tools of creative writing

The Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 7 Tools You Can’t Write Without

by Matt Herron and Joe Bunting | 41 comments

So you want to write fiction or memoir. Where do you begin? And what creative writing tools do you need to accomplish your writing goals?

I’m afraid there’s no right answer to get started as a writer. Each writer comes to fiction in their own way. Whatever it is that draws you to a good story—a gut wrenching plot twist, a heroic protagonist, a likeable villain, a happy ending—is great because it helps keep your passion for storytelling alive.

But when it comes to the actual writing, the composition and craft, all the supposed experts in the field disagree on the right approach.

What a beginner needs is a good schooling in the basics, the foundations of creative writing.

In this series, I’ll go over the common tools experienced writers use to write great books so that you can get moving in the right direction.

7 Creative Writing Tools Every Writer Needs

But before we get to the basic tools you need, we have to know what tools are at a writer’s disposal. For a beginner, this is as good a place to start as any.

1. Books!

If you want to write books, you’ve got to read books . A whole freaking lot of it.

Start by reading any and every short story and novel you can get your hands on. Don’t worry about taking notes or thinking too much into the stories. Just read. Chances are, you’ve already done a lot of it. All writers come to writing through reading first.

Spend as much time as you can spare browsing new book stores, used book stores, and ebook stores. Free ebooks are a great resource that cost very little and they’re all over the place. There are a lot of great free titles out there, especially some of the classics that are in the public domain. Check out Project Gutenberg  if your budget is tight.

Not sure what to read? Here's a list of ten books every writer should read based on genre .

2. Notebooks (or a Notetaking App)

Carry notebooks with you as often as you can. I like the solid dependability of a large Moleskine Classic , but buy whatever kind of notebook pleases you the most. This is your happy place.

And if you're not a notebook person, consider downloading a notetaking app to your phone or mobile device. You can use Evernote or Notion, but personally I just use the native Notes app on my iPhone. Wouldn't it be better to be writing, even if you're just doing it on your phone, rather than playing a phone game or scrolling through social media?

Immediately make a habit out of journaling. Write every day, even if it’s just about the weather or what you had for breakfast.

This is a judgment free zone, so don’t worry if what you write sucks or doesn’t make sense. Just fill the pages, and when you get to the end of that notebook buy another one, and then another, and then another.

When it becomes harder not to write than it is to write, you’ve accomplished your goal. You’ve made writing into a habit.

3. Software

Journaling is all well and good, but it’s not very productive.

Once you start writing stories you’ll want to use a word processor. We’re beyond typewriters, so I don’t mean those. I mean word processing software .

With the rise in ebooks, doing things digitally first makes a lot of sense and saves you extra work anyways. Don’t commit yourself to the pain of writing longhand in the 21st century. Though writing longhand has its own therapeutic benefits, typing on a keyboard is much faster.

We have lots of book writing software we love at The Write Practice, but here are my top three:

• Best Word Processor for Writers: Scrivener.  Scrivener changed my life as a writer. It’s easy to use, easy to keep organized, infinitely flexible, and for those long-term thinkers, you can compile straight to any format, including ebook formats that are ready to publish on Kindle and various other ebook platforms. It has character and setting sketch templates (we’ll go into more detail about character and setting sketches in the next two articles), it autosaves your work, and it rarely ever crashes (unlike the options above). I could go on for days about Scrivener. Instead, I recommend you check out The Write Practice's review of it here .
• Best Editing Tool: Google Docs . Google Docs allows you to quickly share your writing with editors and other writers. I do almost all of my writing and initial rewriters in Scrivener. But when it comes time to share my drafts for feedback, I move over to Google Docs because the real-time editing and suggesting features makes the process so much easier. Check out Google Docs here.
• Favorite Publishing and Book Formatting Tool: Vellum , but it's Mac only (close second: Atticus ). Vellum allows you to take what you've written and create beautiful books quickly and easily. I personally have used it to design several of my books and client books, and I know so many other writers who use it to publish their books too. Check out Vellum here. There's just one problem: it's Mac only! So for the PC users, and if you want to experiment with the new kid in town, there's Atticus, which is a cloud based book formatting tool that has some upcoming features that might just make it better even than Vellum. Check out Atticus here.
• BONUS Best Book Promotion Tool: Bookfunnel. Once your book is published, Bookfunnel allows you to create instant landing pages to deliver your book to readers. They also have a native reading app that allows people to read your book once they have it, saving them from painfully migrating it to their Kindle or other reading app. Bookfunnel is useful for delivering your book to beta readers or your launch team, offering a free book or short story for email subscribers, doing book promotions with other authors, or even selling your book. I've gotten thousands of new readers through Bookfunnel and it's a great tool! Learn more about Bookfunnel here. 

My advice here is the same as with Notebooks, above: use whatever makes you happy. You’ll be spending a lot of time here.

4. An Author Website and Email List

If you're ever going to  publish  your writing one day, you need to have an author website, a place where readers can find your work and sign up for your email list so they can be the first to hear when you publish new books.

Now, I know the idea of setting up a website can feel scary, but we've made it easy for you with this guide,  10 Steps to Building an Author Website . It will walk you through everything you need to do to build a great author website.

Don't forget your email list. It's honestly  more  important than the website alone, because it's the  best  way to stay in touch with your readers and share your work with them. Our favorite email newsletter tool is Convertkit. You can check out Convertkit here.

5. Grammar and Style Guides

Every writer needs a firm schooling in grammar do’s and don’ts as early as possible.

English grammar can take a lifetime to master, which is why there are these handy style guides you can keep around and reference while you’re doing your work.

These guides, plus a dictionary and a thesaurus (I like dictionary.com for those), are a must have for every writer’s toolbox.

I've written in detail about these three essential style guides for writers . But for easy linking, here they are again:

• The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
• The Star Copy Style by The Kansas City Star
• Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark

On top of learning about grammar and style from these books, you can use grammar checking tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid to make the editing process easier. Personally, we prefer ProWritingAid at The Write Practice. You can check it out here (and get a discount with the code WritePractice20 ).

Need more grammar help?  My favorite tool that helps find grammar problems and even generates reports to help improve my writing is ProWritingAid . Works with Word, Scrivener, Google Docs, and web browsers. Also, be sure to use my coupon code to get 20 percent off:  WritePractice20

6. Study of Craft

Now that you’ve studied grammar, read the kind of fiction you want to write, kept a journal, and found the right software, you should take a step back and study the craft of writing fiction by reading some nonfiction books on the subject.

I’ve read dozens, but these are the ones that have taught me the most:

The best memoir on the subject.

An absolutely indispensable guide to writing. Talk about nuts and bolts, this book has it.

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell

James Scott Bell is a bestselling author and renowned teacher of writers. This book also introduced me to the LOCK method, which is a really handy tool.

I included this one because, while it’s extremely biased towards indie publishing, it provides an excellent overview of the modern publishing landscape for both fiction and nonfiction.

7. Writing Groups

Writing groups are my favorite tool of all. They’re a great way to meet other writers and put your skills to the test. Being a part of a writing group and workshopping your stories is, in my opinion, the absolute fastest and most surefire way to learn how to write fiction. Hundreds of MFA programs across the country agree.

Writing groups provide:

• Moral support . Other writers understand when you complain that writing is hard.
• Like-minded people . Share your hopes and dreams with like-minded people.
• Feedback . The invaluable critique that comes with workshopping manuscripts. They will give you honest feedback even when you don’t want to hear it.
• Healthy competition . Seeing other people produce work is the best motivation for a writer who is not writing.

I love writing groups and believe that every writer should have one in the early stages. Check Meetup.com  or your local bookstore for one you can join, or join ours.

For years, we've been helping writers connect and get feedback on their work in our community, and we'd love to have you. Learn more about joining our writing group here.

However, one warning: if the writing group you find turns out to be a back-patting session, bail immediately. You’ll never learn anything if no one has the courage the tell you the truth, especially when it hurts.

How about you? What creative writing tools do you find are essential for your writing?  Share in the comments section .

(Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Thanks!)

Now that you know what’s in the beginner’s toolbox, what do you do to practice? Here are five options.

• Read a novel or short story
• Write in your notebook
• Read a book on craft
• Study a style guide
• Find and attend a writing group

When you’re finished, share in the Pro Practice Workshop here .  Not a member yet? Join us here !

Matt Herron

Matt Herron is the author of Scrivener Superpowers: How to Use Cutting-Edge Software to Energize Your Creative Writing Practice . He has a degree in English Literature, a dog named Elsa, and an adrenaline addiction sated by rock climbing and travel. The best way to get in touch with him is on Twitter @mgherron .

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

41 Comments

1,2, and 3. I do these three anyway, but this is a nice reminder to flap open a book and grab a pen. Thanks for the information.

I have a few of these tools in my kit. Journaling is the main one. I have so many of them that my house might collapse at any minute. For years, I have been in a critique group. We meet weekly. Two of the four of us has published a book or four. One of us got an MFW in the Bennington program. All of us have are members of the Squaw Valley Summer Writing Program. This helps.

I like reading as a tool. I like to read “everything”. Well, not everything — just everything. Of course, there are favorites. (Never begin a sentence with “Of course”. Never use fragments. Break the rules once in awhile).

Grammar is my “Bète noir”. I’ve tried for years to get it write, have looked at small but concise books on grammar. Nothing works. I’m bad at it. I’m good at spelling, or, once was. Our spell checker is a fluke.

Write. Write. Write. And, read.

ps Oh, and I keep notebooks to paste in stuff that pleases the eye.

My essential writing tools are:

1) Word. 2) Spotify 3) Critique Circle 4) The Write Practice 5) The Emotional Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi 6) Ink by R.S. Guthrie

7) Robert’s Rules of Writing by Robert Masello

and most important of all, my Muse, my best friend, and my Ideal Reader: Jennifer.

Five and seven on your list sound interesting. I will have to investigate those!

Ink is another in that vein. Have you read it, yet?

No I haven’t! I will look unit that one too!

Hope you enjoy it, too. If you become fans, tell Angela & Becca, R.w.Foster sent ya, and tell R.S. that Wayne did. 😀

I haven’t heard of 5, 6, or 7—thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome. Hope you get use out of them. 🙂

I looked up Critique Circle and joined. It’s just what I need. Thanks!

You’re welcome. If you get confused, look up Whiplash & Momzilla (they are moderators), or want to know who gives good critiques, looks up Emmylou515, Jenb, Missvato & Tami-verse. They’re good people.

R.w., thank you again, You probably saved me weeks or months of trial and error. Your inside scoop is greatly appreciated.

You’re welcome again. Oh, and keep an eye out for Kholoblici. He’s a shady character, always trying to virtually cook the newbies. 😉

I hope you like it, and welcome. 😀

I have started number five! Any writing club is great! Especially in October when you can do creepy and scary and it fits the season! Horror is a great topic.

I’m one of those people that always has 1-3 books going at any one time. Currently I’m reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, by Michael Chabon, and My Temporary Life by Martin Crosbie. I regularly write in my journal and work on plot elements for some short stories. My novel needs a major overhaul, and I think I’ll better able to accomplish that when I’ve spent time studying the style and craft of writing. The Write Practice is the only writing group I participate in, and it has been very helpful. I do have a call in to a local writers’ group, to see what they’re all about.

Go check out that writer’s group! And if that doesn’t work out, look on meetup for others nearby 🙂

I love On Writing, so I’m going to give Writing Fiction a go. Thanks for the list of implements for our toolboxes!

Writing Fiction taught me a ton, and it has a bunch of great writing prompts and exercises, plus sample stories. Enjoy that 🙂

I definitely need to start journaling, I’m going to get started today !

Excellent info, Matt. I live in Amarillo, TX and love me some Austin. Hook ’em, Horns!

I’ve completed four novels over the years and lost my literary agent last fall before we got a chance to sell my book. I’m debating whether to continue the traditional route, or go indie.

The life-changing all of everything you listed is my weekly writing group. Writing is such a lonely, solitary process, Wednesday evenings are most favorite. I get together with four other, amazing writers who teach me so much, support me all the way and help me be a better writer.

Just requested Writing Fiction from the library, and I will go find my “morning pages” journal. It’s been rather neglected this week… Thanks for the inspiration!

I’m a content marketer and personally I’m using this writing platform named Wording Lab. I like how the layout is kept simple, without any flashy-distracting advertisements.

They have this tool called the Tone Analyzer, which helps to analyze if your writing sounds too positive or negative. True enough, I copied and pasted a couple of news article to test out the function, and all of them were found to be neutral! (which is what news articles are supposed to be i believed!)​

Anyway, if you guys are interested, the website is:

http://www.wordinglab.com

Great tool. Thanks for the link.

For the ones who are struggling to write, I recommend this Mac app and website http://www.placetowrite.com It’s called “Haven – Creative Writing Tool” and it helps writers overcome writer’s block and stimulate creativity.

Great recommendations Matt! If you’re writing shorter articles or papers, i would recommend steller.com to add some visual aspects and publish where your audience will read it.

I would like to suggest http://www.truenovelist.com . It is similar to Scrivener in that it allows you to organize your scenes, chapters, and notes and rearrange them at will, but it is online only so you can access it anytime and anywhere.

It is also free, so I think it would be a great addition to the toolbox of any writer!

Has anyone any experience with a technical documentation program called Flare by MadCap Software? It is an alternative to FrameMaker and quite powerful, but hard to learn. Useful, I think, for heavy non-fiction.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful article! Four years ago I also left my job as a marketing manager in Sydney to do something I’d always dreamed of: writing and editing romance novels full time. Anyways, here are also my 8 best tips and tricks for those wanting to follow a similar path http://catehogan.com/tools_for_writers/

This list definitely needs some updating! Reedsy’s Book Editor is an essential element to add to any author’s toolkit — write, format, and produce your book into various ebook formats, all from one beautiful, easy to use interface. Best of all, it’s free! They even promise to add more functionalities like collaboration and track-changes in the future. If you’re serious about writing a book, try it out for free: https://reedsy.com/write-a-book

Cool list! The problem with word processors like Microsoft Word is that, though they have hundreds of features, they’re not built for writing books; they’re built for writing anything and everything. So when it comes to formatting or typesetting, it’s a pain. I also recommend taking a look at our Reedsy Book Editor, since it combines a simple, Medium-like writing interface with powerful formatting and typesetting, allowing you to export a flawless ePub and a print-ready PDF for free: https://reedsy.com/write-a-book

much better version of the Kansas City Star style guide:

http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/books/article10632713.ece/BINARY/The%20Star%20Copy%20Style.pdf

Try the Writers’ Reverse Dictionary ( http://writersdictionary.com ). With it, you can find a word with its definition. Pretty neat, huh?

Great guide Matt! I would also check out TheRightMargin (goal driven writing app, great new alternative to word processors) and featured in product hunt today: https://www.producthunt.com/tech/therightmargin

And for writing groups, a new Slack for Writers called Writer Hangout: https://writerhangout.typeform.com/to/gw9HF4

Another software addition:

Typen — a writing app http://typen.co

Check it forbes

I use a voice recorder instead of taking notes.

I get most of my ideas at night – even in dreams – and the damn pens often don’t work, or worse, I think they did but they didn’t.

Just make sure you can feel which button(s) to press. The keys on the little Sony IC unit I had were not laid out intuitively, thus, fumbling.

It’s also best to have a recorder from which you can transfer mp3 voice files directly to a computer. You can even use voice to text software to at least get a draft of what you’ve written. It’s easier than play, type, play, type, rewind, play type…

Have you had a chance to try Power Thesaurus ( http://www.powerthesaurus.org )?

I recently helped launch a new tool for online writing, designed for medium/long-form: https://eddtor.com . Loved this article’s Study of Craft section!

Great post. I’ve been wanting to put more time into writing and this is a very timely blog for me. Thanks!

Some of this I agree with—for sure. But I am a firm believer that with enough practice, one can learn only to write decently, not great. To be a superb writer, you need to have instinct, intrinsic style, and God-given ability.

Interestingly, you only see this type of reinforcement in writing. For example, I’ve never seen so many workshops, and conferences, and articles about how to become a great artist. Writing—like art—I feel you either have ‘it,’ or you do not.

The problem with blogs and articles such as this is making everyone believe that, by practice, one can—and in some cases—should be a writer. To me, this only muddies the waters, as it were; this is why there are a million mediocre and poorly written books on Amazon; everyone thinks they’re a writer.

But I digress, this is just one man’s opinion.

Good article, though. I will be looking into Scrivener. 🙂

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• How To Create a Character Sketch Using Scrivener - […] thanks to Matt Herron, whose back today for another great lesson on the basics of writing fiction. Thanks […]
• Learn Creative Writing with Scrivener • M.G. Herron - […] The Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Tools You Can’t Write Without […]
• The Writer's Toolbox - publishingwithkindle.com - […] Read the full article here: The Creative Writer’s Toolkit […]
• Tools of the Trade — THE BASICS | janice l. dick - […] in what they consider the essential tools of the trade. I found a terrific article on this at https://thewritepractice.com/creative-writing-tools/.…
• 4 Online Tools for Creative Writers | 901am - […] app lets writers take full control of their work from structuring and writing to editing and formatting as you…
• 100 Writing Practice Lessons & Exercises - […] The Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Tools You Can’t Write Without […]
• Essential for My Craft | A Scripted Maze - […] This entry is in response to Joe Bunting’s post at The Writing Practice. […]
• 8 Great Tools for Writers: My Freelance SecretsCate Hogan - […] The Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Tools You Can’t Write Without: A literal list of tools, software and tricks of…
• NaNoWriMo: The Half-Way Point with the Tips, Tricks, Tools, and Resources to Finish | Writers in the Grove - […] The Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Tools You Can’t Write Without […]
• A Prodigal’s URL Collective | Matt J.N. Pinette - […] “Creative Writing Tools” Matt Herron […]
• 41 More Free Tools for Writers - Writing a great book - […] Free thewritepractice.com/creative-writing-tools step by step guide to writing a novel. […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Join over 450,000 readers who are saying YES to practice. You’ll also get a free copy of our eBook 14 Prompts :

Popular Resources

Book Writing Tips & Guides Creativity & Inspiration Tips Writing Prompts Grammar & Vocab Resources Best Book Writing Software ProWritingAid Review Writing Teacher Resources Publisher Rocket Review Scrivener Review Gifts for Writers

Books By Our Writers

You've got it! Just us where to send your guide.

Enter your email to get our free 10-step guide to becoming a writer.

You've got it! Just us where to send your book.

Enter your first name and email to get our free book, 14 Prompts.

Want to Get Published?

Enter your email to get our free interactive checklist to writing and publishing a book.

What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Flash fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

• Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
• Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
• Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
• Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
• Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
• Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
• Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
• Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
• Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
• Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
• Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
• Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
• Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
• These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

Read This Next:

• What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)
• What Is A Personal Account In Writing? (47 Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)

Filter by Keywords

The 10 Best Writing Tools for Every Writer’s Needs in 2024

Senior Content Marketing Manager

April 2, 2024

Most writers have a pretty love-hate relationship with the art of writing. 

On the one hand, it’s what you do and what you’re good at. On the other hand—it’s really hard.

The good news is that although writing will never be easy, that doesn’t mean it can’t get easier. With the early miracles of digital tools like Microsoft Word to the new era of AI content creation tools , creative writers have seen writing software drastically change—all in an effort to make the process easier.

However, writing tools are starting to become a dime a dozen. It’s hard to tell what writing tool would work for your specific needs. But that’s why we’re here!

We’re giving you a list of the 10 best writing tools you can use in 2023 so you avoid being stuck on a blank page and deliver content free of easily avoidable errors. First, let’s look at what makes a great writing tool in the first place.

What Should You Look For In a Writing Tool?

• 1. ClickUp 

2. Grammarly

3. hemingway editor, 4. power thesaurus, 5. google docs, 8. reedsy book editor, 10. evernote.

Great writing tools come in all shapes and sizes. Some help you avoid grammar and spelling mistakes, while others focus on keeping your brilliant scripts in some semblance of order. Today’s creative writers are spoiled with choices in online writing tools.

To make the process as easy as possible, you should put together a veritable writing software tech stack to help you at every stage of the writing process. Regardless of the writing tool, you want to keep a sharp eye on a couple of aspects that best writing tools share like:

• Integration capabilities : No one writing tool is going to do everything for you, so you’ll likely be relying on a couple of writing tools and editing software working together. You want to make sure that every tool you pick is going to play nicely with each other so that each tool makes the others more powerful. 
• Low price : You’re not made of money! If you’re going to shell out for a couple of writing tools, you want to make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs.
• Specialization : Great writing tools often specialize in one area, but there are options available that have all the features you could ask for—and more!

Writing software should go hand-in-hand with your productivity tools—because what’s the value of an unproductive writer?

The 10 Best Writing Tools

Whether you’re writing novels or a simple blog post, the best writing tools help you hit your word count goals, use a solid grammar checker, and keep you distraction-free. Let’s look at our favorite writing and editing tools you need to try.

1. ClickUp  

ClickUp isn’t just a writing tool with a surplus of project management features, it’s one of the best productivity tools on the market. And while we know we’re putting ClickUp at the top of this list—we’re not alone! ClickUp made the No. 1 spot in G2’s list of best collaboration and productivity tools for 2023!

Writers can use ClickUp as the central repository for all of their content—in a distraction-free space or as a collaboration tool with fellow writers. With tagging users or tasks, rich text editing, and powerful search functions, ClickUp works as your central writing tool for all types of content creation.

