Five Fabulous Tools for Writing

Do you like accessing online tools to support your writing? If you do, I’ve got a couple of suggestions. And, if you like to talk, then I have a tool for you, too. How about good old water or a stamp? There are so many different possible tools we can use to get moving in our writing. These are five that help me.

1. OneLook.com. I like this one because you just type in the word for which you need the meaning and the program draws from 15–20 dictionaries (at minimum). Then if you need additional information, particularly if you need a definition from a medical dictionary or some other specialized reference book, you can click on it right from the webpage. When I’m concerned about whether I’m using the correct word, I will “onelook” it.

2. Mindjet’s Mindmanager. Our brains organize more like a mindmap than an outline. You can certainly do your own mindmapping on large blank paper. However, an alternative that I use is a special software that is designed for mindmapping. The features are numerous, but suffice it to say, you will be more creative and more prolific in your idea generation when you use this tool.

3. Dragon Naturally Speaking. This is another incredible software product that allows you to talk instead of write. The software will recognize your voice and translate your spoken words to written text. You can speak directly into your computer, or you can use your digital recorder. The software is amazingly accurate.

4. Coffee, tea, water, soda, wine, or some other beverage that signals writing. Since you want to have all the tools you need when you sit down to write, you might as well have your beverage of choice available. Without that, you just might decide you need to get up and get it rather than write. Then, when you’re on the way to procure your beverage, you may find a few other things to do instead of write. For me, it’s different beverages at different times of the day and in different locations. There is not a writing beverage but keeping yourself hydrated is a healthy choice.

5. An envelope and a stamp (or your Send button). Although most places now want your articles, chapters, poems, and other written material sent electronically, there are still those who request a paper copy. Get your writing out the door so it has a chance of getting published.

 

Meggin McIntosh, the PhD of Productivity, is an award-winning professor who now works with academics who prefer overjoyed to overwhelmed. She is a former university professor and administrator and currently a coach, author, and workshop leader. People who are overwhelmed and would prefer to be overjoyed instead, are the people I’m fortunate enough to connect with.