The Writer’s Quick List

Books for Writers

Due to the ever-changing amount of How-To books for writers, I instead encourage you to check out this compiled GoodReads List: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/91757.Writing_Resources_NaNo_Edition_

Word Processors

Since most word processors are now also available as cross-device apps, there didn’t seem to be a reason to keep them separated anymore. However, you may still need to explore them based on your needs to find the perfect fit for you. Note that some linked threads may have been affected by the “Deep Freeze” in 2023.

  • Bibisco
  • Calmly Writer Online As simple as it gets. Upload and save TXT, HTM, or DOCX file types. Free.
  • Campfire Blaze A cross-device app for all your planning and writing functions. Free Basic with Paid Tiers for modules.
  • Celtx Think Scrivener for Scriptwriters. Also has novel templates. As of 2017, Celtx has gone to an exclusive cloud and browser based application. There are free and paid options. The old downloadable desktop software is still available elsewhere online (like here), though no longer undergoing updates.
  • Dabble Watch a review here.
  • Draftin “Easy version control and draft collaboration for writers”.
  • Evernote Free Basic, Paid Premium. Works “offline”.
  • FocusWriter Free. A no-frills software that limits distraction.
  • Google Docs A standard freebie for most.
  • iAWriter A markdown writing app. Usable across devices.
  • Ilys “the most distraction-free flow-enhancing wild-creative-abandon-turned-speed-demon-caller-of-the-muse writing experience we can imagine”. Free Trial.
  • Kahana Free personal content management platform that helps you organize materials and written drafts in split screen views. Also is accessible on mobile or desktop.
  • Microsoft Office 365 Paid. A standard in software for eons, Microsoft Office 365 now offers syncing across devices with cloud storage. Using Word Online itself is also an option.
  • Novelpad Paid ($8 USD Monthly, or $60 annually) A cross-device writing app.
  • Novlr Free (Basic?) Write anywhere, on any device.
  • Obsidian.md This is an extensive app that plays double duty as a note programing (using markdown) and as a word processor. 
  • Papyrus Author “Write, Edit, and Publish what you love”. Free basic, paid advanced features.
  • Scrivener Paid. Continually one of the best and most recommended writing softwares. Prices will increase in 2023.
  • SmartEdit Writer Free basic. Formerly Atomic Scribbler, this downloadable processor features useful editing software from its parent company, SmartEdit.
  • Storyist Mac and iOS. A “Novel writing environment”.
  • Tablo “Create, Publish, and Discover Great Books”. Writing/Reading/Sharing is Free. Publishing features paid.
  • Ulysses Paid. iOS software.
  • Wattpad “Read, Write, and Share all in one place.”
  • Wavemaker A novel planning and writing software. 
  • World Anvil An all-in-one word processor, worldbuilder, and marketing software.
  • Writer The Internet Typewriter. Browser-based but works on & offline, saves as you go. Free basic. Also in Productivity builders.
  • yWriter A Free writing software, designed by an author.
  • zohoDocs Comparable to Google Docs. Fully web based. Free (Paid options).

Productivity Builders

  • 4theWords A gamified productivity builder. Slay writer’s block and up your word count. 30 Day Free Trial, $4 USD/monthly.
  • Cold Turkey Unlike other suggestions on this part of the list, Cold Turkey blocks your internet, games, and other distracting software so you focus on tasks
  • Write or Die: If you don’t write fast enough, you’ll begin to lose what you’ve written.
  • Written? Kitten!: For so many words written, you’re rewarded with cute cat pictures.
  • Dark Room: Sometimes all you need is a dark screen and some text!

Planning & Outlining

Character Building

Character/Family Trees

  • Draw.io An flowchart software that may lend itself to charting.
  • Family Echo For simple to complex family tree charting.
  • Family Tree Builder Tutorial for building a family tree.
  • GenePro A free version of a paid software
  • Gramps Another Family Tree building software (free)
  • Miro Useful for outline, family tree/character, or world building. (Previously: Realtimeboard)
  • MyDraw A Family Tree Diagram software
  • Popplet a Brainstorming app for mapping out connections. A variety of uses. iOS and Browser base.
  • RootsMagic Essentials A free downloadable genealogy software.

Character and Cover Art

Note about AI Software: There is a lot of debate about AI at the moment. It is mostly approved by artists to use for inspirational photos but do NOT use for cover art, marketing, etc. Most AI websites harvest artwork, uncredited, from all over the internet. Be aware before you post works publicly.