At the core of every ClickUp feature is productivity. And with the new AI writing assistant tools now in ClickUp Docs , you can use the power of AI writing tools ( like Writesonic ) directly within our platform!

This AI integration makes ClickUp a great writing tool for so many different teams with features to easily generate text and copy for any topic, make content shorter or longer, and run grammar checks in a flash. This handy tool can help content teams deliver blog post ideas or product teams create product requirement documents and design user-testing studies in seconds!

ClickUp Features: 

• Premade templates and organization tools make case studies , creating a content database , and more a super simple thing
• Collaborative whiteboards make real-time ideation so much easier
• Project management tools help you track and optimize your creative workflows

ClickUp Pros:

• Highly adaptable for a single person or an entire organization to assign tasks or comments
• Get started for free with access to thousands of templates
• Allows you to set writing goals to help you keep on track of your progress
• Integrated AI tools to create team-specific documents and use grammar checks

ClickUp Cons: 

• Not all features have made it to the mobile app
• AI functions are currently on a waiting list (for now!)

ClickUp Cost:

• Free Forever
• Unlimited : $7/month per user
• Business : $12/month per user
• Enterprise : Contact for pricing

ClickUp Ratings and reviews:

• G2: 4.7/5 (6,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,000+ reviews)

Grammarly is a set of grammar and plagiarism-checking editing tools that help writers polish their drafts into a professional sheen. Writers will benefit from Grammarly because it helps them create clearer and more effective writing. With this writing tool, you can be sure that your content is free from grammatical errors, awkward phrases, and plagiarism. 

Some key features of Grammarly include its automated spelling and grammar checker, writing style suggestions, plagiarism detector, and personalized feedback. It also has a built-in thesaurus so users can replace overused word choices. Regardless of whether you’re writing a poem for Grade 12 English or OKRs for your latest project , Grammarly is a tool that any writer should look to add to their toolkit. 

Compare Grammarly to Wordtune !

Grammarly Features: 

• Get a second opinion on your style and tone with its smart editor
• Use the plagiarism checker to make sure you haven’t inadvertently copied anyone
• Cut down on typos and grammatical errors with its spell checker

Grammarly Pros:

• Easy to use, even when you’re not in their editor
• Suggestions cover a broad range of common errors, mistakes, and omissions 
• Fantastic free version for anyone to use

Grammarly Cons: 

• Some suggestions get repetitive and feel unhelpful
• Formatting can get messed up when moving your writing between Grammarly’s editor and your preferred writing app 

Grammarly Cost:

• Premium : $30/ month
• Business : $14.50/ month per user (for teams with more than 10 people)

Grammarly Ratings and reviews:

• G2: 4.6/5 (1000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (6000+ reviews)

Bonus: AI Marketing Tools

Hemingway Editor is a writing aid that aims to boost the readability of your writing. It achieves this goal by giving writers access to a free writing app that analyzes sentence structure and gives easy-to-follow feedback.

For instance, the Hemingway app will highlight any sentences it believes are too complex in red. So all you need to do is plug in your work and edit any red sentences until your piece is more clear and easier to read. Plus, it assigns your writing a readability score, so you can ensure your writing fits the intended audience. 

Hemingway Editor is such an impressive tool for writing because it can be hard to edit your own work for stylistic issues like over-relying on adverbs or passive voice usage. With Hemingway Editor, you can quickly fix these problems, improve an already great first draft, and become a better writer.

Hemingway Features: 

• Color-coded editing suggestions make it easy to skim your articles
• The program detects hard-to-read sentences so you can make your writing clear
• Easy importer allows for quick edits regardless of where you’re writing

Hemingway Pros:

• No login or signup to use
• Simple interface means anyone can use it
• Helps you cut down on hard-to-spot problems like sentence complexity and adverb overuse

Hemingway Cons: 

• Lacks a lot of features you’d see in other editing programs like Grammarly
• No way to integrate it with your actual writing tool like Microsoft Word
• Not ideal for writing ideas

Hemingway Cost:

• Paid Version : $19.99 (one-time payment)

Hemingway Ratings and Reviews:

• G2: 4.4/5 (46 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Bonus: AI Text Generators

Power Thesaurus is a website that helps people find different words to use in their writing. This writing tool is great for those looking for a more convenient, digital thesaurus. With its search function, you can find synonyms that help you say what you want to say in a new and interesting way.

Plus, Power Thesaurus provides antonyms so writers can add variety and contrast to their stories. Power Thesaurus may not be the most exciting writing tool you’ve ever seen. However, the free version should be perfect for most people and it can be invaluable when you’re stuck looking for that exact word that’s currently escaping you.

Power Thesaurus Features: 

• Simple search bar allows you to input a word and get a list of synonyms, antonyms, and more
• Includes a chrome extension and mobile app
• Hit the ground running with endless synonym and antonym options

Power Thesaurus Pros:

• Simple UI that anyone can use
• No login or signup needed
• Community-run

Power Thesaurus Cons: 

• Doesn’t have a lot of features
• Free version contains ads

Power Thesaurus Cost:

• Pro : $2.49/ month (when bought annually) 

Power Thesaurus Ratings and reviews:

• G2: No current reviews
• Capterra: No current reviews

Bonus: Newsletter writing software !

Google Docs is a digital word processor that allows you to create documents, store them online, and share them with others. It’s great for writing letters, stories, notes, and more!

The Google Suite is important for writers because of its convenience and flexibility. First, its online nature means you can access your documents anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier to work on your writing when you’re away from home or need to share something with someone quickly.

Another great feature is its collaboration tools. This means you can work on a document with multiple people at once, so you don’t have to worry about sending out and keeping track of multiple versions of the same file.

Overall, this is an excellent tool for any writer who needs an easy-to-use word processor that offers a ton of functionality, even on the free subscription tier.

Google Features: 

• Full-fledged word processor
• Integrates with other Google products like Google Drive or Sheets
• Fully online for easier access and collaboration with teams

Google Docs Pros:

• Easy to use and an industry standard that most people are familiar with
• Frequently updated by Google
• Free version is fully functioning and great for small businesses

Google Docs Cons: 

• Keeping your docs organized is no small task
• Limited number of templates
• No native desktop version

Google Docs Cost:

These prices are for subscriptions to the Google Workspace and other Google programs like Gmail and Drive

• Business Starter : $5.40/ month per user
• Business Standard : $10.80/ month per user
• Business Plus : $18/ month per user

Google Docs Ratings and reviews:

• G2: 4.7/5 (6000+ reviews)

Notion is an incredibly powerful productivity tool for writers, offering a range of features that make it easy to organize and write their work. With Notion, writers can easily create documents, store them in the cloud, and share them with other people. It’s also great for tracking progress on stories or writing projects.

Plus, Notion offers a variety of templates that make it easier to get started with the tool right away. There are templates for different writing projects and even journals to keep track of your thoughts and ideas. Notion is also incredibly handy for collaboration; writers can share documents and notes easily, and it also supports multiple users editing the same document simultaneously.

Overall, Notion is a versatile tool for writers looking to stay organized and make the most of their writing process. From notetaking to collaboration and more, Notion has something for everyone.

Notion Features: 

• Notes and Docs system allows you to easily write and store whatever you need
• Notion AI gives you access to an AI writing assistant that can help you clean up your notes or rewrite a tricky sentence
• The Wiki system makes it simple for you to organize and share your writing with colleagues

Notion Pros:

• All-in-one system simplifies writing, organizing, and sharing your documents
• Search features help you find the exact piece of writing you want
• Lots of features and integration to help you with whatever you need

Notion Cons: 

• The UI can quickly become messy compared to a more basic Microsoft Word tool
• Not the most functional book-writing software since it’s hard to use with unreliable internet connections

Notion Cost:

• Plus : $8/ month per user
• Business : $15/ month per user

Notion Ratings and Reviews:

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (1000+ reviews)

LINER is the search assistant you didn’t know you needed. As a writer, you spend almost as much time writing as you do research. For this reason, you need a dedicated tool that’s going to make research so much easier and more efficient.

LINER can do exactly this.

LINER integrates with your browser and makes your Google searches more helpful. For instance, when you ask Google a question, LINER will use AI to give you a quick answer. Or if you find a useful article, you can use LINER to highlight the important parts and save it for later in your own knowledge base. All of this helps you spend less time on research and more time getting your writing done.

LINER Features: 

• Search assistant recommends content when you search for something
• AI summarizes your search requests and suggests new searches for better research
• Highlight anything anywhere on the internet and then save it for later

LINER Pros:

• Saves you time when researching a topic by providing simple AI-generated answers to basic questions
• Great way to store articles to read later
• Allows you to highlight articles, YouTube videos, and more

LINER Cons: 

• AI answers can sometimes give you incorrect or incomplete information
• Features may not be helpful to everyone

LINER Cost:

• Essential : $8.83/ month
• Professional : $10.49/ month
• Workspace : Contact for pricing

LINER Ratings and reviews:

Reedsy Book Editor is less a tool and more a community. Lots of great writers have tons of fantastic ideas for books, but they don’t know how to actually get their books published. Reedsy was started to help aspiring authors get their work published. It does this by offering writers access to a network of professional editors, designers, and marketers.

It also provides resources like blog posts, webinars, and tutorials that help writers create the best book they can. The tool itself is a simple online editor that makes it easy to format books for Amazon Kindle or print-on-demand services.

With its easy-to-use interface, you can quickly upload your manuscript and then make any necessary changes to get it ready for publishing. Overall, Reedsy Book Editor is an invaluable resource for authors who want to take their writing to the next level. 

Need a little extra help getting your book off the ground and running? Try our free Book Planning template for better results!

Reedsy Features: 

• Includes a free 10-day course on how to publish a book
• Reedsy Marketplace allows you to connect with all kinds of professionals within the publishing industry
• Plot and content generator helps you get past writer’s block
• Easy book editor simplifies the process of actually creating a published work

Reedsy Pros:

• A single place for you to find editors, designers, and more to help you create a book
• One of the few free-to-use book writing software options
• Lots of content and tools to help you write

Reedsy Cons: 

• Focused primarily on helping you create a new book or short story

Reedsy Cost:

Reedsy ratings and reviews:.

• G2: 4.5/5 (1 review)

Bear is an Apple notetaking tool that helps you write down and keep track of your story ideas and to-do lists. Where Bear really stands out from the pack of the best writing tools in this list is with its beautiful UI. It’s organized in a way that’s easy to understand, and its minimalist design fits really well with the writing process.

Plus, Bear has lots of tagging tools that make organizing your notes and ideas simple and efficient. So you can easily keep track of everything you’ve written or plan to write without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a student, a professional writer, or just someone who loves writing and brainstorming ideas , Bear is an invaluable writing software to have in your arsenal.

Bear Features: 

• Use hashtags and links to keep your notes organized
• Encryption keeps your notes private
• Markup editor helps coders work in over 150 programming languages
• Looks gorgeous
• Perfect for taking notes on the go or writing your latest essay
• Syncs across devices so you can work on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Bear Cons: 

• Only supported on the Apple ecosystem
• Lack of advanced writing or organizational features
• Pro : $14.99/ month

Bear Ratings and reviews:

• G2: 4.5/5 (42 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Check out these Bear App alternatives !

Evernote is another helpful notetaking tool for writers because it allows them to save ideas, documents, and notes in one place. Evernote also makes it easier to collaborate on writing projects since you can easily share documents with others. 

Additionally, Evernote has many features that make organizing your writing simple and efficient. For instance, you can use its tagging system to quickly find relevant documents and notes. Also, Evernote’s search function makes finding specific keywords within your documents easy. Finally, Evernote also works as an archive for documents you don’t need regularly, so you always have access to them.

Evernote may not be the prettiest or newest tool on this list, but it’s certainly one of the most useful. If you’re looking for a writing tool to help you keep your writing organized and accessible, Evernote is definitely worth considering.

Evernote Features: 

• Task tool lets you keep on top of the things you need to get done today
• Offline functionality means you can access Evernote anywhere
• Integrates with your calendar

Evernote Pros:

• Files are searchable regardless of whether they’re in a note or a PDF
• Easy to add and edit images
• Lots of features that simplify the notetaking process

Evernote Cons: 

• Free version lacks key features like adding due dates or connecting your Google Calendar
• Expensive compared to competitors
• Not really ideal for book writing software

Evernote Cost:

• Personal : $8.99/ month
• Professional : $10.99/ month
• Teams : $14.99/month

Evernote Ratings and reviews:

• G2: 4.4/5 (1000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 (7000+ reviews)

Find your favorite writing tools today

Writing is an essential part of life, and there are many writing software options available to help make the process easier. Whether you’re looking for AI, a search assistant, book editor, or notetaker, something will work well for you in this list to keep you distraction-free.

One way to get started improving your writing efficiency today is with ClickUp. ClickUp can help any writer by giving you a single place to create, store, and organize your creative works and documents. It’s one of the best writing tools especially if you’re working with a team, getting feedback, and collaborating with your colleagues. 

ClickUp is free to try, so get started today and see how you can get more out of your writing hours.

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

Receive the latest WriteClick Newsletter updates.

Thanks for subscribing to our blog!

Please enter a valid email

• Free training & 24-hour support
• Serious about security & privacy
• 99.99% uptime the last 12 months

What is Creative Writing? A Key Piece of the Writer’s Toolbox

Not all writing is the same and there’s a type of writing that has the ability to transport, teach, and inspire others like no other.

Creative writing stands out due to its unique approach and focus on imagination. Here’s how to get started and grow as you explore the broad and beautiful world of creative writing!

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a form of writing that extends beyond the bounds of regular professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature. It is characterized by its emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or poetic techniques to express ideas in an original and imaginative way.

Creative writing can take on various forms such as:

• short stories
• screenplays

It’s a way for writers to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a creative, often symbolic, way . It’s about using the power of words to transport readers into a world created by the writer.

5 Key Characteristics of Creative Writing

Creative writing is marked by several defining characteristics, each working to create a distinct form of expression:

1. Imagination and Creativity: Creative writing is all about harnessing your creativity and imagination to create an engaging and compelling piece of work. It allows writers to explore different scenarios, characters, and worlds that may not exist in reality.

2. Emotional Engagement: Creative writing often evokes strong emotions in the reader. It aims to make the reader feel something — whether it’s happiness, sorrow, excitement, or fear.

3. Originality: Creative writing values originality. It’s about presenting familiar things in new ways or exploring ideas that are less conventional.

4. Use of Literary Devices: Creative writing frequently employs literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and others to enrich the text and convey meanings in a more subtle, layered manner.

5. Focus on Aesthetics: The beauty of language and the way words flow together is important in creative writing. The aim is to create a piece that’s not just interesting to read, but also beautiful to hear when read aloud.

Remember, creative writing is not just about producing a work of art. It’s also a means of self-expression and a way to share your perspective with the world. Whether you’re considering it as a hobby or contemplating a career in it, understanding the nature and characteristics of creative writing can help you hone your skills and create more engaging pieces .

For more insights into creative writing, check out our articles on creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree and is a degree in creative writing worth it .

Styles of Creative Writing

To fully understand creative writing , you must be aware of the various styles involved. Creative writing explores a multitude of genres, each with its own unique characteristics and techniques.

Poetry is a form of creative writing that uses expressive language to evoke emotions and ideas. Poets often employ rhythm, rhyme, and other poetic devices to create pieces that are deeply personal and impactful. Poems can vary greatly in length, style, and subject matter, making this a versatile and dynamic form of creative writing.

Short Stories

Short stories are another common style of creative writing. These are brief narratives that typically revolve around a single event or idea. Despite their length, short stories can provide a powerful punch, using precise language and tight narrative structures to convey a complete story in a limited space.

Novels represent a longer form of narrative creative writing. They usually involve complex plots, multiple characters, and various themes. Writing a novel requires a significant investment of time and effort; however, the result can be a rich and immersive reading experience.

Screenplays

Screenplays are written works intended for the screen, be it television, film, or online platforms. They require a specific format, incorporating dialogue and visual descriptions to guide the production process. Screenwriters must also consider the practical aspects of filmmaking, making this an intricate and specialized form of creative writing.

If you’re interested in this style, understanding creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree can provide useful insights.

Writing for the theater is another specialized form of creative writing. Plays, like screenplays, combine dialogue and action, but they also require an understanding of the unique dynamics of the theatrical stage. Playwrights must think about the live audience and the physical space of the theater when crafting their works.

Each of these styles offers unique opportunities for creativity and expression. Whether you’re drawn to the concise power of poetry, the detailed storytelling of novels, or the visual language of screenplays and plays, there’s a form of creative writing that will suit your artistic voice. The key is to explore, experiment, and find the style that resonates with you.

For those looking to spark their creativity, our article on creative writing prompts offers a wealth of ideas to get you started.

Importance of Creative Writing

Understanding what is creative writing involves recognizing its value and significance. Engaging in creative writing can provide numerous benefits – let’s take a closer look.

Developing Creativity and Imagination

Creative writing serves as a fertile ground for nurturing creativity and imagination. It encourages you to think outside the box, explore different perspectives, and create unique and original content. This leads to improved problem-solving skills and a broader worldview , both of which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.

Through creative writing, one can build entire worlds, create characters, and weave complex narratives, all of which are products of a creative mind and vivid imagination. This can be especially beneficial for those seeking creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree .

Enhancing Communication Skills

Creative writing can also play a crucial role in honing communication skills. It demands clarity, precision, and a strong command of language. This helps to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, making it easier to express thoughts and ideas effectively .

Moreover, creative writing encourages empathy as you often need to portray a variety of characters from different backgrounds and perspectives. This leads to a better understanding of people and improved interpersonal communication skills.

Exploring Emotions and Ideas

One of the most profound aspects of creative writing is its ability to provide a safe space for exploring emotions and ideas. It serves as an outlet for thoughts and feelings , allowing you to express yourself in ways that might not be possible in everyday conversation.

Writing can be therapeutic, helping you process complex emotions, navigate difficult life events, and gain insight into your own experiences and perceptions. It can also be a means of self-discovery , helping you to understand yourself and the world around you better.

So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, the benefits of creative writing are vast and varied. For those interested in developing their creative writing skills, check out our articles on creative writing prompts and how to teach creative writing . If you’re considering a career in this field, you might find our article on is a degree in creative writing worth it helpful.

4 Steps to Start Creative Writing

Creative writing can seem daunting to beginners, but with the right approach, anyone can start their journey into this creative field. Here are some steps to help you start creative writing .

1. Finding Inspiration

The first step in creative writing is finding inspiration . Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything. Observe the world around you, listen to conversations, explore different cultures, and delve into various topics of interest.

Reading widely can also be a significant source of inspiration. Read different types of books, articles, and blogs. Discover what resonates with you and sparks your imagination.

For structured creative prompts, visit our list of creative writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing.

Editor’s Note : When something excites or interests you, stop and take note – it could be the inspiration for your next creative writing piece.

2. Planning Your Piece

Once you have an idea, the next step is to plan your piece . Start by outlining:

• the main points

Remember, this can serve as a roadmap to guide your writing process. A plan doesn’t have to be rigid. It’s a flexible guideline that can be adjusted as you delve deeper into your writing. The primary purpose is to provide direction and prevent writer’s block.

3. Writing Your First Draft

After planning your piece, you can start writing your first draft . This is where you give life to your ideas and breathe life into your characters.

Don’t worry about making it perfect in the first go. The first draft is about getting your ideas down on paper . You can always refine and polish your work later. And if you don’t have a great place to write that first draft, consider a journal for writing .

4. Editing and Revising Your Work

The final step in the creative writing process is editing and revising your work . This is where you fine-tune your piece, correct grammatical errors, and improve sentence structure and flow.

Editing is also an opportunity to enhance your storytelling . You can add more descriptive details, develop your characters further, and make sure your plot is engaging and coherent.

Remember, writing is a craft that improves with practice . Don’t be discouraged if your first few pieces don’t meet your expectations. Keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process.

For more insights on creative writing, check out our articles on how to teach creative writing or creative writing activities for kids.

Tips to Improve Creative Writing Skills

Understanding what is creative writing is the first step. But how can one improve their creative writing skills? Here are some tips that can help.

Read Widely

Reading is a vital part of becoming a better writer. By immersing oneself in a variety of genres, styles, and authors, one can gain a richer understanding of language and storytelling techniques . Different authors have unique voices and methods of telling stories, which can serve as inspiration for your own work. So, read widely and frequently!

Practice Regularly

Like any skill, creative writing improves with practice. Consistently writing — whether it be daily, weekly, or monthly — helps develop your writing style and voice . Using creative writing prompts can be a fun way to stimulate your imagination and get the words flowing.

Attend Writing Workshops and Courses

Formal education such as workshops and courses can offer structured learning and expert guidance. These can provide invaluable insights into the world of creative writing, from understanding plot development to character creation. If you’re wondering is a degree in creative writing worth it, these classes can also give you a taste of what studying creative writing at a higher level might look like .

Joining Writing Groups and Communities

Being part of a writing community can provide motivation, constructive feedback, and a sense of camaraderie. These groups often hold regular meetings where members share their work and give each other feedback. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who share your passion for writing.

Seeking Feedback on Your Work

Feedback is a crucial part of improving as a writer. It offers a fresh perspective on your work, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s from a writing group, a mentor, or even friends and family, constructive criticism can help refine your writing .

Start Creative Writing Today!

Remember, becoming a proficient writer takes time and patience. So, don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. Keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. Who knows, your passion for creative writing might even lead to creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree .

Happy writing!

