With 50 percent of Americans now owning smart phones and tablets, our electronics play dual roles as radios, navigators, itineraries and more. So why not use them to write? As the iPhone mantra reminds us, “There’s an app for that.” We scoured the app store and found the top 10 tools for productivity, brainstorming and, of course, writing.
1. Evernote
Cost: Free
An absolute must-have for all writers, this app compiles your ideas, research, to-do lists, images and notes in one organized place. Sync your computer’s Evernote app with your phone so they’re always at your fingertips.
2. WriteChain
Cost: Free
This handy little app keeps your writing on track. Set your daily word count goal, enter details about each writing session and review past entries. The more consistently you write, the longer the chain grows.
3. The BrainStormer
Cost: $1.99
With a “spin” of the wheel, this fun app randomly combines a plotline with a subject and a setting or style. Create a customized BrainStormer with your own words to generate surprising combinations. The most unexpected pairings could form an amazing idea.
4. Writing Prompts
Cost: $1.99
Access hundreds of writing prompts with a shake of your phone. Writing Prompts includes scene scenarios, wordplay and headlines pulled from current news. You can also challenge yourself by mixing a genre with a new writing medium.
5. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Cost: Free
Finally – a pocket-sized dictionary that actually fits in your pocket. This is one of the most essential resources for writers. In addition to reliable definitions and synonyms, the digital dictionary also provides a word of the day.
6. Story Tracker Lite
Cost: Free
Organize submissions by creating profiles for your writing projects and the places you submit to. Keep track of a magazine’s word limit, pay rate, deadline, response time, contact information and more. You can also record the status of entries and view stats for submission history.
7. My Writing Spot
Cost: $2.99
This simple app syncs with its online component to keep your current project constantly on hand. Start your story online, link it to your phone, then pick up where you left off, whether you’re in a waiting room or the checkout line. It’s the perfect way to meet your daily writing goals.
8. Write Away
Cost: Free
Delve into a timed, 10-minute prompt with three randomly generated words to get your ideas flowing. Write Away encourages you to free write without editing or hesitation and also includes a setting to add your own words to the mix.
9. Mindjet
Cost: Free
Digitally map out your ideas with Mindjet: Organize plotlines, visualize character relationships or divvy up article details. Rearrange topics and subtopics to keep your writing project organized and focused.
10. Inspiron
Cost: $0.99
With multiple settings and modes to choose from, Inspiro generates word pairings that will juice your imagination. Discover unique phrases or unexpected scenarios and customize the categories with your own word list. The “Daydream Machine” option creates philosophical phrases that will push your ideas to the next level.
