When putting a story together, you have to plan the plot and characters, write and edit everything several times, and then try to publish and promote your work. It’s a lot of work, but we know of something that can help.
Whether you work on paper or screen, creative writing apps can significantly aid the process.
In this article, we break down six reasons why you should use creative writing apps, as well as touch on why creative writing is good for you. Let's jump right in!
Why Creative Writing Is Good for You
Creative writing is a very rewarding activity. Its key benefits encompass personal and technical skills.
Allows Self-Expression
The most important benefit of creative writing is that it lets you put your feelings and experiences into words. Whether you share the truth or wrap it in fiction, the result is cathartic.
How readers respond to your work can be a real eye-opener too. It can teach you how to deal with criticism in a productive way.
Improves Communication Skills
To connect with readers and get the reactions you want, you need to write well and with purpose. Produce enough successful stories, and it’s easy to pick the right words for different real-life situations too—at least in writing.
It can also benefit oral communication, but only if you practice. Just reading your writing out loud can help with diction and projection. There are also apps to help beat your fear of public speaking.
You Learn Structure
One of the most important skills you learn as a creative writer is how to structure a story towards a specific goal. This includes dialogue, plot, timeline, character placement, and worldbuilding.
This level of attention to detail comes in handy with all kinds of projects, from data reports to training manuals. Essentially, writing fiction can actually boost your work performance.
Increased Independence and Self-Awareness
Writers learn to find their own style and usually do so alone. While there are loads of apps, courses, and communities related to the written word, you still have to practice by yourself.
Creative writing is a solitary hobby, and you get to know yourself as you write. You can build character and attain a unique voice, one that resonates with people, which will further benefit other aspects of your life.
Why You Should Use Creative Writing Apps
Working with words enriches your life in many ways. Combine that with the convenience of a PC or mobile service, and little will get in the way of your art. So, how do creative writing apps benefit you?
1. Practice Writing on the Go
Whether you have a laptop, tablet, or smartphone at hand, you can work on your manuscript and improve your writing wherever you are.
While waiting for the bus, you can use websites and apps that help improve your prose. Something as simple as Lose the Very can improve your vocabulary in just moments. From there, you can go straight into your word processing app and practice what you've learned.
2. Gain Access to Writing Communities
In addition to creative writing tools, you can access communities of like-minded people, where you can share your prose, poetry, and thoughts on the world of books.
Not only do you get to interact with other users, but with experts too. For example, Scribophile’s tutorial on "the show vs. tell debate" was created by an editor and published author who offers his professional insights on the matter.
All-in-all, you gather useful tips, while chatting with other writers.
3. You Get to Be Anonymous
The fact that you can socialize online without using your real name is a blessing for creative writers. If you’re self-conscious about showing your work to strangers, using a pseudonym as your username can make you feel far more comfortable doing so.
You still need some courage when posting extracts and getting feedback, but anonymity will soften the blow of negative reviews, for example. If you love this sense of security, you can officially claim a nom de plume later on in your writing career.
4. Receive Feedback
It’s a good idea to get other people’s opinions of your work, especially early on. One of the best parts of creative writing platforms is that you can get feedback quickly, from different people, and for free.
Apps and communities for writers attract casual and professional audiences alike, so you can look forward to varied opinions. That said, you still need to work on your submissions so that they hook the right people.
5. Tools That Will Improve Your Writing
Word processor and story planning apps are must-have writing tools, and specialist software for specific tasks can also help improve your creative process.
Check out these grammar checker apps that will simplify editing on your smartphone. Ginger Keyboard is one of our favorites; it will help keep your text in tip-top shape while you work on the go. Also consider using other specialized software for mind maps, vocabulary, character development, and so on.
6. Emotional Health Benefits
Creative writing apps improve your writing skills and creativity, therefore, you'll be able to express yourself more swiftly and thoroughly. This is a great benefit for emotional health.
As Daily Prompt elaborates in a press release, several elderly users thrive on the platform. They love waking up to a prompt every day, diving into new ideas, and letting their imaginations soar.
On your phone or computer, you can find an escape in your writing, practice in-depth planning, and swell with pride when you finish your book or short story. Publishing your work and getting a positive response is even more rewarding.
Reap the Benefits of Creative Writing Apps
Writing in itself is already a large undertaking, and comes with many benefits. By using creative writing apps, you can simplify that process and reap even more out of your creations.