Brooks Manley

Creative Primer  is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024: 

Gratitude Journal Prompts Mindfulness Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Anxiety Reflective Journal Prompts Healing Journal Prompts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journal Prompts Mental Health Journal Prompts ASMR Journal Prompts Manifestation Journal Prompts Self-Care Journal Prompts Morning Journal Prompts Evening Journal Prompts Self-Improvement Journal Prompts Creative Writing Journal Prompts Dream Journal Prompts Relationship Journal Prompts "What If" Journal Prompts New Year Journal Prompts Shadow Work Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear Journal Prompts for Dealing with Loss Journal Prompts for Discerning and Decision Making Travel Journal Prompts Fun Journal Prompts

Inspiring Ink: Expert Tips on How to Teach Creative Writing

You may also like, how to practice gratitude and make it a habit.

How to Make an Intention Journal

8 best gratitude journals for reflection, mindfulness, and positivity, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Productivity
• Favorite Journals

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

11 Creative Writing Techniques

Learn how to add pizzazz to any type of writing.

The articles below show you how to use creative writing tools in fiction or non-fiction. Each article features a series of examples so it becomes easier to apply the technique.

List of creative writing techniques

Click the links below to go to a specific section:

Personification

Show don’t tell

Repetition in writing

Contrast in writing

The rule of three in writing

Parallelism

1. Metaphors

Learn how to use metaphors and get inspired by these examples …

Learn how to use metaphors >>

Metaphor examples >>

Get inspired by over 10 simile examples by various authors …

Simile examples >>

3. Analogies

Get inspired by these analogy examples …

Analogy examples >>

Improve your writing style

Learn how to write better and find your voice. Get free writing tips in your inbox.

Get free writing tips >>

Get inspired by these imagery examples …

Imagery examples >>

5. Personification

Learn how to use personification to make your writing sparkle …

Personification examples >>

6. Show don’t tell

Get inspired by these examples of “show, don’t tell” …

Show don’t tell examples >>

7. Repetition in writing

Get inspired by these examples of word repetition …

Examples of repetition in writing >>

8. Contrast in writing

Discover how to use contrast in your writing …

Examples of contrast in writing >>

9. The rule of 3 in writing

Get inspired by these examples of the rule of 3 …

The rule of 3 in writing >>

10. Parallelism in writing

Get inspired by these examples of the parallelism …

Parallelism examples >>

11. Switch the point of view (POV)

Discover how to switch the point of view …

Point of view examples >>

You may also like …

Creative writing examples

Learn how to inject creativity in any writing.

Creative writing exercises

Try these exercises to add a touch of creativity to your writing.

Share this page:

Books and courses

Follow proven templates for specific writing tasks, practice your skills, and get professional feedback so you become a confident business writer. Take on any writing project with gusto. Learn more about books and courses

About Henneke

I never saw myself as a writer, but in my early forties, I learned how to write and discovered the joy of writing. Now, I’d like to empower you to find your voice, share your ideas and inspire your audience. Learn how I can help you

Popular topics

Sales copywriting

Blog writing for business

Your writing voice

Tips for beginning writers

The writing process

Improve your writing skills

Writing examples

Popular blog posts

Recent blog posts

Free Snackable Writing Course

Get 16 concise emails and learn how to write more persuasive content.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

• Features for Creative Writers
• Features for Work
• Features for Higher Education
• Features for Teachers
• Features for Non-Native Speakers
• Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
• Grammar Guide

Best Writing Tools: Top 15 Every Writer Needs

Hannah Yang

Writing is rarely easy, whether you’re working on a book, an essay, a blog post, or any other type of writing.

A great writing tool can’t do the actual writing for you, but it can definitely make the process a lot easier.

There are three main categories of tools that writers find useful:

• Word processing and editing tools
• Productivity and organization tools
• Office and workspace tools

If you’re looking for the best writing tools in any of these categories, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve looked at reviews of products in each category to figure out which ones are worth investing in. Some of these writing tools are free, while others require a subscription or an upfront fee.

Without further ado, here’s a collection of some of the best tools that every writer needs.

Best Writing Tools for Writers

Best productivity tools for writers, best office tools for writers, what to look for in the best writing tools, conclusion on the best writing tools.

There are countless apps, websites, and other types of writing software that can help you with the actual process of writing and editing your work.

These tools can help you polish your prose, organize your thoughts, and so much more.

1. ProWritingAid

Cost: Free, or around $70/year for the Premium version

Why we love it: It transforms your writing from good to great

ProWritingAid isn’t just your average grammar checker—it’s the best writing software on the market today.

In addition to catching grammar mistakes, it keeps an eye on clichés and makes sure your sentence structure flows well. It also plucks out passive writing and scores your writing for readability, showing you where you can improve your style.

The free version lets you edit up to 500 words at a time, but the premium version lets you analyze as many words as you want, with over 20 different reports—more than any other editing software.

2. Scrivener

Cost: $49 for a lifetime license

Why we love it: It gives you a bird’s-eye view of your project

Scrivener is a book writing software that’s designed specifically for larger projects. If you’re tackling a big project, the organization features of Scrivener will ensure everything goes to plan.

In addition to being a word processor, it also lets you set goals, rearrange scenes, and more.

You can keep track of your writing style with a neat integration between ProWritingAid and Scrivener, which work very well together. ProWritingAid imports your Scrivener folder into its platform and gives you a detailed analysis of how you’re writing.

3. Evernote

Cost: Free, or $8.99/month for the Pro version

Why we love it: It lets you organize all your writing ideas in one place

Evernote is a writing app that helps you organize your ideas and research.

You can collect all your sources of inspiration, keep track of your to-do lists, and jot down story ideas all in one place.

The Pro version even lets you sync your notes between all your devices. That way, you can work on your writing projects while you’re on the go without needing to import them to your laptop when you get home.

Cost: Free, or $5.99/month or $39.99/year for the Pro version

Why we love it: It’s a great alternative to Evernote

Like Evernote, Ulysses is a note taking app that lets you organize your thoughts.

Ulysses also includes a binder-like sidebar that lets you move documents around easily, so you can keep all your thoughts organized.

Ulysses is better for Mac users than Evernote, but it’s currently less popular.

5. Reedsy Book Editor

Cost: Free!

Why we love it: It lets you see what your published book will look like while you’re still writing it

The Reedsy Book Editor is a free book writing software that also handles formatting and conversion while you write. It’s especially useful for authors who want to self-publish their books.

It’s a free alternative to expensive book formatting softwares like Atticus and Vellum, which charge a large fee to format your manuscript.

6. Hemingway

Why we love it: It’s one of the most useful free editing tools

The Hemingway app is a free writing software that checks your work for readability.

When you run your work through the Hemingway editor, it will highlight sentences that are dense or overly complex, so you can find ways to shorten them. It also highlights passive voice, overused adverbs, and any other weaknesses that might make your work harder to read.

Some of the Hemingway editor’s suggestions can be a bit hit-or-miss, but it’s still a fun style editor to try.

7. Grammarly

Cost: Free, or $30/month, $60/quarter, or $144/year for the Premium version

Why we love it: It catches your typos and grammar errors

Like ProWritingAid, Grammarly is a grammar checker that can catch your spelling and grammar mistakes.

Some of Grammarly’s top features include its plagiarism detector, its spell check, and its grammar check. It offers style suggestions related to wordy sentences, repetitive words, incorrect comma usage, and more.

It also includes a plagiarism checker, which will let you know if your work resembles any currently published written works.

8. Novel Factory

Cost: $75/year for the basic version, $198/year for the standard version, or $600/year for the Premium version

Why we love it: It helps creative writers develop characters, plot, story world, and more

Novel Factory is a word processor that can help you write your novel. It offers several features to help novelists develop elements of their stories.

For example, the Plot Manager includes plot templates for popular genres, while the character developer can help you flesh out your character’s archetype, motivation, and more.

9. Google Docs

Why we love it: It allows real-time collaboration with editors, beta readers, and fellow writers

If you’re working on a collaboration, Google Docs is one of the best options alongside ProWritingAid and Dropbox. Multiple writers can work on the same document at the same time.

Let’s say you want to get feedback on your writing from a critique partner or a beta reader. If you invite them to your Google Docs file, you can watch as they leave comments, in-line edit suggestions, and even emoji reactions on specific passages of your work.

10. Microsoft Word

Cost: around $100/year for the entire Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Why we love it: Most writers know how to use it already

Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used word processors. This simple but effective writing app is useful for all kinds of writing projects.

Its user interface is easy to use and navigate. The Track Changes feature makes it easy to edit other people’s stories, while also giving them the choice to accept or reject those changes.

Carving out time to write can be just as difficult as actually writing. These productivity and organization tools can help you stay focused and take control of your own schedule.

11. Freedom

Cost: $29/year for the Pro version

Why we love it: We’re easily distracted

Have you ever set aside time to work on a writing project, and then found yourself scrolling through social media instead?

If you’re easily distracted, like us, the Freedom app is a must-have. This tool lets you block social media, email, or whatever apps and websites you choose.

Freedom is the perfect tool for distraction free writing. You can even schedule recurring focus mode sessions in advance.

12. Marinara Timer

Why we love it: It lets you time your writing sprints

The Pomodoro Technique is a well-known technique for improving your productivity. It suggests working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break.

Many writers use timed writing sessions, also known as “writing sprints,” to hit their word count goals more quickly and effectively. Some use the 25/5-minute Pomodoro Technique, while others prefer longer or shorter sprints.

The Marinara Timer is a great website for timing your writing sprints. You can use the automatic Pomodoro Timer, or you can set your own custom writing sprint lengths.

13. To Doist

Cost: Free, or $48/year for the Pro version

Why we love it: There’s nothing more satisfying than crossing something off a to-do list

To Doist is a task manager app that lets you organize your tasks in a simple and intuitive way.

You can break large tasks into subtasks, organize your tasks into projects, and even share your projects with other people.

To Doist also offers project templates that can help you get started if you don’t know what tasks you need to accomplish.

14. Acuity Scheduling

Cost: $14/month for the Emerging option, $23/month for the Growing option, or $45/month for the Powerhouse option

Why we love it: It lets you take control of your own schedule

Acuity Scheduling is an easy way to streamline your calendar and create appointments for customers.

If you’re a freelance writer who works with clients, editors, or coworkers, Acuity’s customized scheduling page can be a lifesaver. It lets you keep your schedule organized by automating processes.

It also lets you create your own client intake forms, so you can collect all the information you need upfront.

Cost: Free, or $10/month for the Pro version

Why we love it: It can make your home office sound like a gentle rainforest

Noisli lets you write to a soundtrack of your choice. You can choose anything from the sound of a crackling fire to the sound of ocean tides.

These background sounds can mask annoying noises in your workspace and help you stay focused on what you’re writing.

If you choose a sound that you associate with your work in progress—for example, if you listen to birdsong while writing a poem about birds—Noisli can even help improve your creativity.

So far in this article, we’ve focused on digital tools and other types of writing software. However, it’s just as critical to create a good work environment in your physical workspace.

Here are some physical tools you can use to optimize your workspace.

16. Ergonomic Writing Desk

Cost: $200–$800

Why we love it: It’s an easy replacement for a workout

An ergonomic desk ensures you sit at a healthy angle, with enough room for your legs and knees. It prevents your back from hunching unnaturally, and can help you avoid joint pain, heart disease, and other long-term health problems.

You can choose a desk that has a standing option and a sitting option, so you can stretch your legs from time to time. That way, you can even burn extra calories.

Okay, so it’s not actually a replacement for a workout. You should still take time to exercise.

But if you’re worried about spending too much time sitting down, an ergonomic writing desk will certainly help.

17. Ergonomic Keyboard

Cost: $50–$200

Why we love it: It can prevent wrist injury

An ergonomic keyboard is a keyboard designed to minimize muscle strain, fatigue, and other potential health problems.

There are many options for a great writing keyboard. You should consider whether you want a wireless or corded keyboard, whether you need automatic backlighting, and which keyboard is most comfortable for you.

Some popular keyboard options for writers include the Microsoft Sculpt and the Logitech K780. If you’re typing all day, it’s worth investing in a keyboard that works well for you.

18. Blue Light Computer Glasses

Cost: $20–$100

Why we love it: You might get a headache without them

If you spend a long time staring at a computer screen, it’s a great idea to invest in computer glasses.

Blue-light blocking glasses can reduce eye strain and prevent migraines. They also make it easier to fall asleep at night.

19. Rocketbook Notebook

Cost: $20–$40

Why we love it: You can use the same notebook for the rest of your life

The Rocketbook notebook is a digital notebook that lets you convert your handwritten notes into a digital format. You can upload each page directly into an app, so if you like to write stories or essays by hand, they will be easy to read afterwards.

Best of all, Rocketbook notebooks are reusable, so you can use the same one for life.

20. Livescribe Pen

Cost: about $100

Why we love it: It uploads your handwritten notes in a digital format

The Livescribe Symphony Smartpen is a digital pen that captures everything you write and draw in a digital format.

It even records audio and plays the recording back for you, which can make note taking a lot easier.

If you like writing by hand but also do a lot of your work on a laptop, the Livescribe pen can help you access all your work in one place.

Here are five things to consider when deciding whether a writing tool is right for you.

1. Top Features

The best writing tools are the ones that have all the features you want and need. It’s better to spend some money on a piece of writing software that truly helps you than one that doesn’t live up to the hype.

Ask yourself: What makes this particular tool stand out from the crowd? How can it help me transform my writing?

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Nobody has an endless budget, so it’s important to prioritize the tools that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Expensive tools often have special features that others lack. Sometimes it's worth investing in the pricier option, while other times you can get the results you need with a cheaper alternative.

3. User-Friendliness

There’s no point buying a tool that you can’t figure out how to use.

Some tools have a steep learning curve, while others are very user-friendly. If you don’t like working out how to use new tools, look for ones that are easy to learn and let you hit the ground running.

4. Customization Options

No two writers are exactly alike. You might be writing a lighthearted, comedic memoir, or a dark mystery novel—or maybe even both.

Ideally, you want to invest in tools you can customize to suit your preferences. Look for versatile tools that suit your unique situation.

5. Integration Options

You want to choose software that integrates smoothly into your writing routine. For example, ProWritingAid can integrate into your favorite software, like Microsoft Word, Scrivener, Final Draft, or any website on your favorite web browser.

If it doesn’t work well with the other apps you use, you’ll be signing up for a major headache every time you switch from one to the other.

There you have it—the 15 best writing tools and 5 best office tools that every writer should know about.

Choosing the right tools can help you curate an end-to-end writing process that works for you. You might write your project in Scrivener and edit it with ProWritingAid while listening to a soundtrack from Noisli, all on your favorite ergonomic keyboard.

What are your favorite writing tools? Let us know in the comments.

Happy writing!

Write like a bestselling author

Love writing? ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of your stories.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

Get started with ProWritingAid

Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :

VIDEO COURSE

Finish your draft in our 3-month master class. Sign up now to watch a free lesson!

Learn How to Write a Novel

Finish your draft in our 3-month master class. Enroll now for daily lessons, weekly critique, and live events. Your first lesson is free!

Guides • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Feb 14, 2023

10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You’ll Love)

A lot falls under the term ‘creative writing’: poetry, short fiction, plays, novels, personal essays, and songs, to name just a few. By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is , it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at examples that demonstrate the sheer range of styles and genres under its vast umbrella.

To that end, we’ve collected a non-exhaustive list of works across multiple formats that have inspired the writers here at Reedsy. With 20 different works to explore, we hope they will inspire you, too. 

People have been writing creatively for almost as long as we have been able to hold pens. Just think of long-form epic poems like The Odyssey or, later, the Cantar de Mio Cid — some of the earliest recorded writings of their kind. 

Poetry is also a great place to start if you want to dip your own pen into the inkwell of creative writing. It can be as short or long as you want (you don’t have to write an epic of Homeric proportions), encourages you to build your observation skills, and often speaks from a single point of view . 

Here are a few examples:

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

This classic poem by Romantic poet Percy Shelley (also known as Mary Shelley’s husband) is all about legacy. What do we leave behind? How will we be remembered? The great king Ozymandias built himself a massive statue, proclaiming his might, but the irony is that his statue doesn’t survive the ravages of time. By framing this poem as told to him by a “traveller from an antique land,” Shelley effectively turns this into a story. Along with the careful use of juxtaposition to create irony, this poem accomplishes a lot in just a few lines. 

“Trying to Raise the Dead” by Dorianne Laux

 A direction. An object. My love, it needs a place to rest. Say anything. I’m listening. I’m ready to believe. Even lies, I don’t care.

Poetry is cherished for its ability to evoke strong emotions from the reader using very few words which is exactly what Dorianne Laux does in “ Trying to Raise the Dead .” With vivid imagery that underscores the painful yearning of the narrator, she transports us to a private nighttime scene as the narrator sneaks away from a party to pray to someone they’ve lost. We ache for their loss and how badly they want their lost loved one to acknowledge them in some way. It’s truly a masterclass on how writing can be used to portray emotions. 

If you find yourself inspired to try out some poetry — and maybe even get it published — check out these poetry layouts that can elevate your verse!

Song Lyrics

Poetry’s closely related cousin, song lyrics are another great way to flex your creative writing muscles. You not only have to find the perfect rhyme scheme but also match it to the rhythm of the music. This can be a great challenge for an experienced poet or the musically inclined. 

To see how music can add something extra to your poetry, check out these two examples:

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

 You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well, really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah 

Metaphors are commonplace in almost every kind of creative writing, but will often take center stage in shorter works like poetry and songs. At the slightest mention, they invite the listener to bring their emotional or cultural experience to the piece, allowing the writer to express more with fewer words while also giving it a deeper meaning. If a whole song is couched in metaphor, you might even be able to find multiple meanings to it, like in Leonard Cohen’s “ Hallelujah .” While Cohen’s Biblical references create a song that, on the surface, seems like it’s about a struggle with religion, the ambiguity of the lyrics has allowed it to be seen as a song about a complicated romantic relationship. 

“I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

 ​​If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark

You can think of song lyrics as poetry set to music. They manage to do many of the same things their literary counterparts do — including tugging on your heartstrings. Death Cab for Cutie’s incredibly popular indie rock ballad is about the singer’s deep devotion to his lover. While some might find the song a bit too dark and macabre, its melancholy tune and poignant lyrics remind us that love can endure beyond death.

Plays and Screenplays

From the short form of poetry, we move into the world of drama — also known as the play. This form is as old as the poem, stretching back to the works of ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles, who adapted the myths of their day into dramatic form. The stage play (and the more modern screenplay) gives the words on the page a literal human voice, bringing life to a story and its characters entirely through dialogue. 

Interested to see what that looks like? Take a look at these examples:

All My Sons by Arthur Miller

“I know you're no worse than most men but I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my father.” 

Arthur Miller acts as a bridge between the classic and the new, creating 20th century tragedies that take place in living rooms and backyard instead of royal courts, so we had to include his breakout hit on this list. Set in the backyard of an all-American family in the summer of 1946, this tragedy manages to communicate family tensions in an unimaginable scale, building up to an intense climax reminiscent of classical drama. 

💡 Read more about Arthur Miller and classical influences in our breakdown of Freytag’s pyramid . 

“Everything is Fine” by Michael Schur ( The Good Place )

“Well, then this system sucks. What...one in a million gets to live in paradise and everyone else is tortured for eternity? Come on! I mean, I wasn't freaking Gandhi, but I was okay. I was a medium person. I should get to spend eternity in a medium place! Like Cincinnati. Everyone who wasn't perfect but wasn't terrible should get to spend eternity in Cincinnati.” 

A screenplay, especially a TV pilot, is like a mini-play, but with the extra job of convincing an audience that they want to watch a hundred more episodes of the show. Blending moral philosophy with comedy, The Good Place is a fun hang-out show set in the afterlife that asks some big questions about what it means to be good. 

It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, an incredibly imperfect woman from Arizona who wakes up in ‘The Good Place’ and realizes that there’s been a cosmic mixup. Determined not to lose her place in paradise, she recruits her “soulmate,” a former ethics professor, to teach her philosophy with the hope that she can learn to be a good person and keep up her charade of being an upstanding citizen. The pilot does a superb job of setting up the stakes, the story, and the characters, while smuggling in deep philosophical ideas.

Personal essays

Our first foray into nonfiction on this list is the personal essay. As its name suggests, these stories are in some way autobiographical — concerned with the author’s life and experiences. But don’t be fooled by the realistic component. These essays can take any shape or form, from comics to diary entries to recipes and anything else you can imagine. Typically zeroing in on a single issue, they allow you to explore your life and prove that the personal can be universal.

Here are a couple of fantastic examples:

“On Selling Your First Novel After 11 Years” by Min Jin Lee (Literary Hub)

There was so much to learn and practice, but I began to see the prose in verse and the verse in prose. Patterns surfaced in poems, stories, and plays. There was music in sentences and paragraphs. I could hear the silences in a sentence. All this schooling was like getting x-ray vision and animal-like hearing. 

This deeply honest personal essay by Pachinko author Min Jin Lee is an account of her eleven-year struggle to publish her first novel . Like all good writing, it is intensely focused on personal emotional details. While grounded in the specifics of the author's personal journey, it embodies an experience that is absolutely universal: that of difficulty and adversity met by eventual success. 

“A Cyclist on the English Landscape” by Roff Smith (New York Times)

These images, though, aren’t meant to be about me. They’re meant to represent a cyclist on the landscape, anybody — you, perhaps. 

