Writing a novel is no small feat. It’s one of those lofty goals, like running a marathon or eating a single chip and putting the bag back. We’re all full of good intentions, but before we know it, we’re binge-watching Netflix instead of working on that climactic battle scene. Luckily, modern writers have a plethora of tools at their disposal to help them power through and finish their masterpiece—without succumbing to distractions (looking at you, social media). Let’s dive into some of the best tools in the game, from trusty pens and notebooks to cutting-edge digital platforms.
1. Pens and Notebooks: The Old-School Charm
Before you roll your eyes and skip to the next section, hear me out—there’s something magical about putting pen to paper. In an age where everything is digital, picking up a pen can feel like an act of rebellion. Plus, science backs up the fact that writing by hand can improve creativity and memory retention.
- Moleskine Notebooks: The rockstars of the notebook world, Moleskines are sleek, durable, and come in a variety of sizes. From outlining chapters to jotting down bursts of inspiration, many novelists keep one of these on hand at all times. Also, flipping through the pages of a well-worn notebook makes you feel like a tortured genius—an essential for every novelist.
- Fountain Pens: If you’re looking for a pen with gravitas, look no further than a fountain pen. There’s something undeniably satisfying about seeing that smooth ink flow across a page. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re in some quaint Parisian café, even if you’re actually just in your living room with crumbs on your laptop.
Of course, pens and notebooks aren’t for everyone—especially those who can’t even read their own handwriting. Enter the digital world.
2. Digital Tools: Your Writing Sidekicks
If pen and paper feel too “19th-century artist in a garret” for you, there are plenty of digital tools that streamline the writing process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—getting words on the page (and maybe avoiding yet another hour-long YouTube rabbit hole).
- Scrivener: If you’re serious about writing a novel, Scrivener is basically the Swiss Army knife of writing software. It’s designed specifically for long projects, helping you organize scenes, plot points, character profiles, and research in one tidy space. You can even break your novel into sections and work on them out of order, because we all know some scenes just beg to be written first.
- Grammarly: If you’re not quite sure whether you need a comma there, or there, Grammarly has your back. This AI-powered tool not only checks for grammatical errors but also gives you stylistic suggestions. It’s like having an editor in your pocket—minus the deadlines and anxiety.
- Ulysses: For writers who want a clean, distraction-free environment, Ulysses is the go-to. Its minimalist design is perfect for those who get overwhelmed by too many buttons and features. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, so whether you’re on your laptop, tablet, or phone, you can work on your novel anytime, anywhere.
But what happens when the dreaded writer’s block strikes? You’ve got the tools, but no inspiration. Don’t worry—there are websites for that, too.
3. Popular Websites for Inspiration and Resources
Sometimes, even the best tools can’t get the creative juices flowing. That’s where inspiration websites come in. From prompts to advice from seasoned writers, these platforms will have you back in your writing groove in no time.
- NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): Every November, writers around the world unite in a shared goal—to write 50,000 words in 30 days. It’s intense, it’s exhilarating, and it’s exactly the kick in the pants many of us need to get started. But NaNoWriMo isn’t just for November; they offer resources, writing communities, and pep talks year-round.
- Writer’s Digest: A treasure trove of writing advice, resources, and inspiration. Whether you need tips on character development, plot structure, or simply want to hear from published authors about their own journey, Writer’s Digest has it all. Bonus: their blog section is filled with motivational gems for those days when you’re feeling stuck.
- Reedsy Prompts: If you’re looking for a quick writing exercise to jumpstart your creativity, Reedsy offers daily writing prompts that range from quirky to thought-provoking. Who knows? One of their prompts might just lead to your next bestseller.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to writing tools. Some writers thrive on the tactile experience of pen and paper, while others need the flexibility and organization that digital platforms provide. And when all else fails, a quick visit to your favorite writing website can be just the push you need to keep going.
So, grab your favorite pen, fire up Scrivener, and start working on that novel again. It won’t finish itself, but with the right tools in hand, you might just get there faster than you think (or at least before your next Netflix binge).