMMARLY – Don’t fire your editor just yet, but Grammarly helps spot those little typos, punctuation, spelling, and grammar mistakes that we may overlook. It doesn’t work for everyone, and it is a paid service, so make sure it works for what you need before committing. I personally do not use this app, but I know authors who do.
BEFOCUSED PRO – Need a sprinting partner, but no one’s available? Set your desired time and focused on making magic on your project.
NOTABILITY – I’m always writing on the go, so why not edit the same way? Notability is as good as having your MS printed and directly in your hands. (only available for Mac & Apple)
NOTEPAD – for those of us who don’t have Mac or Apple, your phone’s notepad should be more than sufficient for those quick notes on the go.
OFFICE WORD – 80% of my projects are written on my phone and I don’t always have time to email what I’ve written to myself. Plus, it’s just a matter of opening the file from phone to PC when I get home.
DROPBOX – I don’t know what I would do without this app. I save graphics, blurbs, links, files, you name it. It’s all in one place so when I need to share something on the go, I know where everything is. You can also link your team to the folder.
SCRIVENER – I am not going to lie, I only got the chance to use this once a while back when it was still in its beta phase, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this is a paid app. It’s a one time fee. There is a 30 day free trial you can try, but you can do everything on here including index cards, character writer ups, prompts, save story images, etc. It’s extremely helpful.
BUFFER – I’ve mentioned this in the past, but you don’t have time to be posting and sharing every minute of the day, but you can’t forget your readers. Scheduling your posts isn’t cheating. It’s responsible and efficient. Buffer is the one I use.
BITLY – It’s a nightmare trying to shorten every URL, but Bitly makes the job simple and it has the added benefit of tracking your clicks.
What are some of your favorite apps? Are there any you would recommend for authors? Leave your suggestions below!
I think that’s everything. Be sure to subscribe to my website and get automatically notified every time a new update goes live and don’t forget to hit the share buttons below, because sharing is fun and we’re fun people! If you have questions, ideas, or just want to say hey, leave me a comment in the box . . . also below. This is Airicka saying, until next time, thanks for hanging out and I will see you soon.