Roff Smith’s gorgeous photo essay for the NYT is a testament to the power of creatively combining visuals with text. Here, photographs of Smith atop a bike are far from simply ornamental. They’re integral to the ruminative mood of the essay, as essential as the writing. Though Smith places his work at the crosscurrents of various aesthetic influences (such as the painter Edward Hopper), what stands out the most in this taciturn, thoughtful piece of writing is his use of the second person to address the reader directly. Suddenly, the writer steps out of the body of the essay and makes eye contact with the reader. The reader is now part of the story as a second character, finally entering the picture.

Short Fiction

The short story is the happy medium of fiction writing. These bite-sized narratives can be devoured in a single sitting and still leave you reeling. Sometimes viewed as a stepping stone to novel writing, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Short story writing is an art all its own. The limited length means every word counts and there’s no better way to see that than with these two examples:

“An MFA Story” by Paul Dalla Rosa (Electric Literature)

At Starbucks, I remembered a reading Zhen had given, a reading organized by the program’s faculty. I had not wanted to go but did. In the bar, he read, "I wrote this in a Starbucks in Shanghai. On the bank of the Huangpu." It wasn’t an aside or introduction. It was two lines of the poem. I was in a Starbucks and I wasn’t writing any poems. I wasn’t writing anything. 

This short story is a delightfully metafictional tale about the struggles of being a writer in New York. From paying the bills to facing criticism in a writing workshop and envying more productive writers, Paul Dalla Rosa’s story is a clever satire of the tribulations involved in the writing profession, and all the contradictions embodied by systemic creativity (as famously laid out in Mark McGurl’s The Program Era ). What’s more, this story is an excellent example of something that often happens in creative writing: a writer casting light on the private thoughts or moments of doubt we don’t admit to or openly talk about. 

“Flowering Walrus” by Scott Skinner (Reedsy)

I tell him they’d been there a month at least, and he looks concerned. He has my tongue on a tissue paper and is gripping its sides with his pointer and thumb. My tongue has never spent much time outside of my mouth, and I imagine it as a walrus basking in the rays of the dental light. My walrus is not well. 

A winner of Reedsy’s weekly Prompts writing contest, ‘ Flowering Walrus ’ is a story that balances the trivial and the serious well. In the pauses between its excellent, natural dialogue , the story manages to scatter the fear and sadness of bad medical news, as the protagonist hides his worries from his wife and daughter. Rich in subtext, these silences grow and resonate with the readers.

Want to give short story writing a go? Give our free course a go!

FREE COURSE

How to Craft a Killer Short Story

From pacing to character development, master the elements of short fiction.

Perhaps the thing that first comes to mind when talking about creative writing, novels are a form of fiction that many people know and love but writers sometimes find intimidating. The good news is that novels are nothing but one word put after another, like any other piece of writing, but expanded and put into a flowing narrative. Piece of cake, right?

To get an idea of the format’s breadth of scope, take a look at these two (very different) satirical novels: 

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I wished I was back in the convenience store where I was valued as a working member of staff and things weren’t as complicated as this. Once we donned our uniforms, we were all equals regardless of gender, age, or nationality — all simply store workers. 

Keiko, a thirty-six-year-old convenience store employee, finds comfort and happiness in the strict, uneventful routine of the shop’s daily operations. A funny, satirical, but simultaneously unnerving examination of the social structures we take for granted, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman is deeply original and lingers with the reader long after they’ve put it down.

Erasure by Percival Everett

The hard, gritty truth of the matter is that I hardly ever think about race. Those times when I did think about it a lot I did so because of my guilt for not thinking about it.  

Erasure is a truly accomplished satire of the publishing industry’s tendency to essentialize African American authors and their writing. Everett’s protagonist is a writer whose work doesn’t fit with what publishers expect from him — work that describes the “African American experience” — so he writes a parody novel about life in the ghetto. The publishers go crazy for it and, to the protagonist’s horror, it becomes the next big thing. This sophisticated novel is both ironic and tender, leaving its readers with much food for thought.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction is pretty broad: it applies to anything that does not claim to be fictional (although the rise of autofiction has definitely blurred the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction). It encompasses everything from personal essays and memoirs to humor writing, and they range in length from blog posts to full-length books. The defining characteristic of this massive genre is that it takes the world or the author’s experience and turns it into a narrative that a reader can follow along with.

Here, we want to focus on novel-length works that dig deep into their respective topics. While very different, these two examples truly show the breadth and depth of possibility of creative nonfiction:

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Men’s bodies litter my family history. The pain of the women they left behind pulls them from the beyond, makes them appear as ghosts. In death, they transcend the circumstances of this place that I love and hate all at once and become supernatural. 

Writer Jesmyn Ward recounts the deaths of five men from her rural Mississippi community in as many years. In her award-winning memoir , she delves into the lives of the friends and family she lost and tries to find some sense among the tragedy. Working backwards across five years, she questions why this had to happen over and over again, and slowly unveils the long history of racism and poverty that rules rural Black communities. Moving and emotionally raw, Men We Reaped is an indictment of a cruel system and the story of a woman's grief and rage as she tries to navigate it.

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker

He believed that wine could reshape someone’s life. That’s why he preferred buying bottles to splurging on sweaters. Sweaters were things. Bottles of wine, said Morgan, “are ways that my humanity will be changed.” 

In this work of immersive journalism , Bianca Bosker leaves behind her life as a tech journalist to explore the world of wine. Becoming a “cork dork” takes her everywhere from New York’s most refined restaurants to science labs while she learns what it takes to be a sommelier and a true wine obsessive. This funny and entertaining trip through the past and present of wine-making and tasting is sure to leave you better informed and wishing you, too, could leave your life behind for one devoted to wine. 

Illustrated Narratives (Comics, graphic novels)

Once relegated to the “funny pages”, the past forty years of comics history have proven it to be a serious medium. Comics have transformed from the early days of Jack Kirby’s superheroes into a medium where almost every genre is represented. Humorous one-shots in the Sunday papers stand alongside illustrated memoirs, horror, fantasy, and just about anything else you can imagine. This type of visual storytelling lets the writer and artist get creative with perspective, tone, and so much more. For two very different, though equally entertaining, examples, check these out:

Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson

"Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine and valleys of frustration and failure." 

This beloved comic strip follows Calvin, a rambunctious six-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger/imaginary friend, Hobbes. They get into all kinds of hijinks at school and at home, and muse on the world in the way only a six-year-old and an anthropomorphic tiger can. As laugh-out-loud funny as it is, Calvin & Hobbes ’ popularity persists as much for its whimsy as its use of humor to comment on life, childhood, adulthood, and everything in between. 

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell 

"I shall tell you where we are. We're in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A dim, subconscious underworld. A radiant abyss where men meet themselves. Hell, Netley. We're in Hell." 

Comics aren't just the realm of superheroes and one-joke strips, as Alan Moore proves in this serialized graphic novel released between 1989 and 1998. A meticulously researched alternative history of Victorian London’s Ripper killings, this macabre story pulls no punches. Fact and fiction blend into a world where the Royal Family is involved in a dark conspiracy and Freemasons lurk on the sidelines. It’s a surreal mad-cap adventure that’s unsettling in the best way possible. 

Video Games and RPGs

Probably the least expected entry on this list, we thought that video games and RPGs also deserved a mention — and some well-earned recognition for the intricate storytelling that goes into creating them. 

Essentially gamified adventure stories, without attention to plot, characters, and a narrative arc, these games would lose a lot of their charm, so let’s look at two examples where the creative writing really shines through: 

80 Days by inkle studios

"It was a triumph of invention over nature, and will almost certainly disappear into the dust once more in the next fifty years." 

Named Time Magazine ’s game of the year in 2014, this narrative adventure is based on Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. The player is cast as the novel’s narrator, Passpartout, and tasked with circumnavigating the globe in service of their employer, Phileas Fogg. Set in an alternate steampunk Victorian era, the game uses its globe-trotting to comment on the colonialist fantasies inherent in the original novel and its time period. On a storytelling level, the choose-your-own-adventure style means no two players’ journeys will be the same. This innovative approach to a classic novel shows the potential of video games as a storytelling medium, truly making the player part of the story. 

What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow

"If we lived forever, maybe we'd have time to understand things. But as it is, I think the best we can do is try to open our eyes, and appreciate how strange and brief all of this is." 

This video game casts the player as 17-year-old Edith Finch. Returning to her family’s home on an island in the Pacific northwest, Edith explores the vast house and tries to figure out why she’s the only one of her family left alive. The story of each family member is revealed as you make your way through the house, slowly unpacking the tragic fate of the Finches. Eerie and immersive, this first-person exploration game uses the medium to tell a series of truly unique tales. 

Fun and breezy on the surface, humor is often recognized as one of the trickiest forms of creative writing. After all, while you can see the artistic value in a piece of prose that you don’t necessarily enjoy, if a joke isn’t funny, you could say that it’s objectively failed.

With that said, it’s far from an impossible task, and many have succeeded in bringing smiles to their readers’ faces through their writing. Here are two examples:

‘How You Hope Your Extended Family Will React When You Explain Your Job to Them’ by Mike Lacher (McSweeney’s Internet Tendency)

“Is it true you don’t have desks?” your grandmother will ask. You will nod again and crack open a can of Country Time Lemonade. “My stars,” she will say, “it must be so wonderful to not have a traditional office and instead share a bistro-esque coworking space.” 

Satire and parody make up a whole subgenre of creative writing, and websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Onion consistently hit the mark with their parodies of magazine publishing and news media. This particular example finds humor in the divide between traditional family expectations and contemporary, ‘trendy’ work cultures. Playing on the inherent silliness of today’s tech-forward middle-class jobs, this witty piece imagines a scenario where the writer’s family fully understands what they do — and are enthralled to hear more. “‘Now is it true,’ your uncle will whisper, ‘that you’ve got a potential investment from one of the founders of I Can Haz Cheezburger?’”

‘Not a Foodie’ by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell (Electric Literature)

I’m not a foodie, I never have been, and I know, in my heart, I never will be. 

Highlighting what she sees as an unbearable social obsession with food , in this comic Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell takes a hilarious stand against the importance of food. From the writer’s courageous thesis (“I think there are more exciting things to talk about, and focus on in life, than what’s for dinner”) to the amusing appearance of family members and the narrator’s partner, ‘Not a Foodie’ demonstrates that even a seemingly mundane pet peeve can be approached creatively — and even reveal something profound about life.

We hope this list inspires you with your own writing. If there’s one thing you take away from this post, let it be that there is no limit to what you can write about or how you can write about it. 

In the next part of this guide, we'll drill down into the fascinating world of creative nonfiction.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

We made a writing app for you

Yes, you! Write. Format. Export for ebook and print. 100% free, always.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

Free writing software: 24 tools to help you create better content, faster

Find the best brainstorming, researching, writing, and editing tools.

As a freelance writer, I try to keep my app costs lean, so I'm a sucker for free writing tools. But with so many writing apps on the market, it's hard to tell which free options are actually valuable.

I've done some of the legwork for you by bringing together some of the best free writing apps on the internet. All of the options listed here are tools the Zapier team or I have used and enjoyed.

For this roundup, I prioritized completely free tools and freemium apps with a forever free plan that was sufficient for actual regular use. Many of the options have paid plans, but those plans are generally geared toward power users.

The best free writing software at a glance

Free writing tools for brainstorming and organizing your thoughts, best free writing software for expanding your ideas.

Best free writing software for creating content outlines

Best free writing software for brainstorming together

You can even use Miro with Zapier (also free), so you can automate your brainstorming workflows. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Create Miro widgets with new Trello cards

Add Miro cards from new rows on Google Sheets

Best free writing software for brainstorming topics

Keyword Research Tool pricing: Free

Best free writing software for brainstorming ideas with AI

ChatGPT pricing: Free; ChatGPT Plus is $20/month

Best free writing software for brainstorming out loud

Your computer's dictation software (MacOS, Windows)

If you process your thoughts best through speaking, there's a brainstorming app already on your computer. Boot up Windows 10 Speech Recognition on Windows or Apple Dictation on Mac to record your thoughts as you brainstorm out loud.

Windows 10 Speech Recognition and Apple Dictation pricing: Free

Free writing tools for research and note-taking

Best free writing software for keeping everything in one place.

Save new tasks in Google Tasks in Notion databases

Add new Microsoft Outlook calendar events to Notion databases

Notion pricing: Free plan available; from $8/user/month for team plans

Best free writing software for finding free copies of paywalled research

Unpaywall pricing: Free

Best free writing software for transcribing interview and video content

oTranscribe pricing: Free

Best free writing software for collecting research from other people

Create Trello cards from new Google Forms responses

Share Google Forms responses in a Slack channel

Google Forms pricing: Free

Free writing tools for solo and collaborative writing

Best free writing software for collaborative writing.

Create new Google Docs from text with new rows in Google Sheets

Create new Google Docs when Trint transcripts are ready

Google Docs pricing: Free

Best free writing software for messages and blurbs

WordCounter pricing: Free

Free writing tools for editing

Best free writing software for finding the perfect word.

OneLook Reverse Dictionary and Thesaurus offers all the synonyms you could dream of like a regular thesaurus, but it stands out in its reverse dictionary capabilities. Enter a phrase—or even a full sentence—to get words that match that meaning. This feature comes in handy when you want to write more concisely or find that word that's on the tip of your tongue.

OneLook Reverse Dictionary and Thesaurus pricing: Free

Best free writing software for finding the right word—anywhere

As a freelance writer, I find myself needing to switch up words when I write on various platforms across the internet. Power Thesaurus gives me synonyms, antonyms, definitions, and other forms of word assistance wherever I like to write. It can do the same for you—put it to use on its website, in your browser, on your phone, in Google Docs, in Word, and in Gmail.

Best free writing software for rewording what you write

Best free writing software for clear and concise writing

Best free writing software for creating compelling headlines

CoSchedule Headline Studio pricing: Free for basic features; from $8/month to buy "Premium Headline" credits that give you access to an SEO score, AI writing features, headline suggestions, and word banks for a certain number of headlines

Best free writing software for finding and removing cliches

Cliche Finder pricing: Free

Best free writing software for finding jargon in your text

De-Jargonizer pricing: Free

Best free writing software for varying your wording and sentence length

Expresso pricing: Free

Best free writing software for comparing your writing to AI content

Free writing tools for proofreading

Best free writing software for catching spelling and grammar mistakes.

Best free writing tool for proofreading short-form content

Best free writing tool for making MLA citations

EasyBib pricing: Free

Free writing software FAQ

Here are some questions lots of people have about writing apps and how to choose the right one.

What's a good free writing tool?

Tools like Google Docs and WordCounter are free forever and very functional. Other apps, like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, have free plans that offer basic features, with more advanced features available via a paid plan.

But there are a lot of free writing tools available that perform a wide variety of functions—everything from brainstorming to research and note-taking to writing to editing to proofreading.

What writing tool do most writers use?

There's a wide variety of writing tools out there, and which one a writer uses really comes down to preference. A lot of writers use Google Docs to write because they already use Google for so many other things—but some may prefer a tool like Notion, where they can combine writing with project management.

What makes a good writing tool?

In short, whatever helps you write! If a blank page and no distraction is what helps you actually get words down, then open a new Google Doc and go at it. If you need to organize your thoughts before you even think about writing, consider adding a brainstorming tool to the mix. Each writer's process is different, and it's all about finding tools that enable your writing, not add another roadblock to your process.

Sharpen your craft with your new toolkit

Related reading:

This article was originally published in June 2015 by Jane Callahan and has also had contributions from Jessica Greene. The most recent update was in August 2023.

Get productivity tips delivered straight to your inbox

We’ll email you 1-3 times per week—and never share your information.

Melissa King

Melissa King is a freelance writer who helps B2B SaaS companies spread the word about their products through engaging content. Outside of the content marketing world, she sometimes writes about video games. Check out her work at melissakingfreelance.com.

• Content marketing
• Google Docs
• Google Forms

Related articles

The best free graphic design software to create social media posts in 2024

The best free graphic design software to...

The 9 best pay-per-click (PPC) tools to optimize your ad spend in 2024

The 9 best pay-per-click (PPC) tools to...

The 4 best free keyword research tools in 2024

The 4 best free keyword research tools in...

The 5 best team chat apps for business in 2024

The 5 best team chat apps for business in...

Improve your productivity automatically. Use Zapier to get your apps working together.

Become a Bestseller

Follow our 5-step publishing path.

Fundamentals of Fiction & Story

Bring your story to life with a proven plan.

Market Your Book

Learn how to sell more copies.

Edit Your Book

Get professional editing support.

Author Advantage Accelerator Nonfiction

Grow your business, authority, and income.

Author Advantage Accelerator Fiction

Become a full-time fiction author.

Author Accelerator Elite

Take the fast-track to publishing success.

Take the Quiz

Let us pair you with the right fit.

Free Copy of Published.

Book title generator, nonfiction outline template, writing software quiz, book royalties calculator.

Learn how to write your book

Learn how to edit your book

Learn how to self-publish your book

Learn how to sell more books

Learn how to grow your business

Learn about self-help books

Learn about nonfiction writing

Learn about fiction writing

How to Get An ISBN Number

A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing

How Much Do Self-Published Authors Make on Amazon?

Book Template: 9 Free Layouts

How to Write a Book in 12 Steps

The 15 Best Book Writing Software Tools

Creative Writing Ultimate Guide

Get a Free Copy of Published.

The proven path from blank page to 10,000 copies sold.

I don’t know about you, but when I start learning a new skill, I want to know everything about it right away. How do I get started? What do I need to get started? How could this new skill transform my life?

Being an incessant researcher of new pastimes, I love a good master post. So, I’ve made one today for one of my favorite things in the world: creative writing .

I wrote this for people who are just getting into creative writing, but even if you’ve been writing for a while, stay tuned—some of the tricks and resources in this post will be helpful for you, too.

Need A Fiction Book Outline?

What is creative writing?

Creative writing examples, how to start creative writing, creative writing prompts, creative writing jobs, creative writing degrees, online creative writing courses.

Creative writing is imaginative writing. It’s meant to entertain its readers and get some emotional response from them. You’ll note that I said imaginative , but I didn’t say fictional writing, because while fiction is a subcategory of creative writing, it doesn’t define creative writing. All fiction is creative writing, but not all creative writing is fiction.

While technical, legal, or academic writing might be focused on conveying information in the most efficient and clear manner possible, the goal of creative writing is slightly different. You still want to communicate effectively and clearly, but you also want to put some pep in there. Creative writing uses tools like metaphor and imagery to evoke an image, emotion, or both from the reader.

Another way to look at it: if you were to say what makes creative writing distinct as a form, you could say it’s the artsy one.

Creative writing covers more than just fiction, or even just novels . Here’s a quick rundown of some types of creative writing you might encounter.

Novels (which fall under the ‘fiction’ umbrella) are a type of creative writing where the reader follows a character or characters through a plot. A novel might be a standalone, or it might be part of a series.

Example: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

2. Short Stories

Short stories (which also fall under the ‘fiction’ umbrella) follow a character through a plot, like you’d see in a novel, but short stories are, well, shorter. Generally, short stories run between 1,000 and 10,000 words, with works under 1,000 words falling under the subcategory ‘flash fiction.’

Example: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Poetry is a form of writing which focuses heavily on imagery, metaphor, symbolism, and other figurative tools. It also involves a lot of technical work with form; meter and rhythm are commonly used to enhance meaning. You can generally tell what poems are by looking at them, since they’re usually divided into groups of lines (stanzas) instead of paragraphs, like you might see in other forms of creative writing.

Example: Little Beast by Richard Siken

Related: Where to Publish Poetry

Plays are written for the stage. They include stage direction, brief scene descriptions, and character dialogue, but there’s often not a lot of prose. Plays are intended to be watched by an audience instead of read, so whatever prose exists, it is intended for the people participating in the play.

Example: Hamlet by Shakespeare

Songs are similar to poetry in terms of their structure and use of figurative language, but songs are meant to be performed. People don’t generally read song lyrics without listening to it, and the instrumentation and production often enhance the meaning of a song. Songwriters also use music theory to play with meaning—at a basic level, for example, minor chords generally convey sadness, while major chords generally convey happiness.

Example: Let it Be by the Beatles

6. Memoirs & Personal Essays

Memoirs and personal essays are a form of creative writing where an author draws on their real lived experience to create a narrative. Memoir specifically sometimes plays with chronological order and specific technical fact in favor of symbolic resonance—the author is getting at an emotional truth rather than a literal or objective truth.

Example: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

7. Journaling

Not everyone uses journaling as a creative writing exercise—some people want to log their daily activities and be done with it—but if you’ve ever poured your heart out about a breakup to the nonjudgmental pages of a notebook, you’ve probably already done some creative writing!

Want to find more examples? I wrote on this topic for another site, and it includes even more examples of creative writing for you to try.

Now that you know what creative writing looks like, let’s talk about how to get started, even if you’ve never practiced creative writing before.

1. Try stuff on until something fits

Take a look at the list above (or do a Google search for ‘types of creative writing’ and see if there’s anything else you might be interested in—I won’t be offended) and pick one that seems fun. If you want to try, for example, a screenplay, but you’re not sure how to write one, read a bunch. Get a feel for how they work.

Maybe you do that and decide you don't want to write screenplays after all. Okay! Try short stories. Try poetry. Try songwriting. Practicing different forms will make you a more well-rounded writer in the long run, and you might be surprised at what resonates with you.

2. Practice, practice, practice

Once you’ve found a form or a few forms that suit you, your job as a newbie is simple: practice. Write whatever you want as often as you can and, if possible, for your eyes only. Create a relationship between yourself and your craft.

