9 Book-Writing Apps You Should be Using

You may have a fantastic book idea and be eager to get started on your writing journey, but the reality is that writing a book can be quite challenging. While coming up with a compelling concept is important, translating that idea into a coherent and engaging story isn't always straightforward. Fortunately, there are several apps designed specifically to assist aspiring authors in their book-writing endeavors. Here's a list of some of the best book-writing apps available:

Book-Writing Apps to Boost Your Creativity

Even experienced authors encounter writer's block from time to time, and waiting for inspiration to strike isn't always an option. These book-writing apps can help stimulate your creativity:

1. The Brainstormer

   • Available on: Android, iOS

   • Cost: $1-$2.50 (additional in-app purchases available)

   • Description: When you're struggling to begin, use The Brainstormer app to generate random plot twists, settings, character traits, and more. It's a beautifully designed app that operates like a spinning wheel, providing you with random story elements to build upon. You can unlock additional features like the World Builder and Character Builder wheels for added depth.

2. Lists for Writers

   • Available on: Android, iOS

   • Cost: $2.99

   • Description: Lists for Writers offers a wide range of prompts to help you brainstorm specific aspects of your story, from character traits to political structures. Organizing your thoughts methodically using these lists can kickstart your creativity and clarify your ideas, ensuring your story is rich in the details readers crave.

     

3. Mindnode

   • Available on: iOS, Mac

   • Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

   • Description: Mindnode is useful for writers overwhelmed by a multitude of creative ideas. It helps you clarify your thoughts and ideas by creating mind maps. You can manipulate the mind map to uncover connections, patterns, and dive deeper into individual concepts.

Book-Writing Apps to Enhance Focus

Distractions can be a major hurdle for writers. Stay focused on your writing with these apps:

4. Zoho Writer

   • Available on: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows

   • Cost: Free

   • Description: Zoho Writer is a distraction-free writing tool that offers a clean interface, allowing you to focus solely on your content. It syncs with various document formats, ensuring you can access and work on your writing seamlessly.

5. Marinara Timer

   • Online app

   • Cost: Free

   • Description: Marinara Timer uses the Pomodoro technique to boost focus and productivity. It encourages you to work in short 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks. This method can be especially effective if you struggle with maintaining concentration.

6. Coffitivity

   • Online app

   • Cost: Free (premium version available)

   • Description: If you find productivity spikes when you're in a coffee shop but don't want to spend money, Coffitivity can recreate the ambient sounds of a cafe, helping you get in the zone.

Apps for Perfecting Your Writing

After completing your first draft, it's crucial to step away before returning with fresh eyes for editing and polishing. These book-writing apps can assist in refining your manuscript:

7. Hemingway Editor

   • Available for: Windows, Mac

   • Cost: $19.99

   • Description: Hemingway Editor helps simplify your writing, making it clearer and more direct. It identifies complex sentences, excessive adverbs, passive voice, and suggests shorter word alternatives. Note that it doesn't include a spell check feature.

8. ProWriting Aid

   • Available for: Windows, Mac

   • Cost: Free (premium tier available)

   • Description: ProWriting Aid offers grammar and spelling checks, a style review based on your specific genre, and a contextual thesaurus for relevant word alternatives. It provides detailed explanations for suggested changes, aiding in your writing development.

9. Grammarly

   • Available for: Windows, iOS, Android

   • Cost: Free (premium version available)

   • Description: Grammarly is a highly effective tool for catching spelling and grammar errors. It works seamlessly in the background, flagging mistakes as you write. The premium version offers more advanced checks but the free version is sufficient for error reduction.

These book-writing apps cater to various stages of the writing process, from sparking creativity to maintaining focus and perfecting your prose. By utilizing these tools, you can enhance your writing experience and increase your chances of successfully bringing your book idea to life.