6 More Fabulous Apps for Writers

Some time ago I wrote an article outlining four top apps for writers. If you missed it then you can find it here. Since then I've discovered some more great apps. Now I will admit, I am a bit of a technophile, and love all things electronic but these apps are truly special and worth downloading.

Index Card

Cost: £1.99

Available for: iPhone, iPad

The icon of the app portrays it extremely well. This is a virtual Pin Board on which you can pin index cards. Although simple, this app is extremely useful. I have a card for every character in my books from Major to Minor. These contain a detailed character analysis with everything I need to know about the character.

Other ways I have used the app:
1. Plot ideas
2. Jotting down random things which I feel could be used in a book
3. Things a character might say

I am sure there are several other ways in which these could be used and if anyone has any ideas then please outline them in the comments and help other writers.


A Novel Idea

Cost: Free

Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet

This app is deceptively simple and extremely useful. To all my writer friends I make no apologies for the adjectives. They are needed to describe how good this app is. It is basically a detailed notebook for writers.

On opening the app there is a menu bar along the bottom. The options available are Novels, Scenes, Characters, Locations and Ideas. Click on one of these and it contains a detailed template.




As an example the Novel one has the following:

• Title
• Setting
• Theme 
• Tone
• POV
• Premise
• Plot
• Group

Below these you can also add ideas and add scenes. 

The character one is brilliant. This is detailed and includes a number of physical characteristics as well as things like external and internal motivation, external and internal conflict, fears and phobias. and so on. You can also attach novels, scenes and ideas to this character.

I love this app and I am sure all my writer friends will too. Worth downloading immediately.

Moleskine

Cost: Free

Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet, Windows Phones, Windows Tablet

This app is what it says on the tin. It is a notebook for your phone or tablet which is exactly the same as the Moleskine notebook you pay a fortune for in stores. The beauty of this app is that you can carry it with you anywhere you go, in your pocket, on your phone. No more need to carry around that writers notebook that we all, as writers, have. Simple but effective and well worth it because it is free. Being a Scot I love a bargain.


Day One

Cost: £2.99

Available for: iPhone, iPad, iMac

This is a daily journal and is not just for writers. However, many writers also keep a journal. It is a bit more complex than the moleskin diary and has various options to choose from. These include Photo's Tags, Calendar, and starred entries.

What I like about this app is the speed with which you can quickly snap a photo on your phone, add it to your journal, and add notes to this. Perfect for quickly jotting down moments and places which could be used in your book whether it be fact or fiction. A very useful little app.


Type: Rider

Cost: Apple £1.99 Android £2.51

Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, Android Tablet

Ok, this isn't going to help you be a better writer as it is a game. You have to navigate two balls over a short bit of terrain. When you complete it a book opens and you unlock a chapter about the history of writing and print. There are all sorts of facts in here and it is fascinating. This is a great little app which is addictive and fun. Worth downloading as it is great for passing the time if you have a few minutes to spare.

This app would also be enjoyed by avid readers.




10,500 Cool Facts

Cost: Free

Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android Hone, Android Tablet

Again, this isn't specifically for writers but it does contain a heck of a lot of facts. Many of these you will be able to use in your writing and I have already used some of them in mine. One thing to take account of though. These facts are random and there is no search feature. There is, however, a favourite button  where you can add facts you want to keep. You will need to remember this as the fact may not reappear again for a long time.

For us crime writers here is one I like:

The bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissible in an American court.

Now how cool is that. I love this app and as it is free it is well wroth downloading.

So my fellow writers, plenty to choose from here and all great prices as well. At these prices all worth looking into.

Bookaholics, I will see you all again soon with another review. Keep writing, and keep reading.