Some say you should start with short stories before jumping into novels so you can practice completing narrative arcs. That might work great! But if you hate writing short stories, just practice with writing novels.

If you have an idea that feels a little too advanced for you, that’s probably what you should be working on, since it’ll teach you a lot about the craft along the way. Don’t be intimidated, and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinions (this includes any fretting about publishing). Your singular goal here is to create, and your secondary goal is to challenge yourself.

3. Join some kind of writerly group

But hold on, you might be thinking. How do I know I’m not getting worse the more I practice? How do I know I’m not just churning out garbage?

At some point, especially if your goal is to publish , you’ll want feedback on your work. And while it’s important to have the support of your loved ones, it’s also important to get feedback from other writers.

I do not recommend sending your very first manuscript to an editor or well-established writer for feedback—their feedback, generally aimed at moderate to advanced writers, is probably going to devastate you at the fledgling stage. I do recommend finding other writers at approximately your skill level to bounce ideas off of and exchange critiques. These other writers can be found online or at local writing circles—check your local public library for creative writing workshops.

Have you picked out a form of creative writing to try, but you just can’t come up with any ideas? Try using a creative writing prompt to get those creative gears turning. These are totally for you to use however is most helpful: use the prompt as-is, tweak it a little, whatever works.

Prompts are a great way to explore different types of tones in writing and hone your own personal style as an author!

Use this FREE tool: Writing Prompts Generator

Looking to make some money with your creative writing endeavors? Here’s a few options to kickstart your job search:

Ghostwriting

As a ghostwriter, your job is to write the story your client assigns you . This might be a fictional novel, or it might be a memoir. The client often has specific requests for content, length, and so on. The catch? Your name is not on the book. You’re not allowed to say that you wrote it—the client’s name or pen name usually goes on the author line. You can find ghostwriting gigs on sites like Upwork or Fiverr.

Marketing does involve some technical elements like copywriting, but creative writers have a place in marketing, too. Brands need catchy slogans, funny commercials, and even social media gurus to run entertaining Twitter accounts. For more ideas on how to market your upcoming book , check out our post on the topic.

Columnist/Blog Writer

You can also look for work as an op-ed columnist or blog writer. This might be something you do for an existing website, or it might be a blog you start from scratch on Wix, SquareSpace, or Tumblr.

You might have heard of people getting creative writing degrees, or at least you might have heard some of the discourse surrounding these degrees. Off the bat, I want to say that you don’t need a creative writing degree to be a writer. It doesn’t make you a ‘real’ writer, and it doesn’t indicate your seriousness toward the craft.

If you do want to get a creative writing degree, though, you’re looking (broadly) at two options:

Undergraduate writing programs

This is your BFA in creative writing. Not all colleges offer them—many (like my alma mater) offer a creative writing concentration or focus as part of an English degree. So you might graduate, hypothetically, for example, with a degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. Some colleges don’t offer a major, but they do offer minors.

Check to see what sorts of courses your college or prospective college offers. Do you have to be an English major to take their creative writing course? Does their creative writing course offer guidance in the type of creative writing you want to pursue? For example, my alma mater offered a creative writing concentration with two tracks, one for fiction and one for poetry. There was also a separate film studies concentration for aspiring screenplay writers and film students.

Graduate writing programs (a.k.a., the MFA)

MFA programs can be extremely competitive and prohibitively expensive, not to mention that you’re obviously not guaranteed to come out of them a better writer. They can be a great tool, but they’re not a necessary one. Look at it this way: are you willing to get this MFA if it means you might come out of it without a successfully published novel? If so, proceed.

If you want to pursue an MFA, do your research. Don’t go straight for the Iowa Writers Workshop application page and hope for the best—investigate the universities that look appealing to you, see if your interests align with theirs, and make that application fee count.

Going to college isn’t the only way to take classes on creative writing! If you’re looking for more cost-friendly options, the Internet is your friend. I’ve linked to a few places loaded with creative writing courses to get you started.

1. Intelligent.com: The Best 10 Online Creative Writing Courses

2. Coursera: Best Creative Writing Courses and Certifications

3. Self-Publishing School: Best Self-Publishing Courses

4. Our Programs: Fiction Write Your Book Program

Are you ready to try an online creative writing course? Are you ready to start some creative writing prompts? Or, are you think you're ready to go for a full creative writing project of your own? Here is a resource to help you get started:

What is a Biography? Definition, Elements, and More

Editorial, Writing

25 Personification Examples for Writers: What It Is & How to Use It

Fiction, Learning, Writing

5 Tips For Mastering Your Rough Draft

Join the community.

Join 100,000 other aspiring authors who receive weekly emails from us to help them reach their author dreams. Get the latest product updates, company news, and special offers delivered right to your inbox.

Flow through your inbox

Flowrite turns your instructions into ready-to-send emails and messages across your browser.

For companies

May 5, 2021

15 writing tools to 10x your writing

We rounded up writing tools to help you be more productive in your work and improve your writing.

Timo Särkkä

Table of contents

Writing plays a bigger – and perhaps more important – role in our everyday work than ever.

From communicating through your keyboard with colleagues and clients to getting your voice heard across social media to perfecting that blog post or article, writing is imperative to success for professionals in almost any role.

Not to mention those of us who communicate or write for a living. Luckily, various online writing tools can help you cross different writing tasks off your to-do list. Finding the needles from the haystack, however, can be challenging at times. That's why we wrote this blog post.

This round-up brings together tools for writers to be more productive in their day-to-day and improve their writing. We hope it helps you to find the best writing tools that fit your daily needs. 

Fluently - Write fluently in any language

Fluently is a distraction-free online text editor with a multilingual translator, a grammar-checker, and a thesaurus built-in. You can use it to create a document in a foreign language while writing in your mother tongue. The translator works side-by-side with the actual editor, so it's easy to see the end result in real-time. There's an integration with the LanguageTool grammar checker, which supports 42 languages. The thesaurus supports synonyms for 21 languages.

gSweets - Superpowers for Google Docs

gSweets is a productivity tool for writers working in Google Docs. It brings slash commands that many already use in their workflow in other apps to Google docs. If you are so used to working with Google's word processor that trying alternative document editors has a high switching cost, gSweets is something that can save you time and keep you in a state of flow when writing with a simple Chrome extension.

Flowrite - The new way to write on the web

Flowrite is an AI writing tool that turns short bullet points into ready-to-send emails and messages, like this:

It's the fastest writing experience ever and an entirely new way to write: Instruct with a few words, click, and witness the text write itself.

Flowrite works where you work, adapts to your daily tasks, and personal style. Designed for the most productive, powered by the latest advancements in AI, it's the best writing tool for those whose work depends on communicating effectively.

Ulysses - The ultimate writing app

Ulysses is the tool of choice for long-form writing. It has loads of features but still allows writers to focus by keeping the number of bells and whistles on the screen to a minimum. The key features include a library for arranging your work, filters to find specific pieces of text quickly, and a goal tracker to keep you on track. Ulysses also features a distraction-free typewriter mode, bookmarks, and outlining functions.

Headline Analyzer from CoSchedule - Write better headlines

A must-try for creating captivating headlines. Just type in your headline, and the app will give you suggestions on how to improve. You'll get a score on a scale of 0-100 and get recommendations on how you're using common, uncommon, emotional, and powerful words. Especially the last two categories of words are important because readers are more engaged when they feel an emotional connection to your headline. Upgrading to a premium plan unlocks some advanced features like SEO score, full version history, and word banks.

Cold Turkey - The toughest website blocker

Cold Turkey allows you to focus by only letting you use the current document you're working on. It restricts or blocks you from visiting certain websites for a predetermined period. Actually, you can block off the entire internet if you want to.

ghost - Turn your audience into a business

If you are monetizing your writing or have ever thought about it, you are likely familiar with services such as Patreon, Substack, and Gumroad. Ghost is an alternative to those. It's a non-profit organization building open source technology for journalism,  allowing you to create a business around your writing – and much, much more. A ghost is a useful tool for any writer from individual bloggers who are just getting started, to large teams of writers and editors looking to make money off content, newsletters, memberships.

Noisli - Your digital place for focus

If you need some background noise to be able to focus, Noisli is perfect for you. Noisli lets you choose from a range of soundtracks, such as nature or city-themed: thunder, water, waves, campfire, coffee shop, or train tracks, to name a few. You can mix several tracks at once and choose the volume for each one. That gives you the power of creating unique soundtracks of your own. The app also has a built-in timer for cutting out the soundtracks at the time of your choice.

Daily Prompt - Build your daily writing habit

Anyone who works with creative writing knows how important it is to write regularly. But writer's block is real, and sometimes life and other work get in the way. Daily Prompt provides creative writing prompts to help you to kickstart your daily writing habit. It also allows you to connect with other aspiring authors and help each other grow as writers by giving and receiving feedback.

Typefully - Twitter thread maker

Typefully allows you to write & publish great tweets without distractions. Made by the team behind Mailbrew, it enables you to see a live preview of your tweet thread while you write it, save multiple drafts, schedule, and publish in a focused environment instead of Twitter's mobile app or on desktop.

Hemingway Editor - Make your writing bold and clear

Looking for Grammarly alternative? Hemingway Editor is a simple tool that makes your writing easier to read. It focuses on identifying common errors that lower the quality of your text. It gives you feedback in three main categories: a readability score, writing metrics, and sentence highlights. Hemingway Editor helps you avoid excess adverbs, sentences written in passive voice, and hard-to-read paragraphs. You simply copy and paste your text to the app, and as a result, you'll get some number data along with visual cues and analysis where your text could do better.

Pacemaker Planner - A word count planner for writers

Pacemaker Planner is a word count planner and tracker. You can tell the app whether you would like to write a certain amount every day or focus more on getting results on certain days of the week. You can view your progress in a chart, which gives you a great visual of how you're doing. Pacemaker can also adjust itself based on your current progress.

iA writer - The benchmark of markdown writing apps

Meet the text editor created for the sole purpose of keeping you focused on just writing. iA Writer provides the crisp, uncluttered environment you need to write well, supported by discrete, powerful features. It is so simple that it's easy to overlook the wealth-power it packs under the hood with features such as Content Blocks and Syntax Highlighting.

Cliché Finder - Remove clichés from your writing

Worried that your writing is full of clichés? This helpful writingtool for writers enables you to find them in your text. Just paste your text in the editor, and the tool will quickly point out clichés and allow you to replace it with a specific word or phrase. It's a handy addition to your writing toolset to make your writing more effective and unique.

Craft - Next-generation document editor

Craft is a note-taking app slash word processor that lets you handle text in blocks (a lot like Notion does). It supports bulleted lists, markdowns, pictures, sketching, PDF files, link previews, and more. Craft also lets you create pages from wiki templates and collaborate with others when working on them. Maybe the most distinct feature of Craft is its beautifully minimalistic design and user experience. Many users report that the design simply makes you want to use the app.

ContentPro - Optimize your content

Do you find yourself spending hours and hours on research for the topics you want to write about?  ContentPro, created by Automata, finds articles from other companies on the same topic to help you optimize your writing. Their Chrome extension compares whatever you've started to write on Google Docs to their content library to see what industry leaders and competitors say about it.

We hope this blog post introduced you to some writing tools that hold the potential to help your everyday work. Drop us a note if you end up picking up one – would love to hear your thoughts!

Supercharge your communication with Flowrite

Write emails and messages faster across Google Chrome.

Explore Flowrite

Start using Flowrite today

Try it yourself

General template

Reply to: "

Received message

introduce flowrite short instruction to ready to send emails we finish email

Generate a reply

Generate an outreach

Share this article

Related articles

We use cookies to analyze site performance and deliver a better experience for visitors.

Product updates

Read the latest →

About Flowrite

Get to know us →

Productivity

© 2023 Flowrite

The 34 Best Tools for Improving Your Writing Skills

Updated: July 28, 2017

Published: November 23, 2016

Words are hard.

Whether you're a published author or just getting started with blogging, it's not always easy to string words together in a way that makes sense, sounds good, and makes the reader  feel  something.

But every marketer should be able to write -- and, more importantly, every marketer  can  write. It's just a matter of finding the writing environment that works best for you, expanding your vocabulary, asking for feedback (and listening to it), and practicing.

Luckily, there are a slew of great tools you can use to help improve your writing. Check out the list below, and feel free to add the most helpful ones you use in the comment section.

The 34 Best Tools for Improving Your Writing

1)  daily page.

"Writer's block is a comforting lie we tell ourselves so we can stop writing and go do other, more pleasurable things," said Beth Dunn , HubSpot's UX writer and editor. "If your fingers still work, you can write. Sit down at the same time every day and start typing."

Want to get into the habit of writing every day, but don't know what to write about?  Daily Page emails you a writing prompt every morning, and you have the rest of the day to write your response. Once you've written your response to the prompt, you can either share it or keep it private.

2)  750 Words  

Another way to practice your writing is to do a "brain dump" exercise using a tool like 750 Words. "Brain dumping" means getting all that stuff in your head down on paper -- without having to worry about incomplete ideas, tangents, and private stuff.

It's not blogging or status updating -- it's just you, writing whatever you want on a totally private account, without ever having to title your content or tag topics or share with your friends.

What it does do is track your word count so you're sure to write 750 words (about three pages of writing). Plus, it's gamified, which makes it kind of fun: You get a point for writing anything at all, two points for writing 750 words or more, and more points if you write consistently. And every time you write, it'll give you some cool statistics on how much time you spent writing, the feelings and themes of your words, and so on.

I read about a "Swipe File" on the "Kopywriting Kourse" blog  and loved the idea. Basically, a swipe file is just a folder where you can curate cool stuff you come across, like advertisements, copy, emails, etc. "Save things that make you click, sign up, laugh, or go 'whoa!'" says the post. The purpose? To flip through it for inspiration.

A swipe file can be physical or digital.

• A physical swipe file would be something like a folder or envelope where you can keep print ads, pieces of copy, letters, and so on for inspiration.
• A digital swipe file on desktop would be a digital folder, like one on your desktop. Whenever you see something interesting, screenshot it (by pressing Command + Shift + 4 on a Mac or Ctrl + Shift + 4 on a PC) and dragging that screenshot to your swipe folder.
• A digital swipe on your mobile device is good for all the stuff you see when browsing the internet on your phone or tablet. The author of the post, for instance, created a specific folder in his iPhone and made a Phone Swipe File there. He stores screenshots when he sees something on mobile that grabs his attention.

14)  oTranscribe  

If you're writing something that includes an interview with someone else, oTranscribe is a great tool that'll make the transcription process much less painful -- allowing more time for your own writing and analysis.

There are a lot of transcription tools out there, but this one is one of my favorites. It's a web app for transcribing interviews created by Elliott Bentley , a graphics writer at Wall Street Journal. The audio player is integrated with the editor meaning you won't have to click back and forth. You can pause, play, rewind, and fast-forward using keyboard shortcuts. Every second, it automatically saves the transcription to your browser's storage. You can export it to plain text or Google Docs. Finally, it's  open source under the MIT license.

16) E.ggtimer.com & 17)  Tomato Timer

If you like to write with a little pressure (or you're just on deadline), then tools like e.ggtimer.com and Tomato Timer are useful (and free). Both of these tools offer a "pomodoro" option, which refers to the Pomodoro technique : a time management technique created by Francesco Cirillo based on periods of distraction-free work followed by short breaks -- which is supposed to be optimal for productivity.

For example, here's what happens when you search for "study animals." OneLook then ranks synonyms according to how related or distance they are from the original search query. This is a great tool for when you have that "what's the word for this?" moment and can't bug your deskmate.

Image Credit: OneLook Thesaurus

22)  Twinword Writer  

Here's another help that'll help you if you get stuck on a word and don't want to leave your browser or skim through synonyms. If you type using Twinword Writer, it'll automatically sense if you pause because you're stuck on a word. Then, it'll analyze the context of your writing and open a box suggesting alternate words you can use. You can also click any word to get suggestions.

23)  Prompts  

If you like typing out posts or ideas using your iPhone and tend to hit a wall in the middle of a thought or idea, this $2.99 iOS app may be worth the investment. It uses an algorithm to make suggestions for what you should write next. It also tracks stats about your writing habits, can remind you to write regularly if you allow it, and lets you schedule the best day and time to write based on your writing history.

Image Credit: Prompts

24)  BrainyQuote  

You may also find you want to include a quote from a famous author, politician, celebrity, or other public figure to strengthen your writing or inspire your readers. BrainyQuote is a library filled with millions of interesting quips that you can search by speaker (from Aristotle to Dr. Seuss to Audrey Hepburn) or by topic (like peace, success, leadership, and more).

25)  Hemingway App

Ernest Hemingway, admired for his succinct writing style, is the namesake for this handy editing app. Want to make your content more easily readable? Paste your text into this free web app and it'll assess your writing and identify opportunities to make it simpler. First, it sums up how readable your writing is with a grade. Then, it suggests how to improve readability. ( Read this blog post for more tips on simplifying your writing.)

Image Credit: ProWritingAid

28)  Grammarly  & 29) Correctica

Once the actual writing part is done, it's time to edit. While human editors will be able to catch most grammatical errors, editing tools like Grammarly and Correctica are great tools for triple-checking before you press "publish" or "send." Both free tools check for grammatical errors -- and Grammarly even checks for plagiarism.

30)  Draft  

When you upload your document to draft (from cloud services like Dropbox, Evernote, Box, or Google Drive), there's a lot you can do with it. You can edit your document, share it with colleagues or friends, and manage your friends' suggestions -- much in the same way you can with Google Docs.

One big differentiator, though?  It calls itself the "Uber for copyediting":  Draft lets you call on a staff of reviewers to get suggested edits, for a price. (Learn about more features here .)

Image Credit: Draft

31)  Cliché Finder  

Unleashed too many clichés in your most recent piece of content? To help your writing be more specific, it's generally best to avoid clichés. To ensure you leave no stone unturned, paste your text into Cliché Finder and it'll highlight any you missed so you can replace them with more specific text.

When you're creating list posts -- like this one -- it's easy to hit a wall. Sure, you know there are other great examples out there, but you've already exhausted the ones you know of. With Listly, you can invite your audience to contribute to your list. The Listly community can then vote on list items to move them up the list. 

You can either embed the interactive list in your post or use it do conduct research before you publish to ensure that the examples, items, or tips you're including are the best of the best.

Most businesses adopt either the AP Stylebook , or the Chicago Manual of Style . If you want to customize your style guide, you can  download the writing style guide template we've created here .

34) WritePls

If you type " how to improve writing skills " into Google, you'll notice that there are almost six million search results. WritePls has organized the best of the best articles about writing into specific categories for different writing types (fiction, nonfiction, and emails), as well as articles about general writing, growth hacking, and resources for ebooks and online education.

This is a great home base for new and experienced writers alike. Blogging and email writing are two very different crafts, and WritePls has collected a variety of great resources to help any writers working on any type of project to refer to in a one-stop shop.

Which tools for improving one's writing would you add to the list? Share with us in the comments.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in November 2015 and has been updated and for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

55 Best Free Online Courses For Whatever You Want to Learn

11 New Year's Resolutions You Should Actually Keep

5 Essential Skills Marketers Need to Succeed This Year [Infographic]

Budget Planning, Hiring, Training & More: The Complete 2017 Marketing Strategy Kit [Free Download]

How to Learn Anything Faster

11 Helpful Resources for Improving Your Business Skills

Learn to Code: 17 Handy Resources to Get Started

13 Valuable Skills You Can Teach Yourself for Free

The Anatomy of an Effective Marketing Brain [Infographic]

How to Be an Efficient & Effective Marketer (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Save time creating blog posts with these free templates.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

Creativity Tools for Writers

by Melissa Donovan | Feb 6, 2024 | Creative Writing | 0 comments

Creativity tools for writers.

Today’s post is an excerpt from my book Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing , which takes you on a tour through the world of creative writing, from the various types of writing that you can explore to practical tips for producing the best writing possible. This is from a chapter titled “Tools for Getting Creative.” If you’ve ever struggled to get inspired or keep track of your ideas, I hope you’ll find this helpful.

Creativity Tools

I’ve yet to meet a writer who doesn’t have an affinity for stationery and office supplies. We seem to be drawn to paper clips and pencil boxes, binders and sticky notes. If you write a short story and print it out, you’ll need to use a paper clip or stapler to keep the pages together. And if it’s a full-length manuscript, you’ll need binder clips or perhaps binder rings to hold the pages. If you write with a pen, correction fluid is often useful. But which tools can actually be used in conjunction with creativity? And how can these tools boost or bust our creativity?

There are many ways to capture and organize your ideas in writing. If you have a good idea, you should write it down so you don’t forget about it. But all those ideas can pile up. You might find yourself searching through notes, trying to find an idea you had months ago, which you want to use now. You might kick yourself for failing to write down the details of an idea that you’ve now forgotten.

Getting Creative

Creativity often begins with brainstorming and sketching ideas until they’re refined enough for a draft. You can brainstorm on paper or on a computer, but I’ve found a bunch of other tools that make brainstorming and project planning fun and smooth. Here are some of my favorites:

Index cards (aff link).

Index cards:  Simple and practical for capturing ideas randomly or during a brainstorming session, index cards are compact and easy to carry around. They also allow you to spread out your ideas and view them all at once. You can rearrange the cards, group them in stacks, or shuffle them around. Index cards are ideal for summarizing scenes and chapters and putting them in chronological or logical order. Coupled with some highlighters or colored pens, index cards are one of my favorite tools for the early stages of planning a book-length project.

