Part 2: Writing Tools for Authors

by: Emma Foster

Every writer needs their tools. This doesn’t just apply to the skills and techniques they need to practice when writing. Other tools provide more information or offer creative outlets for writers to hone their craft or otherwise learn more from professionals. But there are a lot of resources out there. What types of tools should writers pursue? Here are different types of writing tools for authors that can help you along in your writing journey no matter what part of your writing career you’re in. 1

Writing Platforms

Writing platforms have become all the rage in the past few years. Platforms such as Wattpad have exploded in popularity, and millions of readers flock to it every day. Plenty of writers use these platforms as well, and while they may not be for everyone, they still provide excellent opportunities for writers to practice their craft, grow their audience, and keep up consistent writing habits. Some platforms even ask that you write critiques of other people’s work before you submit your own writing, such as Critters. Other platforms such as Medium, Hubpages, or Vocal give you an outlet for sharing blog posts or just writing articles on topics of interest. And there’s tons more: Booksie, Inkitt, Chronicles, the Young Writer’s Society, Underlined. Even if you don’t want to get your work out in front of an audience quite yet, these are still options to look into.

2 Blogs And Websites

Even if you don’t have a blog or a website, there are plenty of blogs out there that provide answers for your writing questions as well as resources for writing opportunities, including contests, journal submissions, and more. Have a writing question that you end up Googling? Chances are tons of blogs and author websites will have answered the question and written a post about the topic. Many of these resources might also offer courses, have their own magazine you can submit to, or have other opportunities. A few great and more well-known sources include The Write Life, Creative Penn, Jane Friedman, and Jeff Goins.

3 Writing Tools For Writing

Tired of pen and paper? Other writing tools exist solely to help you write. You may be familiar with Google Docs or Microsoft Word, but simpler alternatives include Ulysses, Scrivener, and more. These tools help simplify the writing process and help you develop strong, consistent habits for writing every day, while also offering a simpler platform to learn how to use.

All three types of tools exist at writers’ fingertips. Whether you need a place to write, want to learn how to write better, or just need a better space for your craft, there are tools out there that can help. It might seem overwhelming, but keep looking for more opportunities and taking advantage of the ones you find.