  • Adobe Spark A cover creator; requires Adobe ID.
  • Artbreeder an AI art generator for character art
  • Artflow.ai An AI art generator for character art.
  • Canva The epitome of anything marketing right now. Basic account, but expect to pay for premium features. 
  • DollDivine A collection of “dress-up” games. Customization varies.
  • Gimp An open source freeware software, similar to Adobe Photoshop.
  • Inkscape An open source answer to Adobe Illustrator
  • Nightcafe An AI Art generator for character art
  • Picrew An avatar/character creator with a variety of styles (be aware: site is in Japanese).
  • Stencil Similar to Canva, Free Basic account has a limited number of works you can make each month. Paid premium options.

General Advice

Generators & Naming Tools

Mapmaking

Organization Apps and Software

  • Airtable “Organize anything”. Free basic with paid premium options.
  • A.nnotate Online-based note taking tool; Free, Pre-pay, and Subscriptions available.
  • Bubble Paid. 
  • Draw.io a Flowchart and Diagram maker
  • DokuWiki A simple to use and versatile open source wiki software.
  • Evernote A note taking and task organizing app.
  • EveryWriter is a mobile and desktop app (iOs and Microsoft. Also available from CNet). Designed for “writing long text that needs a long time to think”.
  • Fantasia Archive A free, offline World Building Tool
  • FreeMind An organization tool. A full review from TechRadar is here.
  • Google Keep If you’re already using the Google Suite, this is a nice addition for notes.
  • Joplin An open-source note-taking app.
  • Milanote Suggested by eutanzi: “…shines on desktop, but the mobile app is great for quick notetaking, especially for more visual notetakers (the app integrates with Unsplash). But because the free plan is so limited in the number of notes/images you can add, I would really only recommend folks try it out if the annual price don’t cause chest pain.”
  • Mindnode Free & Paid. iOS. “Mindnode helps you capture all of your ideas and turn them into a clear picture.” 
  • Note App A standard iOS app for note taking.
  • Notion Both free and paid versions. Particularly useful for Character and “story bible” purposes.
  • Obsidian.md This is an extensive app that plays double duty as a note programing (using markdown) and even as a word processor.
  • Plottr Paid (Starts at $25 USD). “A visual book planning software”. 
  • Popplet a Brainstorming app for mapping out connections. A variety of uses. iOS and Browser base.
  • Scapple Created from the folks who brought us Scrivener is this extensive outlining and brainstorming tool. 
  • Tiddlywiki “A nonlinear notebook for capturing, organizing, and sharing complex information”
  • Trello Think “digital whiteboard”
  • Twine A cross between Storytelling and game creation, Twine is for those who want to create a story document that can also lead to other background information.
  • XMind a mind-mapping tool for brainstorming and early project planning.

Prompts & Exercises

Timelines

While Writing…

Alternative Trackers

  • Kapow From the creators of FocusWriter, a punch-clock program for tracking your writing hours. 
  • NovProg From the creators of FocusWriter comes this handy tracking software.

Back Up Your Work

  • Dropbox A standard in cloud saving! Monthly subscription rate, starting at $9.99 USD.
  • Google Drive Free 15GB of storage space or $12/mo for 2TB.
  • OneDrive If you already have Microsoft Office 365, you may already have access to this cloud storage. Paid.

Editing

  • Grammarly **Removed from this list due to their use of AI** Please be aware of their agreements if using their service..
  • ProWritingAid Free to start. Offers Lifetime subscription for $399 USD. NaNoWriMo Sponsor.
  • SmartEdit Free trial. Offers plug-in options and lifetime purchase.
  • Writefull Targeted for academic writing, but similar to other grammar and style checkers.

Music & Sound

  • Ambient-Mixer One of the most popular ambient noise websites there is. Listen to sounds made by others, or create your own.
  • HeadSpace A paid app targeted for those trying to sleep, but could be great for writers too.
  • iHeart Stream your favorite local stations, radio from around the world, or your favorite podcasts.
  • LoFi Girl A Youtube sensation, LoFi Girl offers at least one continuous livestream of music to relax to, as well as an archive of compilations.  
  • MyNoise A personalizable ambient noise generator.
  • Noises Online Select your sounds. Best enjoyed with headphones.
  • Pandora A popular music-listening app. Free basic with ads.
  • Purrli “The Internet has a Cat!”. From the creator of MyNoise.
  • A Soft Murmur Customizable background noise generator.
  • SoundCloud Stream and listen to music online, direct from creators. Free basic.
  • Spotify A popular music listening app. Also great for creating playlists. Free basic with ads. 
  • Tubi TV Specifically, Tubi TV has a collection of relaxation sounds like rainforest and “ship in a storm”, which play uninterrupted for 2-4 hours! It also boasts a host of classic TV, cartoons, and other great background noise –for free, with ads.

Miscellaneous

Other Writing Communities

Reddit

Lineup:

BETH SILVA
CHRISTINE RUSSELL
HOLLIE BLANKENSHIP
MONICA HUMPHREY
NETTIE PECK
BRIANNA WILLIS
ELISE PRATT
VERONICA ENGLAND
MASON DECKER