Dry erase board (aff link).

Magnetic white board: This is another of my favorite creativity tools. A magnetic white board is incredibly flexible. You can display and organize ideas that are written on paper and attach them to the board with magnets and then use colored dry-erase markers (aff link) to make notes or draw connections between ideas. I often use my white board and index cards for brainstorming, and I just snap a photo of it when I’m ready to erase it.

Sticky notes (aff link).

Sticky notes:  I prefer index cards to sticky notes because I can stack and store them, but sticky notes work well with brainstorming, mind mapping, and capturing random ideas, which you can stick to your desk, wall, or bulletin board for later use. They’re perfect for jotting down quick notes or ideas that you want to attach to a page in a notebook or a scene summarized on an index card. I often use small sticky notes, flipped upside down, as bookmarks in my notebooks (or in paperbacks). This allows me to include a quick note on the sticky note, reminding me why I’ve marked that page.

Audio recordings and dictation:  Several times, I’ve found myself full of great ideas while driving. I used to call myself and leave a voice mail, but now I use an audio recording app that came with my smartphone. Your computer and smartphone probably have recording capabilities built right in, and most computers also take dictation, using automation to transcribe your spoken words into text.

Stocking Up on Supplies

I like to get my supplies in various colors. With colored dry-erase pens, index cards, and sticky notes, you can color-code your project. You might want to use different colors for different locations, or you might want to assign each character their own color.

Some of these items can be costly, such as a massive magnetic white board. And while the rest are fairly affordable, the price tags add up if you try to get them all at once. If you’re on a budget, you can get an item or two whenever you can spare the cash. But don’t put off your writing because you’re waiting to get your hands on some sticky notes or dry-erase pens. Make do with what you have until you can get the rest. The most important thing is that you get your writing done.

What Are Your Favorite Creativity Tools for Writers?

Have you found any tools that boost or hinder your creativity? Which tools have you used or would want to try for generating ideas and brainstorming? How would they suit your needs?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe and get The Writer’s Creed graphic e-booklet, plus a weekly digest with the latest articles on writing, as well as special offers and exclusive content.

Recent Posts

• Writing Tips: Be Yourself
• A Must-Read for Storytellers: Save the Cat
• Poetry Prompts for Language Lovers
• Fiction Writing Exercise: The Internal and External Struggles of Your Characters
• 12 Character Writing Tips for Fiction Writers

Write on, shine on!

Pin It on Pinterest

Related Topics

• Book Writing Software
• Novel Writing Software
• Screenwriting Software
• ProWriting Aid
• Writing Tools
• Literature and Latte
• How to Use Scrivener
• Hemingway App
• Final Draft
• Writing Apps
• Grammarly Premium
• Ulysses vs Scrivener
• Wattpad Inbox
• Microsoft OneNote
• Google Keep App
• Grammarly for Word
• Types of Writers
• How to Become a Writer
• Author Overview
• Document Manager Overview
• Screenplay Writer Overview
• Technical Writer Career Path
• Technical Writer Interview Questions
• Technical Writer Salary
• Google Technical Writer Interview Questions
• How to Become a Technical Writer
• UX Writer Career Path
• Google UX Writer
• UX Writer vs Copywriter
• UX Writer Resume Examples
• UX Writer Interview Questions
• UX Writer Skills
• How to Become a UX Writer
• UX Writer Salary
• Google UX Writer Overview
• Google UX Writer Interview Questions
• Technical Writing Certifications
• Grant Writing Certifications
• UX Writing Certifications
• Proposal Writing Certifications
• Content Design Certifications
• Knowledge Management Certifications
• Medical Writing Certifications
• Grant Writing Classes
• Business Writing Courses
• Technical Writing Courses
• Content Design Overview
• Documentation Overview
• User Documentation
• Process Documentation
• Technical Documentation
• Software Documentation
• Knowledge Base Documentation
• Product Documentation
• Process Documentation Overview
• Process Documentation Templates
• Product Documentation Overview
• Software Documentation Overview
• Technical Documentation Overview
• User Documentation Overview
• Knowledge Management Overview
• Knowledge Base Overview
• Publishing on Amazon
• Amazon Authoring Page
• Self-Publishing on Amazon
• How to Publish
• How to Publish Your Own Book
• Document Management Software Overview
• Engineering Document Management Software
• Healthcare Document Management Software
• Financial Services Document Management Software
• Technical Documentation Software
• Knowledge Management Tools
• Knowledge Management Software
• HR Document Management Software
• Enterprise Document Management Software
• Knowledge Base Software
• Process Documentation Software
• Documentation Software
• Internal Knowledge Base Software
• Grammarly Premium Free Trial
• Scrivener Templates
• Scrivener Review
• Character Development Templates
• Screenplay Format Templates
• Book Writing Templates
• API Writing Overview
• How to Write a Book
• Writing a Book for the First Time
• How to Write an Autobiography
• How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?
• Do You Underline Book Titles?
• Snowflake Method
• Book Title Generator
• How to Write Nonfiction Book
• How to Write a Children's Book
• How to Write a Memoir
• Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Book
• How to Write a Book Title
• How to Write a Book Introduction
• How to Write a Dedication in a Book
• How to Write a Book Synopsis
• Business Writing Examples
• Business Writing Skills
• Types of Business Writing
• Dialogue Writing Overview
• Grant Writing Overview
• Medical Writing Overview
• How to Write a Novel
• How to Write a Thriller Novel
• How to Write a Fantasy Novel
• How to Start a Novel
• How Many Chapters in a Novel?
• Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Novel
• Novel Ideas
• How to Plan a Novel
• How to Outline a Novel
• How to Write a Romance Novel
• Novel Structure
• How to Write a Mystery Novel
• Novel vs Book
• Round Character
• Flat Character
• How to Create a Character Profile
• Nanowrimo Overview
• How to Write 50,000 Words for Nanowrimo
• Camp Nanowrimo
• Nanowrimo YWP
• Nanowrimo Mistakes to Avoid
• Proposal Writing Overview
• Screenplay Overview
• How to Write a Screenplay
• Screenplay vs Script
• How to Structure a Screenplay
• How to Write a Screenplay Outline
• How to Format a Screenplay
• How to Write a Fight Scene
• How to Write Action Scenes
• How to Write a Monologue
• Short Story Writing Overview
• Technical Writing Overview
• UX Writing Overview
• Reddit Writing Prompts
• Romance Writing Prompts
• Flash Fiction Story Prompts
• Dialogue and Screenplay Writing Prompts
• Poetry Writing Prompts
• Tumblr Writing Prompts
• Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
• Creative Writing Prompts for Adults
• Fantasy Writing Prompts
• Horror Writing Prompts
• Technical Writing Services
• Business Writing Services
• Content Writing Services
• Grant Writing Services
• SOP Writing Services
• Script Writing Services
• Proposal Writing Services
• Hire a Blog Writer
• Hire a Freelance Writer
• Hire a Proposal Writer
• Hire a Memoir Writer
• Hire a Speech Writer
• Hire a Business Plan Writer
• Hire a Script Writer
• Hire a Legal Writer
• Hire a Grant Writer
• Hire a Technical Writer
• Hire a Book Writer
• Hire a Ghost Writer

Home » Blog » Top 20 Writing Tools For Every Writer (Complete Review)

Top 20 Writing Tools For Every Writer (Complete Review)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Are you tired of staring at a blank screen, unsure of where to start with your writing projects? Do you find yourself struggling to catch those pesky typos and grammar mistakes that seem to sneak into your work? Well, worry no more! 

This article includes a lineup of top-notch writing tools that will revolutionize the way you write. Whether you’re a seasoned author , a student working on an essay, or a professional crafting important documents, these tools are here to make your writing journey smoother and more enjoyable. So, buckle up and get ready to discover your new favorite writing tool and companions.

Top Writing Tools for Writers

Here is a list of top writing tools, along with their best use and description: 

Writing Tools to Write Your Book

“ Book writing software ” is a broad term with many categories. A “complete” book writing software is a program that facilitates the actual writing of your manuscript. These programs are comprehensive with a robust array of features and abilities. 

Let’s explore a few basic features of fundamental book writing software:

Squibler is an innovative AI writing software that is designed to help you write with AI and publish your book in a short time. Their goal is 30 days, to be exact. This may sound extreme, however, the assistant smart writer and their focus on organization and efficiency make it 50% easier and more efficient for writers.

Squibler is simple and easy to understand while remaining powerful. It offers writers several key features:

• AI writer, rewriter
• AI visualizer
• Content expander
• Note-taking tools
• Research support
• Outline creation
• Spellchecker
• The organization features for chapters and scenes
• Helps writers publish their books – eBook or print

The AI writer works as an AI assistant and generates content in a matter of seconds based on your instructions. This way, you don’t have to write everything from scratch, instead you have a 24/7 available assistant that works for you without any breaks. 

The AI writer is modeled in a way that not only generates content from scratch but also rewrites content based on provided instructions. You just need to select the text you want to rewrite and command the Smart Writer to perform the task for you. 

Not only you can rewrite based on the five senses, but also summarize the text, and add more conflict and intensity to the book plot. 

Squibler also allows you to visualize a certain scene inside the story. The AI generates images and videos based on the text and comes up with a relevant visual that you can freely use.  

Squibler offers excellent collaboration and organization features to enhance your writing. Inside Squibler’s editor, you can also assign tasks to editors and collaborators to help with your writing. Moreover, you can add daily and file goals for you to track your productivity so it keeps you motivated.

A Book Writing Template

Squibler also offers a series of book writing templates – some genre-specific and others more general. Writing with a template takes a lot of pressure off and can take much of the guesswork out of structuring the story.

This is an example of a more general book writing template:

This template is good for someone who hasn’t narrowed down a genre yet or wants a basic guide. You can get more specific and personalized the more you flesh out your story.

If you are a little further along or are trying out a genre for the first time, a more specific template will be helpful:

Romance is a popular genre both on its own and mixed with others. Romance is one of the most versatile genres as it can be crossed with almost anything else – thriller, fantasy, mystery, historical, crime, etc.

If romance isn’t your thing though, Squibler has many other genre options for you to choose from.

You can access Squibler for free. Its free edition comes with limited access like generating a maximum of 6000 words per month, and only 5 AI-generated visuals. However, you can subscribe to a monthly/yearly plan that costs around $20 to access unlimited features, which is a great price considering the AI technology. 

While not as sleek and modern, Scrivener was designed to help you write your book . Scrivener is a more complex program with a lot of features. So many features that some writers find themselves getting overwhelmed.

If you are willing to take the plunge and learn it all, however, Scrivener can be a fantastic tool for writers.

While it would take hours to go through all of its many abilities, Scrivener has a few key features that most writers tend to focus on.

If you’re a writer who likes to take extensive notes and/or thrives when working with a detailed outline, Scrivener is for you. Check out this full Scrivener review for some more detailed information on this writing software.

It is available to try for free for 30 days, after which you must purchase the software if you wish to continue using it. It will cost you a one-time fee of $45 and is available on Mac and Windows.

Another fantastic online word processor , Ulysses is an ideal choice for those looking to focus on shorter forms of writing. Both Scrivener and Squibler, while useful for short pieces, are designed with novelists in mind.

Ulysses has a similar structure and function as the other two. But, it has some features that make it extremely useful for web writers, content creators, copywriters, and bloggers.

The design is minimalistic and simple. Ulysses believes in keeping things clean and easy to navigate. Their most advanced features are kept hidden until you need them.

What makes Ulysses so perfect for bloggers and web writers are the sharing features. First, it allows you to see a live preview. This helps you see exactly what your piece will look like on the web, without having to publish anything.

Once you are happy with your work, you can publish directly to WordPress and/or Medium. There are many blogging platforms out there, but these are two of the most popular.

If you want to publish your article elsewhere, Ulysses offers many exporting styles as well as additional share options. This includes e-mail, iBooks, Google Drive, and several other third-party apps.

To get a better overview of Ulysses and see how it stacks up to Scrivener, check out our Ulysses vs. Scrivener comparison .

Online Writing Tools For Motivation

Sometimes the most difficult part of writing is the writing itself. For those struggling with just getting started, several apps aim to help.

This writing tool provides a clean and simple space to do your writing. But, you can do this anywhere. What’s different about this free writing app, is the motivation tools it also provides.

750 words is roughly three pages, with 250  being the accepted amount of words per page. They think that on average, 750 words is a good daily goal – hence the name. Of course, this can differ depending on your lifestyle and schedule, but 750 is their general suggested target.

The app encourages you to write this amount (or whatever your goal) every day by tracking your work with a points system:

• Write anything at all, and get one point.
• Reach 750 words, and get two points.
• Write three or more days in a row, and get even more points.

The points are a simple motivational tool to encourage you to write something each day.

In addition to the points, they also offer some statistics about your writing. These can offer insight into your writing and habits that you may never have noticed before. These include things like your words per minute, how long it took you to get to 750, and how many breaks you took.

It also analyzes the writing itself and picks out themes and trends. It delivers this information to you in the form of pie charts:

Between seeing your daily statistics and building up those points, 750 Words offers a lot of motivation to write every day. Once you get started with this fantastic writing tool, you will develop good writing habits in no time.

750 words are only available to use online, but you make an account that keeps everything private and saves all your points and progress from each day.

In addition to the writing aspects, 750 Words also offers monthly challenges and small ways to connect with other members.

You can use the site for 30 days, after which it does require a small fee of $5/month for continued access.

Ilys is a unique writing software that very much values editing but also knows that it has a time and place. One of the most common pieces of advice for writers is to not edit as you go. Ilys is on board with this, and they have set out to make sure you don’t do it.

To begin a writing session with Ilys, you tell it how many words you want to write. Once you start, you are unable to change, edit, or even delete anything until you’ve hit your word count goal. Once the goal is reached, only then can you start making edits.

Not only are you physically unable to make changes before completing the goal, but your writing is invisible. You can use the peek button to take a quick look, but as you’re writing, your words stay hidden – all except for the last letter you typed.

Your work is revealed for editing only when you are finished.

In addition to helping you get some writing done before you start editing, Ilys believes in consistency. They wish to help you with this as well.

Ilys will track your progress over time. You will be able to see when you’re most productive, and when you’ve been slacking a little.

This writing software has a twist that is sure to break any habit you may have of obsessive editing.

It allows for maximum creativity with the stealthy way in which it forces you to write. You can’t even look back at what you’ve done until your goal is reached.

A subscription to Ilys costs $9/month, but users can type up to 3000 words for free before making a purchase.

Twords is a writing tool that is designed to keep you motivated and writing regularly. It offers you a space to write where you can keep your time and your word count goal right in front of you.

It suggests a daily word count goal of 500, but you can customize this if you want.

In addition to a place to write and ways to track your progress, Twords offers a community aspect. You can create a public profile with a photo and some personal information. You can connect with other users and even create “accountability buddies.”

Accountability buddies are other users with whom you stay connected as you strive to write every day. They are there to vent frustrations and ask for advice. If you don’t write for a few days, Twords sends an email to your accountability buddies so they know to ask you what’s up.

Having someone there to keep you accountable is an excellent way to stay motivated. This part of the website is optional. But, creative writers who struggle to stay on task and write every day will find it useful.

The Most Dangerous Writing App

This writing tool is a simple, single-page program that doesn’t just encourage but forces you to keep writing – at all costs. If you don’t keep those words coming, the app will delete your work.

The only thing you have to do is select the length of your session. It can be anywhere from 3-60 minutes. From there, it brings you to a blank white page with just a cursor. There are no menu options, no formatting choices, and no distractions whatsoever.

The only catch is that you must keep typing. If you stop for even a few seconds, everything disappears and you have to start over.

For most, this is all the motivation they’ll need to keep on going!

A basic writing tool, but perhaps one of the best for someone who is struggling with inspiration and motivation. Even if what you write isn’t any good, at least the app gets you writing something.

Writing Tools to Beat Distraction

For most writers, distraction is a huge problem. Between cell phones, video games, and the internet in general, our minds have become programmed to multi-task. Focusing on one thing can be hard, especially with all the aforementioned distractions just waiting in the wings, calling our names.

Beating these distractions with sheer willpower alone is possible, but difficult. It may be worth exploring some writing tools to help eliminate distractions from your writing time.

Calmly Writer

Calmly Writer is one of the most basic pieces of writing software you will find. And this is the whole point.

Once you start writing, everything else disappears:

Other than your words, there is only one other icon. Clicking this will reveal the menu and all its options:

This clean and minimalistic interface doesn’t do anything about the looming technology and the internet. But, it helps you zero in on your best writing, by filling your entire screen with nothing but your own words.

This is effective in putting many in the zone. The focus becomes razor-sharp. With nothing else to even click on, words get written fast. With all other thoughts out of the way, creativity can flow at its best.

To make this simple writing experience the best it can be, Calmly Writer does offer some customizable features for you to work with:

• Once some words are written, you can select a section and click to choose various formatting options.
• Your writing is automatically backed up as you go.
• The app features a responsive design that will work with various screen sizes, types, and devices.
• It offers a dark mode for those who prefer to write with white text on a black screen.
• An optional typewriter sound can be turned on for added effect.

For those looking for a calm and serene place to write, Calmly Writer is your answer. With everything else hidden away, all you need to do is create.

Freedom is a unique writing tool that will block your distractions. Calmly Writer provides you with a clean and simple space that encourages focus. Freedom removes your ability to even utilize the distractions that exist on the internet.

The concept is simple – you can create customized lists of the websites that are most distracting to you. – Social media posts , games, news, entertainment – these are some of the most common.

Once you’ve chosen or created a list, you can create a session of whatever length you want. Once you click to start your session, Freedom blocks all websites on your list for your chosen amount of time.

If you want to buckle down and write, and don’t need any references in front of you, you can simply block the entire internet.

Another huge distraction for many is their cell phone. The app is available to download on mobile as well, and it does much the same thing. You can choose which apps you want to be blocked, and Freedom will disable them for the duration of your session.

This writing tool is basic, easy to use, and incredibly powerful. After a free trial, it is available at three different price points:

• $6.99/month
• $120 for lifetime access

If you like the app but don’t want to make a lifetime commitment, you can save a lot of money by paying for your subscription yearly. The yearly price point brings your monthly cost down to about $2.

Writing Tools For Editing

Sometimes more time-consuming than the writing itself, editing is a tedious part of the content creation process . But, it’s unavoidable.

You should always begin by thoroughly editing your work yourself. Once this is done, it is recommended that you hire a professional editor if you plan to publish .

In addition to both of these, however, there is the option of utilizing some writing software that does parts of the editing for you. These in no way replace your work, or that of a professional. But, the right editing tool can save both of you some time and effort by taking care of the small stuff.

Grammarly is one of the favorite writing tools out there right now for authors. It is a program that scans your work and points out grammatical errors. The basic version of the service is free and allows you to scan an unlimited amount of documents and words.

It will alert you to a few different errors:

• Basic grammatical mistakes
• Spelling mistakes
• Repeated words

It can do this in several different ways:

• Copy and paste your work into the online editor.
• Install the Chrome extension so check your work across the web (blogs, social media, emails, etc.).
• Install the desktop extension.
• Integrate Grammarly with MS Word.
• Integrate Grammarly with Google Docs (still in beta testing).

All of these options come free of charge, and you have unlimited use. For many writers , this is more than enough editing help. If you do any kind of serious writing, however, you may want to consider the premium upgrade .

The premium version offers several advanced checks and features:

• Advanced punctuation, grammatical, sentence structure, and context check
• Vocabulary enhancement
• Genre-specific writing checks
• A plagiarism detector

For a detailed look at the upgraded premium version, check out our Grammarly review . This can help you decide if it is worth the investment.

The Hemingway editor is similar to Grammarly. Where they differ is in their specific functions. Hemingway will also scan your work and point out errors. But, it focuses on mistakes of a different variety.

The Hemingway Editor checks your work for overall readability. It does this by picking out several specific stylistic problems:

• Passive voice
• Complex phrases
• Hard-to-read sentences
• Very hard-to-read sentences

The editor is available online and is free to use. You can copy and paste your text, or you can do your work directly into the editor and have it checked as you go. It does offer some formatting options to make this a viable choice.

For a one-time fee of $19.99, you can gain access to the desktop version of the editor. It is the same program, but you can download it and have it available for offline use.

Hemingway is a fantastic writing tool for those who publish shorter, nonfiction content to a blog or website. It helps you ensure your work is clean, concise, and professional.

It can be used by those who write fiction as well. However, they should keep in mind that there is no way to adjust for stylistic choices. So, you may take some creative liberties with the language that Hemingway will mark as a problem.

Overall though, it’s a creative writing tool that can be used to enhance anyone’s craft.

Writing Tools for Ideas

Sometimes, you’re just stuck on an idea. Writer’s block is a killer, and everyone goes through it at some point.

If you’re struggling, there are many ways you can come by inspiration:

• Randomly conjured ideas
• Overheard conversation
• Life situations, either personal or someone else
• Writing prompts
• Talking to others

In addition to this list, there are some writing tools out there that can assist you in coming up with a great idea for your content.

Scapple is a program developed by Literature and Latte , the same company that created Scrivener. Scrivener is where you write your content, Scapple is where you come up with it.

Scapple is a simple but useful tool that mimics a brainstorming technique known as a mind map. This is where you write down your main, usually broad, idea, and start connecting other ideas and thoughts to it.

In days past, writers would do this with pencil and paper. Scapple decided to digitize this method of thinking and make it easier, more accessible, and even more productive.

