Writing a novel... This adventure that started with paper and pen has now become a digital journey with the blessings of technology. Your MacBook is not just a piece of technology; it can also be your literary laboratory. So how can you use the full potential of this laboratory? Here are the best apps and tips that will take you from your imagination to the publishing house's door!
1. Scrivener: The Novelist's Secret Weapon
Scrivener is a software that makes the novel writing process both creative and organized, guiding you through every step from the first draft to the final edit.
What is the use of it?
- Chapter Management: You can write your novel by dividing it into chapters and scenes. It is easy to reshape your plot by dragging and dropping each scene.
- Notes and References: You can keep your notes about character history, location descriptions, or plot in a separate tab from the main text.
- Goal Setting: You can create a writing routine by setting daily word goals.
Why Great?
If your novel has a complex plot that goes back and forth between the past and the future, Scrivener is a lifesaver. You can color code your sections while writing in Scrivener. This way, you can easily distinguish between love scenes and action. Your novel can turn into a rainbow! It is also possible to add separate research notes for each section.
Ulysses: Productivity Through Minimalism
Are you often distracted while writing? Ulysses focuses on writing with its simple design. Avoiding complicated interfaces and unnecessary features, this application is perfect for those who want to focus only on writing.
What is the use of it?
- Focus Mode: Helps you focus only on the text. Your eyes will not wander to anything else.
- Cloud Sync: Everything you write is stored in iCloud, so you can keep writing from any device.
- Easy Export: You can easily export your texts as e-books, PDFs or Word files.
Why Great?
Imagine your novel is not just a draft; with Ulysses you can easily convert your writing into publishing format. Even the look on the screen as if to say “Well done!” after completing your writing goals is a source of motivation.
Don't lose a song playing in your head while you write. Ulysses' notes feature lets you instantly jot down ideas that come to mind as you write.
Final Draft: The Art of Dialogue
If your novel is full of dialogue and each character has a distinct voice, Final Draft can be your best friend. Originally a tool for screenwriting, Final Draft is a great choice for making dialogue more impactful and realistic.
What is the use of it?
- Dialogue Analysis: Analyzes the frequency of your characters' speech.
- Automatic Formatting: Your dialogue, narrations, and scene descriptions are professionally edited.
- Scene Management: You can visualize your novel by dividing it into scenes.
Why Great?
If a character uses the same expressions over and over or speaks in a similar way to other characters, you can easily spot this with Final Draft. It's also a great tool for getting your novel ready for film adaptation.
Grammarly: No More Grammar and Spelling Errors
It’s great to go with the flow when you’re writing, but missing grammar and spelling errors can ruin the impact of your novel. Grammarly is a tool that reviews and edits your writing with the rigour of an editor.
What is the use of it?
- Grammar and Spell Check: If you're typing in English, it instantly corrects your mistakes.
- Tone Analysis: Analyzes the tone of your writing and offers suggestions.
- Word Repetitions: Suggests alternatives for words you use frequently.
Why Great?
Grammarly is your savior, especially if you are writing in a foreign language. It also provides suggestions to improve your writing style, making you a better writer day by day.
Don’t immediately accept Grammarly’s suggested word changes. Sometimes mistakes can become your character’s “signature”!
ProWritingAid: Improve Your Writing Style
Want a more comprehensive writing analysis than Grammarly? ProWritingAid not only fixes typos, it also makes your writing more effective. It analyzes your writing on your MacBook and reveals weak spots.
Why Will You Choose?
- It analyzes your word choices and offers better alternatives.
- It increases the fluency of your paragraphs.
- It works like a professional editor.
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Fun Tip:
If you're stuck on a boring part of your novel, try ProWritingAid's suggestions. You may need to change a paragraph entirely!
Evernote: Catch Inspiration
A writer's inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere. Evernote is the perfect app to help you catch those moments. It keeps your notes organized so you can bring every idea to life.
What is the use of it?
- Multimedia Notes: You can take notes with text, audio, and images.
- Tagging: Tag your notes so you can easily find them later.
- Cross-Device Sync: Makes your ideas accessible on your MacBook, phone or tablet.
Why Great?
When creating your novel’s characters, you can use Evernote as a “character notebook.” It’s a great tool for detailing characters’ backgrounds, physical characteristics, and relationships.
OmmWriter: A Quiet Space for Inspiration
Sometimes you just want silence. OmmWriter helps you focus on writing by isolating you from the outside world. It offers a writing meditation with peaceful melodies playing in the background and minimalist design.
What is the use of it?
- Peaceful Writing Environment: Eliminates all distractions.
- Simple Design: Provides a writing screen that does not tire your eyes.
- Create Your Own Rhythm: You can choose some relaxing music while writing.
Why Great?
If you want to clear your mind while writing, OmmWriter might be just what you’re looking for. When you’re experiencing writer’s block, just spend a few minutes on this app and see the difference.
Writing inspiration can strike at any time. If you want to be both stylish and practical while carrying your MacBook with you , the BagMe Canvas Laptop Bag Blue is for you. When you want to write a scene of your novel in a coffee shop, you can carry your MacBook comfortably with this bag.
Final Word: Bring Your Novel to Life with Your MacBook
The process of writing a novel is possible with patience, inspiration, and the right tools. Your MacBook is the perfect platform for your creativity to come to life. Choose one or more of the apps above to start creating the world of your dreams. Remember, great stories start with a sentence!
Also check out: Fast typing techniques with MacBook!
