Writing Tools
Most people already have what they need to write a story. Paper and pen, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop computer. It does not matter what operating system your device uses. Android, Mac, Linux, or Windows.
However, if you are serious about writing, you need a laptop or a desktop computer. If you have deep pockets, buy whatever you want, but for writing a novel you do not need a high-end computer.
There are many word-processing applications in the market. Some of these writing applications are more than word processors. A few of them have project management tools built in.
| Atticus | Word Processor and more | $$ |
| Bibisco | Word Processor | Free |
| Dabble | Word Processor and more | $$ |
| Ellipsus | Word Processor | Free |
| FastPencil | Word Processor | Free |
| FocusWriter | Word Processor | Free |
| Google Docs | Word Processor | Free |
| Hemingway Editor | Text editor | Free/$$ |
| LibreOffice | Word Processor | Free |
| Living Writer | Word Processor | $$ |
| Microsoft Word | Word Processor | $$ |
| Novlr | Word Processor | Free/$$ |
| OpenOffice | Word Processor | Free |
| Pages | Word Processor | $$ |
| Papyrus Author | Word Processor | Free/$$ |
| Scrivener | Word Processor and more | $$ |
| Ulysses | Word Processor | $$ |
| yWriter | Word Processor and more | Free |
I reviewed a few of these writing applications and even bought several, but ended up migrating back to Microsoft Word and Excel because I’ve been a Microsoft Office user for decades. For me, there is no need to learn another new application.
I bought Scrivener for Windows 10 because it has project management components built in for writing books, screenplays, and scripts.
Scrivener has a steep learning curve. I gave up on it. You might have more patience than I have. Scrivener does have a strong following, but Microsoft Word is still the most popular writing application on the planet.
Most of the writing applications have built-in grammar and spelling-checking abilities. Some are better than others. Many writers take advantage of the other grammar tools. Some of these applications are add-ons for MS Word and Scrivener, others are stand-alone desktop applications or online only.
The following are a few of the grammar and style applications I have researched. Some of them offer free basic checking.
| Autocrit | Free/$$$ |
| Fictionary | $$$ |
| Ginger | Free/$$$ |
| Grammarly | Free/$$$ |
| Hemingway | Free/$$$ |
| LanguageTool | Free/$$$ |
| PaperRater | Free/$$$ |
| PerfectIt | $$$ |
| ProWritingAid | Free/$$$ |
| Quillbot | $$$ |
| Sapling | Free/$$$ |
| Slick Write | Free |
| Virtual Writing Tutor | Free/$$$ |
| WhiteSmoke | $$$ |
| Wordtune | Free/$$$ |
I tried several of these grammar applications. Some are better than others, but they are improving every year. These applications will help you in your writing, but they are not perfect. For writing fiction, I consider these grammar/style applications around 75% accurate. These applications sometimes flag false errors. Use your judgment.
High-end computers, expensive writing software, and third-party grammar applications can help you polish your writing. But in the end, it is your imagination and writing skills that make your story great.