A mind map in Scapple is limitless. You can zoom out and make your “paper” or document, infinitely large. When you need a certain section, zooming back in is easy.

Scapple is also perfectly compatible with Scrivener. You don’t even have to export your mind map to insert it into a Scrivener project. If both programs are open, you can simply drag the mindmap from Scapple into Scrivener.

For those who want to expedite and organize their brainstorming and ideas stage, Scapple is your best bet.

HubSpot’s Blog Idea Generator

For bloggers, coming up with consistently fresh and entertaining content can be difficult. Like any writer, a blogger will go through periods of writer’s block.

Just because you run into this, however, doesn’t mean you can stop publishing. Especially if your blog is your income.

So, HubSpot has created a tool to help you find some new topics.

You start by entering up to five nouns into their idea generator. Once the nouns are added, you can click to generate some ideas. It will give you one week’s worth of blog ideas immediately – this is five topics.

To unlock an entire year’s worth of blog ideas – 250 topics – all you need to do is enter some information, and you can download the list.

Some of the topics and titles are simpler than others. But, all of them have the potential to spark inspiration. And even if the title you choose has been done before in some capacity, you can still make the content itself original and unique.

Writing Tools for Productivity

For most writers, the ideas never stop. There is always more work to do, and another blog post to publish. Often, there are many small mistakes and repetitive actions that take up a lot of our time – probably more than we realize.

Life would be much easier if we could find productivity tools to help eliminate some of these small distractions.

Text Expander

Text Expander is a writing tool that has the potential to exponentially increase your productivity. It functions similarly to autocorrect on a cell phone, but with anything you want.

You can add what are called “snippets” and once downloaded, the corrections and actions become active and will automatically occur as you type.

For example, maybe you know you frequently misspell a word. You can tell TextExpander to automatically correct it each time you type it. This is a basic example, you can make them as complex as you want.

If you work in customer service, for example, you might find yourself sending many emails that are all the same. You can have TextExpander enter an entire message as you type a simple four-letter abbreviation.

You can utilize publically available lists, or create your own. The possibilities of this writing tool are endless.

The premade groups of snippets are a perfect place to start. As you get going, you can create as many of your own as you want depending on the type of work and writing you do.

TextExpander is available as a subscription with two payment options:

• $4.16/month
• $39.96/year (save 20%)

Whether you are writing web content or a fictional novel , most writers know the struggle of managing all kinds of tabs at once. From research to references, your writing groups, your editing tools, , and apps, you have a lot open.

Some writers ease the clutter by using a second screen, but that only helps so much. Even separating your tabs into several windows still means you need to flip back and forth a lot. And, having many tabs open at the same time can significantly slow your computer down.

OneTab was created as a solution to this problem.

OneTab turns all your open tabs into a convenient list. When you need access to them, you can either bring them back up individually or all at once. When your tabs are in this list, you will save up to 95% of memory due to the reduced number of tabs open in Chrome.

The app promises complete privacy. Your tabs and their content will never be shared with the developers or other users at any time. The only exception to this is if you choose to share your list, which is an available feature.

Depending on how many scripts your tabs are running, having them in a OneTab list can speed your computer up by reducing the CPU load. It can also help your computer wake up from sleep mode faster.

OneTab is free to use and available on Google Chrome and Firefox .

Writing Tools for Plagiarism

Whether you are writing professionally, as a student, or for yourself, plagiarism is a big deal. Copyright laws are legitimate and you can get in big trouble for copying someone else’s work and claiming it as your own.

Students can be expelled from school, writers can get fired from their jobs. This will happen when intentional and repeated plagiarism happens.

However, sometimes plagiarism can be an accident too. Most of the time, a piece will require a lot of research with many references being used. In these cases, it can be easy to word something the same way as your reference did.

Unfortunately, this can still be a problem. Some employers have a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. Other times, the original writer may find your duplicate and pursue legal action.

Whatever the situation may be, avoiding plagiarism is a top priority for any serious writer.

Unicheck Plagiarism Checker

Unicheck is among the top-rated plagiarism checkers. When you upload a file to be checked, it compares it to billions of other web pages.

The results include any instances of direct plagiarism, but it will also tell you if any of your writing is similar to anything else on the web.

If there is any plagiarism present, it shows you what percentage of your piece is plagiarised. It also shows you the original web page from which your text is copied.

You can add files from your computer or copy and paste text. Whichever one you choose, it saves all of your pages in your library for reference.

This is a fantastic resource for writers of all types to ensure their work is 100 percent unique and original. It is not available for free, but pricing is reasonable.

You pay for your checks by page. Unicheck considers 275 words to be a “page.”

To buy just 10 pages is $3.00 which makes each page 30 cents. From there, the more you purchase at once, the more money you save. You can purchase up to 2000 pages at a time, for $140. This works out to 7 cents per page.

Grammarly is a popular writing tool designed to help users enhance their writing skills by providing grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style suggestions. One of its notable features is its plagiarism detection capability, which is available in Grammarly Premium.

The plagiarism detection feature in Grammarly scans your text against billions of web pages and academic databases to identify any instances of plagiarism. It checks for similarities in phrases, sentences, or paragraphs within your document compared to existing online content.

When Grammarly detects potential plagiarism, it highlights the problematic sections and provides suggestions on how to revise them to ensure originality. It also provides a percentage score indicating the amount of text that may be plagiarized, helping you understand the extent of the issue.

This feature is particularly valuable for students, academics, writers, and professionals who need to ensure the originality of their work, whether it’s an academic paper, a blog post, or a business document. By using Grammarly’s plagiarism detection, you can avoid unintentional plagiarism and maintain the integrity of your writing.

It’s important to note that while Grammarly’s plagiarism detection is powerful, it’s not foolproof. It’s still your responsibility to ensure the integrity of your work by properly citing sources and attributing ideas to their original authors. Grammarly’s plagiarism detection feature serves as a helpful tool in this process, but it’s essential to use it in conjunction with your own diligence and ethical writing practices.

Other Writing Tools

In addition to the fantastic and robust writing software I’ve talked about already, there are some other, smaller programs. These are more specific in their functions, but can still be useful in enhancing your writing experience.

Power Thesaurus

Another simple but powerful tool, Power Thesaurus is what you need to enhance your vocabulary and bring your writing to the next level.

You can enter any word you want, and get a plethora of helpful information. You begin by choosing what exactly you want to search for:

• Synonyms – words with similar meanings.
• Antonyms – words with an opposite meaning.
• Definitions

The default option is synonyms, but you can toggle between each type of list as much as you want.

Next, you can select a part of speech to explore, if you are looking for even more ways to use the word. It will narrow down your list of synonyms or antonyms to this part of speech only. Options include:

• Expressions
• Phrasal verbs

This free writing tool is useful for anything from short stories to a college research paper.

Read-o-Meter

Read-o-Meter is another writing tool that, while simple, is useful to writers trying to produce their best work.

Especially when writing for the web, many people focus on their own word count goals . But, not many pay much mind to how long something will take someone to read. This can be an important factor.

If you are writing a professional scientific research piece, the length may be of no consequence.

But, if you are writing a casual and informative article to help someone solve a problem, it shouldn’t be too long. If someone is having trouble with a piece of technology, for example, they don’t want to read for 30 minutes before being able to fix it.

Read-o-Meter helps you keep track of your writing’s read time. Of course, it is just an estimate as some people read faster than others. But, it will give you a good idea of how long it will take the average person to get through your piece.

Of course, you could just read it yourself and time it. But, Read-o-Meter is much more convenient as it calculates the results in seconds. It is free to use and has no word limit.

CoSchedule Headline Analyzer

CoSchedule is a company that has developed a set of tools and resources designed to help writers and content creators. Among their services is a free tool called the Headline Analyzer . This tool will analyze your article headline and break it down for you piece by piece.

Headlines are much more important than a lot of people realize. Your content can be top-notch, but no one will ever notice it if they aren’t intrigued by the headline.

There are certain styles and tricks that a headline can use to be more eye-catching and effective. This Headline Analyzer helps you learn what they are and tells you how well your chosen headline does.

Once you type in your headline and click “analyze,” it begins by giving you an overall score.

Beyond this, however, is much more information:

• Length . It analyzes the length of both characters and words. It says that the ideal length of a title is around 55 characters and 6 words. The analyzer compares your title to these numbers and tells you if it’s too long, too short, or just right.
• Keywords . It tells you what keywords are easily picked out of your headline. If these keywords match what your content is about, your headline is on the right track.
• Sentiments . Headlines should show positive sentiment. A headline with positive emotion usually performs the best.
• Google and Email Preview . It shows you a preview of what your headline will look like as a Google search result as well as an email subject line. Seeing exactly what these will look like helps you decide if you want to continue using this headline.

It may seem like a simple and inconsequential thing, but a good-quality headline is crucial to the success of your content. Let this writing tool analyze your title and help you make it better.

Cliché Finder

This writing tool does exactly what its name would imply. It scans your text for cliches. A cliche is a phrase, saying, or excessively overused expression.

It can be easy to slip them into your writing without even noticing. This is because their meanings are so well-known and understood. You can get your point across without coming up with something new.

But, using too many cliches will make your work sound boring after a little while. If you say too many things that readers have heard before, they won’t be able to pull any value from your writing.

This is where Cliche Finder comes in. You can copy and paste your text and it scans your work for cliches. It starts by displaying your results in a list, with three sections:

• Spelling errors
• Word choice

The last one on this list is an interesting bonus. In addition to showing you the cliches you’ve used, it picks out some common and potentially overused words. It then offers you several alternatives that may make your writing more interesting and professional.

Overall, Cliche Finder is a simple but useful tool for writers looking to polish their work.

Final Remarks

Many writers will utilize more than one writing tool. Everyone has different styles and preferences when it comes to the best writing tools , and there is a writing tool out there for all types of writers. Finding that perfect combination will do so much for your career as a writer.

From increasing productivity, being more organized, taking better notes, and kick-starting your motivation, these writing tools are some of the most beneficial. Most ai tools and programs are either free or offer a free trial, so don’t be afraid to try a few out and see what works best for you.

Here are the most common questions that authors generally ask about writing tools:

What are the essential features I should look for in a writing tool?

You should prioritize features like a distraction-free writing environment, spell and grammar check, easy formatting options, and cloud syncing for accessibility across devices. These features can help streamline your writing process and enhance your productivity.

Are there any free writing tools available that are effective?

Yes, several free writing tools like Google Docs, Grammarly (basic and free version only ), and Hemingway Editor offer robust features without costing you a dime. While they may have limitations compared to paid options, they can still significantly improve your writing experience.

How do I choose between online and offline writing tools?

It depends on your preferences and needs. Online tools offer convenience in terms of accessibility from any device with internet access, while offline tools provide reliability even without an internet connection. Consider factors like your writing environment and internet availability to make the best choice for you.

What writing tools are best for collaborative writing projects?

Tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Word (with cloud syncing), and Scrivener offer excellent support for collaborative writing. They allow multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, track changes, and leave comments, making it easier to collaborate with co-authors or editors.

How can I ensure the writing tool I choose is compatible with my preferred file format?

Before committing to a writing tool, check its compatibility with popular file formats like .docx, .txt, or .pdf, depending on your needs. Most writing tools support these formats, but it’s always wise to confirm to avoid compatibility issues later on.

Are there writing tools specifically designed for fiction or non-fiction writing?

Yes, there are writing tools tailored to different genres and writing styles. For fiction writers, software like Squibler, Scrivener, and Ulysses offers features like character development tools and plot and organization tools . Non-fiction writers may prefer tools like Evernote or OneNote for research organization and note-taking capabilities.

What role do writing tools play in improving writing skills?

Writing tools can serve as valuable aids in improving your writing skills by offering features like grammar and style suggestions, readability analysis, and word choice recommendations. Additionally, some tools provide writing insights and analytics to help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Related Posts

Published in Software

Join 5000+ Technical Writers

Get our #1 industry rated weekly technical writing reads newsletter.

Elements of Creative Writing

J.D. Schraffenberger, University of Northern Iowa

Rachel Morgan, University of Northern Iowa

Grant Tracey, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright Year: 2023

ISBN 13: 9780915996179

Publisher: University of Northern Iowa

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Robert Moreira, Lecturer III, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 3/21/24

Unlike Starkey's CREATIVE WRITING: FOUR GENRES IN BRIEF, this textbook does not include a section on drama. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Unlike Starkey's CREATIVE WRITING: FOUR GENRES IN BRIEF, this textbook does not include a section on drama.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

As far as I can tell, content is accurate, error free and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book is relevant and up-to-date.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is clear and easy to understand.

Consistency rating: 5

I would agree that the text is consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

Modularity rating: 5

Text is modular, yes, but I would like to see the addition of a section on dramatic writing.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Topics are presented in logical, clear fashion.

Interface rating: 5

Navigation is good.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical issues that I could see.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

I'd like to see more diverse creative writing examples.

As I stated above, textbook is good except that it does not include a section on dramatic writing.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Chapter One: One Great Way to Write a Short Story
• Chapter Two: Plotting
• Chapter Three: Counterpointed Plotting
• Chapter Four: Show and Tell
• Chapter Five: Characterization and Method Writing
• Chapter Six: Character and Dialouge
• Chapter Seven: Setting, Stillness, and Voice
• Chapter Eight: Point of View
• Chapter Nine: Learning the Unwritten Rules
• Chapter One: A Poetry State of Mind
• Chapter Two: The Architecture of a Poem
• Chapter Three: Sound
• Chapter Four: Inspiration and Risk
• Chapter Five: Endings and Beginnings
• Chapter Six: Figurative Language
• Chapter Seven: Forms, Forms, Forms
• Chapter Eight: Go to the Image
• Chapter Nine: The Difficult Simplicity of Short Poems and Killing Darlings

Creative Nonfiction

• Chapter One: Creative Nonfiction and the Essay
• Chapter Two: Truth and Memory, Truth in Memory
• Chapter Three: Research and History
• Chapter Four: Writing Environments
• Chapter Five: Notes on Style
• Chapter Seven: Imagery and the Senses
• Chapter Eight: Writing the Body
• Chapter Nine: Forms

Back Matter

• Contributors
• North American Review Staff

Ancillary Material

• University of Northern Iowa

About the Book

This free and open access textbook introduces new writers to some basic elements of the craft of creative writing in the genres of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The authors—Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Grant Tracey—are editors of the North American Review, the oldest and one of the most well-regarded literary magazines in the United States. They’ve selected nearly all of the readings and examples (more than 60) from writing that has appeared in NAR pages over the years. Because they had a hand in publishing these pieces originally, their perspective as editors permeates this book. As such, they hope that even seasoned writers might gain insight into the aesthetics of the magazine as they analyze and discuss some reasons this work is so remarkable—and therefore teachable. This project was supported by NAR staff and funded via the UNI Textbook Equity Mini-Grant Program.

About the Contributors

J.D. Schraffenberger  is a professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. He is the author of two books of poems,  Saint Joe's Passion  and  The Waxen Poor , and co-author with Martín Espada and Lauren Schmidt of  The Necessary Poetics of Atheism . His other work has appeared in  Best of Brevity ,  Best Creative Nonfiction ,  Notre Dame Review ,  Poetry East ,  Prairie Schooner , and elsewhere.

Rachel Morgan   is an instructor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. She is the author of the chapbook  Honey & Blood , Blood & Honey . Her work is included in the anthology  Fracture: Essays, Poems, and Stories on Fracking in American  and has appeared in the  Journal of American Medical Association ,  Boulevard ,  Prairie Schooner , and elsewhere.

Grant Tracey   author of three novels in the Hayden Fuller Mysteries ; the chapbook  Winsome  featuring cab driver Eddie Sands; and the story collection  Final Stanzas , is fiction editor of the  North American Review  and an English professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where he teaches film, modern drama, and creative writing. Nominated four times for a Pushcart Prize, he has published nearly fifty short stories and three previous collections. He has acted in over forty community theater productions and has published critical work on Samuel Fuller and James Cagney. He lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Contribute to this Page

• Creativity Techniques

26+ Creative Writing Tips for Young Writers

So you want to be a writer? And not just any writer, you want to be a creative writer. The road to being a legendary storyteller won’t be easy, but with our creative writing tips for kids, you’ll be on the right track! Creative writing isn’t just about writing stories. You could write poems, graphic novels, song lyrics and even movie scripts. But there is one thing you’ll need and that is good creative writing skills. 

Here are over 26 tips to improve your creative writing skills :

Read a wide range of books

When it comes to creative writing, reading is essential. Reading allows you to explore the styles of other writers and gain inspiration to improve your own writing. But don’t just limit yourself to reading only popular books or your favourites. Read all sorts of books, everything from fairytales to scary stories. Take a look at comics, short stories, novels and poetry. Just fill your heads with the knowledge and wisdom of other writers and soon you’ll be just like them!

Write about real-life events

The hardest thing about creative writing is connecting emotionally with your audience. By focusing your writing on real-life events, you know that in some way or another your readers will be able to relate. And with creative writing you don’t need to use real names or details – There are certain things you can keep private while writing about the rare details. Using real-life events is also a good way to find inspiration for your stories. 

Be imaginative

Be as crazy and wild as you like with your imagination. Create your world, your own monsters , or even your own language! The more imaginative your story, the more exciting it will be to read. Remember that there are no rules on what makes a good idea in creative writing. So don’t be afraid to make stuff up!

Find your writing style

Thes best writers have a particular style about them. When you think of Roald Dahl , you know his books are going to have a sense of humour. While with Dr Seuss , you’re prepared to read some funny new words . Alternatively, when you look at R.L.Stine, you know that he is all about the horror. Think about your own writing style. Do you want to be a horror writer? Maybe someone who always writes in the first person? Will always focus your books on your culture or a particular character?

Stick to a routine

Routine is extremely important to writers. If you just write some stuff here and there, it’s likely that you’ll soon give up on writing altogether! A strict routine means that every day at a certain time you will make time to write about something, anything. Even if you’re bored or can’t think of anything, you’ll still pick up that pencil and write. Soon enough you’ll get into the habit of writing good stuff daily and this is definitely important for anyone who wants to be a professional creative writer!

Know your audience

Writing isn’t just about thinking about your own interests, it’s also about thinking about the interests of your audience. If you want to excite fellow classmates, know what they like. Do they like football , monsters or a particular video game? With that knowledge, you can create the most popular book for your target audience. A book that they can’t stop reading and will recommend to others! 

Daily Exercises

To keep your creative writing skills up to scratch it is important to keep practising every day. Even if you have no inspiration. At times when your mind is blank, you should try to use tools like writing prompts , video prompts or other ways of coming up with ideas . You could even take a look at these daily writing exercises as an example. We even created a whole list of over 100 creative writing exercises to try out when you need some inspiration or ideas. 

Work together with others

Everyone needs a little help now and then. We recommend joining a writing club or finding other classmates who are also interested in writing to improve your own creative writing skills. Together you can share ideas, tips and even write a story together! A good storytelling game to play in a group is the “ finish the story” game . 

Get feedback

Without feedback, you’ll never be able to improve your writing. Feedback, whether good or bad is important to all writers. Good feedback gives you the motivation to carry on. While bad feedback just gives you areas to improve and adapt your writing, so you can be the best! After every piece of writing always try to get feedback from it, whether it is from friends, family, teachers or an online writing community .

Enter writing competitions

The best way to improve your creative writing is by entering all sorts of writing competitions . Whether it’s a poetry competition or short story competition, competitions let you compete against other writers and even help you get useful feedback on your writing. Most competitions even have rules to structure your writing, these rules can help you prepare for the real world of writing and getting your work published. And not only that you might even win some cool prizes!

Keep a notebook

Every writer’s best friend is their notebook. Wherever you go make sure you have a notebook handy to jot down any ideas you get on the go. Inspiration can come from anywhere , so the next time you get an idea instead of forgetting about it, write it down. You never know, this idea could become a best-selling novel in the future. 

Research your ideas

So, you got a couple of ideas for short stories. The next step is to research these ideas deeper. 

Researching your ideas could involve reading books similar to your ideas or going online to learn more about a particular topic. For example, if you wanted to write a book on dragons, you would want to know everything about them in history to come up with a good, relatable storyline for your book.

Create Writing Goals

How do you know if your writing is improving over time? Simple – Just create writing goals for yourself. Examples of writing goals might include, to write 100 words every day or to write 600 words by the end of next week. Whatever your goals make sure you can measure them easily. That way you’ll know if you met them or not. You might want to take a look at these bullet journal layouts for writers to help you track the progress of your writing.

Follow your passions

Writing can be tedious and many people even give up after writing a few words. The only way you can keep that fire burning is by writing about your true passions. Whatever it is you enjoy doing or love, you could just write about those things. These are the types of things you’ll enjoy researching and already know so much about, making writing a whole lot more fun!

Don’t Settle for the first draft

You finally wrote your first story. But the writing process isn’t complete yet! Now it’s time to read your story and make the all-important edits. Editing your story is more than just fixing spelling or grammar mistakes. It’s also about criticising your own work and looking for areas of improvement. For example, is the conflict strong enough? Is your opening line exciting? How can you improve your ending?

Plan before writing

Never just jump into writing your story. Always plan first! Whether this means listing down the key scenes in your story or using a storyboard template to map out these scenes. You should have an outline of your story somewhere, which you can refer to when actually writing your story. This way you won’t make basic mistakes like not having a climax in your story which builds up to your main conflict or missing crucial characters out.

