Almost 2 years ago I returned to writing, but being nearly 30 years old, I was confused—where do I even start? I had missed so much over these 10 years. One thing that helped me was being tech savvy from all those years working in corporate marketing. I used these skills to create a deeply optimized writing system, using a variety of free tools, that help me plotting, visualizing and writing to the next nevel.
#1—Scrivener
As everyone else, I went through Google Docs and Microsoft Word, but after having a one-month free trial with Scrivener, I decided that the $65 lifetime fee is absolutely worth it! Scrivener is tailored to the needs of writers, which results in a variety of features that any author can use. Not purely for writing (even though just writing part feels superior to Microsoft Word), but also the ability to make scene cards, move them around, revisions for different draft versions, tabs for character profiles, world building and so much more. In short, it’s a one solution that solves many problems.
#2— Pinterest
While writing my novel, I always look for visual inspirations, when it comes to facial features, fashion sense, interior design and so much more. A great place where to look for photos and create moodboards is Pinterest.
#3—Figma
Another thing that’s common is creating flowcharts, mapping out details with sticky notes, creating crime solving boards and so much more. For that, I often use Figma.
I use it for a variety of purposes, having this limitless board with all-things-novel, such as floor plans connected with photos of each room, color and design palettes and so much more.
#4—Miro
Miro is very similar to Figma, yet for some purposes more comfortable. For example, I use it to create visual boards with detailed worldbuilding information, putting together maps, photos, descriptions, sticky notes.
I also find it very comfortable to create timelines for my storyline, to make sure that everything in terms of timing is consistent.
#5—Google Spreadsheets
For more detailed planning, I use Spreadsheets. Here you can see an example of a chapter plan, that includes summary of plot, tension, function and more. Further I have created a setup and payoff plan. When it comes to creating something very structured, organized, it’s a great tool to use.
#6—Trello
I started using Trello because even though the story was clear to me, it wasn’t so clear which is the best place for each of the story elements—where to place that flashback, that specific interaction, sometimes even moving a few chapters around, because my novel is from different POVs. Because of that, Trello is perfect.
#7—Obsidian
If you need to map out how different characters or elements in your plot connect, another great tool for that is Obsidian.
#8—Elevate
Improving your brain when it comes to vocabulary, synonyms, use of language is extremely important as an author. I find that Elevate helps with that a lot. Just with 5 minute daily exercise you can see major improvement with your use of language and speed.
#9—WordHippo
As an author, you need to get synonyms for words all the time, and there’s no better website than WordHippo for that. Write in a word and get tons of other, more peculiar options.
#10—Writer’s Discord Group
Last but not least! One of the biggest things that helped me improve was starting my discord group for serious authors. It’s not like one of those big ones, quantity over quality. It’s a small one, where everyone knows everyone, we have a “vetting system”, people fill out forms before they can join. In this group, we chat daily about our passion and progress, share feedback on our novels and so much more.
Sounds like something you’d like? Apply to the writers group here.
Found this useful? I’m writing my dystopian gore psychological thriller, I’m putting all my knowledge and life experience in it, building an intricate world with complex characters and a deep message. If you’d like to be informed, you can leave me your email here and I’ll send you an update once it’s out.
Have a lovely day.
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