Is writing a book your big dream? These apps will help you get started

Writing a book is not easy, but it is certainly not impossible. If you ask a number of writers about their secret, you will not get a clear answer. At most, they tell you that every writer's path is unique, and it's a different process for everyone. Well, we benefit from that just as much as you do. That's why it doesn't hurt to get some help. If people can't help, we have to rely on programmes. In this article, we discuss four apps that help you write in an organized manner.

General tips

In general, the apps in this overview have many of the same functions. That's why we decided to focus mainly on what makes the app in question so unique. None of the apps take the work out of your hands, but they can create order where there is chaos. You'll first have to work out the basics of your book yourself. You have to consider a number of crucial things. What do you want your book to be about? What do you think is the most important thing to write about? Who is the book intended for? Are you able to develop your ideas efficiently?

The answers to these questions determine how successful you actually are. Sometimes you have several ideas, but you notice that you're really passionate about one story. Then you know what you want to write about. On the other hand, questions can help you get started if you're still in doubt. You don't need to develop complex characters at this stage, just focus on the basics. These are all types of work you do before applying the structure. Also think about the beginning, middle, and end and the interesting conflicts that appear in your book.

ChatGPT: Get ideas

If you could use a little help due to writer's block, or because you don't get easily satisfied with your own ideas, we recommend ChatGPT. This is an app that uses artificial intelligence to help you with your (lack of) creativity. You can ask this chatbot to enter information about characters and storylines. You can also make a full character sketch. The use of artificial intelligence is sometimes looked down upon. We understand that, but there's no harm in taking inspiration from the ideas we come across. In fact, this is nothing more than reading other people's works and letting them ignite the fire of creativity within you.

Maybe the situation gives you a great idea, or you think you can write a certain scenario more clearly. Of course, you don't have to copy ideas verbatim (we don't recommend that), but you can use them to guide your work. Additionally, ChatGPT can help with rewriting segments. A chatbot can be really useful in basic mode, but there are also plugins available that allow you to get even more from the AI. You will then have to pay for ChatGPT.

Read also this article: Do more with ChatGPT: 5 plugins and how to download them

Novelist: Characters

Another free app is Novelist. This app is mainly aimed at aspiring writers, but we see no reason why veterans would ignore the app. With Novelist you cannot enter existing texts. So, if you decide to use the app, you're starting from scratch. You are also not supposed to write your entire book in this program. What can you do with it? You can mainly use it to write characters and conflicts.

After downloading the application for Android or internal control DepartmentYou can add your first book. You can actually enter a title (but don't stick to it), as well as a description of the book. This is not necessary, but it can keep the subject in focus. Then you can start working on a specific scene.

You can be as detailed as you want here; It's about putting down on paper what you have in your head. You can come back later to adjust some things. It is also possible to set goals so that you achieve a certain number of words per day. You can also use templates to get a better idea of ​​the book's structure.

Mystory.today: Overview

If this seems a bit basic, you might be better off using an app like Mystory.today. This is the application with which you can develop an entire book. You will find a good idea inside the application Word processor on me. This contains only the basic functions, so you can't be distracted by unnecessary parts. Plus, there's an autosave function, so you'll never lose your work. Very nice while writing, because that's one less thing to worry about.

And we haven't even talked about the structure yet. Because if Mystory.today can help you with anything, it's this. Not only can you create chapters within the app and edit them directly, there are also separate sections available where you can develop characters and locations. This way you always have a complete reference for yourself. You can always quickly search for someone's reaction or what they do best. Additionally, a cork board is available with personalized stickers. This allows you to find specific information very quickly. You manage everything yourself, so you are responsible for those labels yourself.

It is also interesting: Microsoft Office too expensive? LibreOffice is an excellent free alternative

Living Writer: Template

We can imagine that there is a lot coming your way with an app like Mystory.today. Then LivingWriter might be the best alternative. This is one of the newer apps on this list, but make no mistake: it can be a very powerful tool. Before you start developing your own story, choose a template that fits your idea. You can choose from fiction or non-fiction and you can develop your own concepts based on other writers' ideas. You can do this using a basic word processor which provides just enough options.

The Living Writer: The Storyboard

LivingWriter distinguishes between chapters and scenes and provides a great overview of characters, locations, and general notes through the Story Elements section. Basically this app is similar to Mystory.today, but in terms of design the two apps cannot be separate from each other. LivingWriter looks cleaner and clearer. Moreover, you can set goals with this software so that you can achieve a certain number of words every week. The app then motivates you to keep going when you're falling behind and rewards you when you achieve a goal.

The storyboard is unique to LivingWriter. You can control this textually and can move items if necessary. You can also work with context diagrams. This sounds a bit abstract, but from it you can visualize the connections. For example, you can place a situation in a block and connect its characters and conflicts with interactive lines. This way you can at least explain to yourself how the characters meet each other, where they are when this happens, and what's going on in the meantime while the meeting is taking place. This doesn't cost you a lot of time, energy and text.

More options

Obviously there are more options. There is a blowout. With this application you can develop characters, scenes and locations. You can also visualize the conflict and its outcomes in a fun way. This way you will not have any doubt about anything while writing.

Pure Writer is essentially a no-nonsense, distraction-free writing environment that relies primarily on its advanced search bar. This way you can quickly find what you are looking for within the text and make adjustments if necessary. But for that you can easily use key combination in Word Ctrl+F to use. If you're looking for something different, this app is worth considering.