Top 5 Applications for Writers
It’s Friday. That means it’s time for Paper Hangover’s Friday Fives. Today’s topic?
Oh, apps. You little things that can become such a time sink for yours truly*.
I don’t really have an addictive personality, but there are certain things that make me forget outside things exist. Take this example: back in dial up only days, The Lou had an old computer in our basement. This computer had Tetris. I would shoot down there for a “quick game” only to re-emerge five hours later.
So because my favorite non-productive apps are games like Tetris, I should probably focus on things that tie into writing. You’re shocked, I know.
Write or Die. I actually paid the $10 for the download so I can use it when I’m not attached to the internet. You set a word count goal and a time limit and -BOOM!- you write to your heart’s content. It kinda forces you to turn off your editor.
Freedom. My love of all things shiny runs deep. This means I have a constant need to check Twitter, email, Facebook, more email, Blogger, more Twitter… Freedom shuts off your internet without you needing to disable anything. I’m paying the $10 for this application too.
Scrivener. If I wasn’t already with Hubby, I think I’d marry this program. Drafting is so much easier with this. It has notecards that you can shift around. It has a name generator. Scrivener is much more user-friendly than Microsoft Word and if I could, I’d use for the day job too. While the Windows version is still in beta, the Mac version has been around for a long, long time.
Google Docs. Even with all my Scrivener love, Google Docs is also awesome because I can keep things there that I need immediate access to, even when I’m only working from my phone. Collaboration is awesome for this because I no longer need to email a document back and forth.
Evernote. Like any good writer, I <3 post-its and should own stock. With this in mind, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I love the sticky notes feature on my home laptop. They’re colorful and useful for things like plot ideas. The sad thing is that they aren’t transferable elsewhere and sometimes I get an idea when I’m at the mall. This is why I love Evernote. I can write a note on my phone and it will sync up with my home laptop and my day job one. It will also be available online. Did I mention that it’s super easy to use? Because it is.
What are some of your favorite apps?
* I’m looking at YOU, Mahjongg Dimensions. Oh, and you too, Bejeweled.
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Last.fm hit of the day: In My Dreams by Dokken
I need to start using Freedom, like, now. I'm such a sucker for a "real quick check of Twitter." And Scrivner… you're not the first to mention it today. I WANT IT!
Keep seeing Scrivener and Evernote popping up…maybe I should give those a try. And I hear you on the Write or Die!
I love Scrivener. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to buy. Having everything in one place and all of the other features makes writing and revising so much easier. Like you, I'd also like to marry that program. Do you think it'd be okay with a polygamous marriage?
Google Docs is the bombdiggity.
Love Google Docs!!! I do have Scrivener on my lap top, but I haven't really used it – guess I'll need to give it a try!
But Evernote – that sounds fab! I'll have to check it out for sure!
Happy Friday!
My fave is yWriter. created by a programmer who writes. I use it for every first draft. It's awesome! Oh, and it's free. 🙂
Okay – I think Alison is getting an early Christmas present. You've sold me on the beta Scrivener. And LOVE Google Docs!
Have a great weekend!
I LOVE Evernote. I keep hearing about Scrivener but I've never tried it. Definitely going to start looking into it. 🙂
This is amazing! Never heard of these. I love you.