It’s strange the difference it makes to read your writing out aloud compared to reading it in your head. When reading aloud you tend to notice more mistakes in your sentences or discover paragraphs which make no sense at all. You might even want to read your story aloud to your family or a group of friends to get feedback on how your story sounds. 

Pace your story

Pacing is important. You don’t want to just start and then quickly jump into the main conflict because this will take all the excitement away from your conflict. And at the same time, you don’t want to give the solution away too early and this will make your conflict too easy for your characters to solve. The key is to gradually build up to your conflict by describing your characters and the many events that lead up to the main conflict. Then you might want to make the conflict more difficult for your characters by including more than one issue in your story to solve. 

Think about themes

Every story has a theme or moral. Some stories are about friendship, others are about the dangers of trusting strangers. And a story can even have more than one theme. The point of a theme is to give something valuable to your readers once they have finished reading your book. In other words, to give them a life lesson, they’ll never forget!

Use dialogue carefully

Dialogue is a tricky thing to get right. Your whole story should not be made up of dialogue unless you’re writing a script. Alternatively, it can be strange to include no dialogue at all in your story. The purpose of dialogue should be to move your story forward. It should also help your readers learn more about a particular character’s personality and their relationship with other characters in your book. 

One thing to avoid with dialogue is… small talk! There’s no point in writing dialogue, such as “How’s the weather?”, if your story has nothing to do with the weather. This is because it doesn’t move your story along.  For more information check out this guide on how to write dialogue in a story .

Write now, edit later

Writing is a magical process. Don’t lose that magic by focusing on editing your sentences while you’re still writing your story up. Not only could this make your story sound fragmented, but you might also forget some key ideas to include in your story or take away the imagination from your writing. When it comes to creative writing, just write and come back to editing your story later.

Ask yourself questions

Always question your writing. Once done, think about any holes in your story. Is there something the reader won’t understand or needs further describing? What if your character finds another solution to solving the conflict? How about adding a new character or removing a character from your story? There are so many questions to ask and keep asking them until you feel confident about your final piece.

Create a dedicated writing space

Some kids like writing on their beds, others at the kitchen table. While this is good for beginners, going pro with your writing might require having a dedicated writing space. Some of the basics you’ll need is a desk and comfy chair, along with writing materials like pens, pencils and notebooks. But to really create an inspiring place, you could also stick some beautiful pictures, some inspiring quotes from writers and anything else that will keep you motivated and prepared. 

Beware of flowery words

Vocabulary is good. It’s always exciting when you learn a new word that you have never heard before. But don’t go around plotting in complicated words into your story, unless it’s necessary to show a character’s personality. Most long words are not natural sounding, meaning your audience will have a hard time relating to your story if it’s full of complicated words from the dictionary like Xenophobia or Xylograph .

Create believable characters

Nobody’s perfect. And why should your story characters be any different? To create believable characters, you’ll need to give them some common flaws as well as some really cool strengths. Your character’s flaws can be used as a setback to why they can’t achieve their goals, while their strengths are the things that will help win over adversity. Just think about your own strengths and weaknesses and use them as inspirations for your storybook characters. You can use the Imagine Forest character creator to plan out your story characters. 

Show, don’t tell

You can say that someone is nice or you can show them how that person is nice. Take the following as an example, “Katie was a nice girl.” Now compare that sentence to this, “Katie spent her weekends at the retirement home, singing to the seniors and making them laugh.”. The difference between the two sentences is huge. The first one sounds boring and you don’t really know why Katie is nice. While in the second sentence, you get the sense that Katie is nice from her actions without even using the word nice in the sentence!

Make the conflict impossible

Imagine the following scenario, you are a championship boxer who has won many medals over the year and the conflict is…Well, you got a boxing match coming up. Now that doesn’t sound so exciting! In fact, most readers won’t even care about the boxer winning the match or not! 

Now imagine this scenario: You’re a poor kid from New Jersey, you barely have enough money to pay the bills. You never did any professional boxing, but you want to enter a boxing competition, so you can win and use the money to pay your bills. 

The second scenario has a bigger mountain to climb. In other words, a much harder challenge to face compared to the character in the first scenario. Giving your characters an almost impossible task or conflict is essential in good story-telling.

Write powerful scenes

Scenes help build a picture in your reader’s mind without even including any actual pictures in your story. Creating powerful scenes involves more than describing the appearance of a setting, it’s also about thinking about the smell, the sounds and what your characters are feeling while they are in a particular setting. By being descriptive with your scenes, your audience can imagine themselves being right there with characters through the hard times and good times!

There’s nothing worse than an ending which leaves the reader feeling underwhelmed. You read all the way through and then it just ends in the most typical, obvious way ever! Strong endings don’t always end on a happy ending. They can end with a sad ending or a cliff-hanger.  In fact, most stories actually leave the reader with more questions in their head, as they wonder what happens next. This then gives you the opportunity to create even more books to continue the story and keep your readers hooked for life (or at least for a very long time)! 

Over 25 creative writing tips later and you should now be ready to master the art of creative writing! The most important tip for all you creative writers out there is to be imaginative! Without a good imagination, you’ll struggle to wow your audience with your writing skills. Do you have any more creative writing tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

Related Posts

Comments loading...

When You Write

Essential Creative Writing Tips and Techniques

Creative writing has no written formula and no immutable laws, you just need a good imagination and good writing skills.

And you’re good to go!

Creative writing presents us with fewer tethers than other forms of writing. This means that we have more liberty when we want to express our imagination artistically.  

With all this freedom, defining and serving creative writing techniques is a bit hard, and some tips are frowned upon as they seem to infringe upon the liberties of some creative writers.

Still, some writers need guidance.

So, I have taken it upon myself to be this guide and dish out much-needed tips and discuss some creative writing techniques.

If you’ve been looking for guidance and insight, here’s a no-frills article full of practical tips on creative writing for you.

What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is writing that uses imagination , creativity, and mastery of the art of writing to evoke emotion in a reader.

It could be a fictional story, a nonfiction piece, or movie script, a play, a poem, et cetera. Creative writing oftentimes springs up from experimentation and good, imaginative use of knowledge and ideas.

One of the things that make creative writing different from other forms of writing is the underlying message or theme. Unlike other forms of writing, creative writing sometimes hides a message under the entertaining, saddening, or horrifying part of the written content.

Other archetypal elements of creative writing include creating an emotional connection with the reader (and sometimes evoking a response), having a deliberate point of view, using a narrative structure, and use of imaginative and descriptive language.

What Isn’t Creative Writing?

Whatever lacks the elements I just listed isn’t creative writing. Written pieces such as company reports, statements, and other professional communications aren’t regarded as creative writing.

Similarly, personal documents and communications such as emails, social media content, and personal communications all fit in the non-creative writing category.

In addition to that, research papers and pieces that are in the “Academic Writing” category do not qualify as creative writing.

Most often the type of content that I have listed is devoid of deliberate themes. Often, these types of pieces have goals similar to those prevalent in creative writing, but they’re presented differently.

But—as a reminder to myself or you, the reader—I would like to say that they’re blurred boundaries in some forms of content. For example, we can’t outrightly classify content such as blog posts as creative writing non-creative. Blog content belongs to a broader category that is as flexible as creative writing itself.

Therefore, you would have to analyze the elements of each blog post to see if they fit a particular category.

Forms of Creative Writing

Given the freedom that creative writing gets, it is just right that it takes many forms.

Here are some of the forms of creative writing:

This is one of the most popular forms of creative writing. Novels are also the first thing people think about when it comes to books (apart from academicians who are religiously into textbooks).

Novels are extended fictional works in prose that usually (or always?) come in the form of a story.

Most of them are in the range of 50,000 to 150,000 words, but some are told in less than 50,000 and others extend beyond 150,000.

Pieces that are too short to qualify as novels and too long to qualify as short stories automatically qualify as novellas and novelettes.

Novellas often fall in the range of 10,000-40,000 words, while novelettes generally have a word count of 7,500-19,000 words.

Word count boundaries are usually varied—and they are oftentimes at the discretion of the publisher or competition organizers.

Short Fiction

Short stories as the name suggests are on the other end (the shorter word count end) of the fiction word count spectrum. 

Short stories generally fall between 2,500 and 7,500 words but sometimes extend to 10,000 words.

Unlike novels, short stories tell stories with fewer characters, details, and backstories, among other deficiencies.

Then there are other forms of short fiction told in 1,000 words, and they’re called flash fiction and micro-fiction.

The unrestricted and spontaneous nature of poetry embodies the artistic multifariousness of creative writing.

Poetry is as emotional as it is rebellious—and word counts and rhyming rarely matter for poems, i.e., those in the free verse category.

There are different types of poems such as sonnets, haikus, sestinas, limericks, and free verses.

The spontaneous nature of poetry does connote lawlessness. The thing is, the different types of poetry originated from different cultures around the world and many come with rules.

However, for most of these types of poetry, the rules are adaptable. A few types such as haikus have specific rules on the number of lines or structure.

Plus, just because there aren’t many rules governing the structure, content, and length of poetry it doesn’t mean that you can brush aside the use of perfect grammar, the importance of POV, the need for a theme, and the need to evoke the reader’s emotions.

TV scripts, stage play scripts, and screenplays

This category comprises stage plays and scripts for films, television programs, and other types of video content.

A majority of content in this category has a lot in common with novels and short stories. Although different scripts have different formatting requirements, they carry a message or central theme and try to appeal to their audience’s emotions.

In a way, these scripts depart from the highly descriptive nature of novels and short stories.  There’s much more dialogue in scripts with a bit of stage or scene directions in stage plays screenplays.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative writing doesn’t always have to be works of fiction, some nonfiction also qualifies as creative writing.

Here are some of the works that can be called creative nonfiction:

• Lyric essays
• Autobiographies
• Humor Writing
• Literary Journalism

Tips and Techniques for Creative Writing

1. read widely and learn from other writers.

You can improve by focusing on looking at your writing only. If you want to be a good creative writer, you have to read.

When you read other people’s work, you discover other writing styles and get inspired in the process.

There are lots of reading resources on creative writing out there. You can find books, essays, blog articles, and video content covering different aspects of creative writing.

Some works will comprise fiction and nonfiction pieces (novels, short stories, poetry, lyrical essays. Et cetera) while others seek to cover interviews and personal essays that talk about the authors’ creative processes.

2. Benefit from Your Imagination

A wild imagination represents superiority for creative writers, especially fiction writers.

This is the only time you’re allowed to play god!

By using a crazy imagination you can conceive an exciting story, build a unique world, and come up with convincing, never-imagined-before characters.

Heck! You can even create your own language!

Be as imaginative as you can be, even going into a trance, and create a creative piece using your own rules!

3. Focus on Understanding and Improving Yourself as a Writer

You cannot improve something you don’t fully understand; therefore, you have to understand your strengths and weaknesses as a writer to become a better writer.

I wrote an article on this, explaining some general strengths and weaknesses that writers have.  As a creative writer, you have to identify problem areas such as bad sense of rhythm, dodgy flow, lack of creativity, et cetera.

As a creative writer, there are things you must have in your armory, such as a rich and relevant vocabulary, organized writing, and a unique writing style (which also happens to be the next tip on the list).

4. Develop or Discover a Unique Writing Style

Creative writers are better off seeking inspiration from other creative writers while trying to follow their path.

In short: study other writers, but develop your writing style. Take a look at all the best, and you’ll discover that most of them developed a unique style.

So, have your writing style. And, it should fit the niche you want to specialize in—if it’s horror, a befitting style. You could also focus on developing vibrant writing full of eccentric characters.

Likewise, you could become a writer who always writes in a specific POV.

5. Create Space for Creative Writing and Stick to a routine

Writing routinely and total focus are tremendously important for creative writers. If you’re a spontaneous writer who scarcely writes and only writes whenever they feel like it, you’re bound to fail as a writer!

You need to have a schedule and some working space. The ideas might come spontaneously and anywhere, but it’s hard to write without proper planning and a distraction-free setting.

It’s unproductive trying to squeeze writing into your day.

When you start writing routinely, in a ‘comfortable’ place, creative writing becomes natural. Even when you’re out of ideas experiencing writer’s block, you have to practice the habit of writing stuff daily—just write some fluff if you’re bored.

6. Know your audience

“Why do you write?”

The most popular answer to the question is, “because I love it!”

But if the question was rephrased and we asked “why do you publish your works?” the previous answer would be ‘half true.’

You write because it’s the love of your life and you publish for your audience. So, creative writing isn’t always about you, but your fans too.

You have to know what your readers are like. Even when you haven’t published a single piece, it’s easy to research readers’ interests using web-based analytics resources.

Armed with this knowledge, you can craft a piece that strikes a chord with your target audience, with a high potential of becoming a bestseller.

7. Always Start and End Strong

Our English teacher constantly reminded us that when she was going through our essays, she started with the introduction and summary before moving to the body.

“They’re the most important parts of your essay.” She’d always say.

Later, I found out that this applied to almost every form of writing.  

Your readers want your piece to either start with a bang or catch their attention. Once the reader feels underwhelmed, they won’t read all the way through.

Strong endings are just as important, but it doesn’t mean that you always have to end on a happy note. You can close on a sad note or give them a cliffhanger. 

As long as you effectively use your imagination and the end doesn’t turn out to be a clichéd one.

The Best Books on Creative Writing

• 1. Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell
• 2. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
• 3. The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
• 4. On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

Final Words

Writing—whatever form it takes—isn’t a simple chore, but as hard as it is, it is also fun!

The goal is always to become a better writer and learn different techniques that will make our content impactful.

Every writer should fear stagnation and continue learning. Utilize today’s easy access to resources, read, ask for help, and let your wild imagination run loose.

While there’s no fixed formula in creative writing, tips from experienced writers will help you improve in some areas.

So, always be inquisitive and reach out to other writers.

Crafting an original work of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction takes time, practice, and persistence.

Recommended Reading...

Crafting compelling game stories: a guide to video game writing, how to write a murder mystery: figuring out whodunit, good story starters for your next bestseller, 100 fluff prompts that will inspire creativity.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 When You Write

• Santa Barbara County
• San Luis Obispo County
• Ventura County
• News Channel 3 Investigates
• U.S. / World
• What’s Right
• Local Forecast
• Interactive Radar
• SkyCam Network
• Full Election Results
• Election Coverage
• High School Sports
• College Sports
• More Sports
• Friday Football Focus
• News Channel 3-12 Livestream
• Livestream Special Coverage
• Morning News Guest Segments
• Events Calendar
• Entertainment
• Health Connections
• 805 Professionals
• Work For Us
• 805 Careers
• Advertise with Us
• Closed Captioning
• Download Our Apps
• EEO Public File Report
• FCC Public File
• How to find News Channel 12
• Public File Help
• Jobs and Internships
• Meet the Team
• Newsletters/Alerts
• TV Listings

Traveling arts organization sparks creative writing skills in students across Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – They are called story pirates.

“Part of a group of folks who take stories from students and live action play them out before they’re very eyes," director of education Jenna Hamilton-Rolle of the UCSB Arts & Lectures.

The actors create a fast-paced fully-improvised show.

The results are hilarious.

“The main character is a purple slug named tom and he's making paintings," student Mason Sancez of Brandon Elementary School.

Hosted by the UCSB Arts & Lectures Art Adventures Program, the focus is bringing kids into the story creation zone to create a story on the spot.

"They're in there telling their stories will the pirates reenact their imagination. so they’re having their story come to life," said parent Sara Sanchez of Brandon Elementary School.

UCSB Arts & Lectures believes Story Pirates will help kids open their minds and use their imaginations

"So excited the students are having a great time. they’ve been looking forward to the story pirates and we’ve been so blessed to have them come to our school," said Sara Sanchez.

The Story Pirates are best known for their podcast which has more than 70 million downloads.

And their hope is to remind students that they are all creative geniuses.

“Have value in the words that they use and so encouraging them to bring those that creativity in those arts to life," said Hamilton-Rolle.

“It’s super fun. it’s like … the best assembly i’ve seen," said Mason Sanchez.

The Story Pirates team hopes the students can now set sail on their own journeys to become the story-tellers of tomorrow.

Jump to comments ↓

Patricia Martellotti

Patricia Martellotti is a reporter for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Patricia, click here .

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here .

60+ Powerful ChatGPT Prompts for Copywriting

A good copy is a powerful tool. It can make or break your marketing efforts, turning a casual browser into a customer. But crafting good copy is an art that often demands time, skill, and a deep understanding of human psychology. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative AI tools like ChatGPT are here to make copywriting simpler, efficient, and even fun. By using ChatGPT prompts for copywriting, you can give your words an extra touch of magic.

If you’re struggling to find the right words to sell your product or service, this article provides over 60 ChatGPT copywriting prompts to point you in the right direction.

TL;DR Here’s a quick video with some useful ChatGPT prompts for copywriting –

ChatGPT and Copywriting

60+ best chatgpt prompts for copywriting.

• ChatGPT prompts for copywriting headlines
• ChatGPT prompts for website copy
• ChatGPT prompts for landing page copy
• ChatGPT prompts for CTAs
• ChatGPT prompts for product descriptions
• ChatGPT prompts for Ad copy
• ChatGPT prompts for SEO copy
• ChatGPT prompts for email copy
• ChatGPT prompts for social media copy
• ChatGPT prompts for press releases

How to effectively use ChatGPT prompts for copywriting

Launched in November 2022, ChatGPT has quickly gained popularity as a go-to AI tool due to its adaptability in handling a wide range of tasks, from writing to coding, and more. The tool made waves soon after its launch and reached 100 million active users in just 2 months! To put that into perspective, it took Twitter over 2 years and Netflix around 3 years to acquire the same number of users.

ChatGPT user growth compared to other online services ( Source )

At its core, ChatGPT is an AI language model that uses deep learning to generate human-like text responses based on the input it receives. Having been extensively trained on a diverse array of internet text, the model is capable of grasping context, tone, and linguistic nuances. This makes it an invaluable asset for copywriters. Even the most experienced copywriters can sometimes fall victim to repetitive thought patterns and stale ideas. With ChatGPT prompts , they can explore new ideas, experiment with different tones, and overcome creative obstacles. This AI tool can be just the thing to jolt you out of your comfort zone, reigniting the creative spark.

If you want to skip prompt engineering altogether, and make things even easier, there’s another tool that could help you in your copywriting tasks – Narrato’s AI Copywriter .

This AI copywriting tool offers over 100 templates for generating everything, from landing pages, web page copy, and headlines to product descriptions, ads, and press releases. What makes this AI copywriter tool even better is that it supports all the major writing frameworks like AIDA, PAS, and BAB. It also comes with an  AI brochure generator . If you still want to use  ChatGPT prompts for content creation  and copywriting, Narrato has an AI Chat function for that too.

With that, let’s get straight to the list of Chat GPT copywriting prompts.

Using ChatGPT prompts for copywriting is a fantastic way to spruce up your content. Here are some ChatGPT prompts to help you with different copywriting tasks –

1. ChatGPT prompts for copywriting headlines

Did you know that nearly 80% of readers never go beyond the headline? Crafting attention-grabbing headlines is crucial to capturing readers’ attention and enticing them to click. With Chat GPT, the possibilities are endless. Whether you need compelling headlines for your website copy, blog posts, newsletters, or any content, these copywriting prompts for ChatGPT will surely help –

• I’m writing content on [topic] and I need X headlines for this content. Each headline should follow one of the 4 U’s (Urgency, Unique, Useful and Ultra-specific).
• Generate X catchy headlines for a blog article on [topic].
• Create a headline for a Google Ad for a [ad theme] targeting [specify target audience].
• Generate X compelling headlines for a landing page promoting [expain your offer].
• Develop X sales page headlines for [product/service] that grab attention and drive conversions.
• Generate a headline summarizing the following text. [Add text]
• Create a headline on the theme [explain theme] that is X-words long.
• Write a headline with a pun/funny quip on [topic].
• Write a headline using [power word/adjective].
• Create a headline on [topic] that is in the form of a question.

Additional tools for headline generation

Narrato’s AI writer provides an AI template that generates 10 headline options in your preferred tone when you input your product or service details along with a description. You might also want to check out CoSchedule’s HeadlineStudio.

2. ChatGPT prompts for website copy

Having a website is not just a good-to-have, but a necessity for businesses today. It serves as a virtual meeting point where customers, existing or potential, can interact with the business 24/7. It is essentially the digital face of a business, narrating its story to the world and offering products or services. To build a good website, you need a good copy, and crafting that is no easy feat. But with the help of ChatGPT, you’ll have a treasure trove of inspiration at your fingertips. With its intelligent suggestions, ChatGPT can provide the perfect inspiration for crafting captivating and persuasive content. Here are some ChatGPT prompt for website content that you can try –

• I am creating a website for [product/service] and I need to write a web copy using the [PAS, BAB, AIDA copywriting framework, etc.] copywriting formula.
• Create a [About Us page, Homepage, Contact page, Product/Service page, Blog page] for my business website. [Give details about your organization/business].
• Craft a web copy talking about the origins, vision, mission and values of my organization. [Give details about your organization/business].
• Help me create the USP for my [explain business], and create an X-word web copy using that information.
• Define the ideal customer persona for [explain business] and create a web copy that would resonate with them.
• Create a compelling website copy for [explain business]. Incorporate these customer testimonials [Add testimonials].
• Help me craft a web copy that reflects the [specify personality] of my brand. [Give details about your brand].

Additional tools for web copy generation

Narrato’s AI copywriting tool can help you build all kinds of website copy. With AI templates and support for different copywriting frameworks such as AIDA, BAB, and PAS, it can assist you in building webpage outlines and the entire web copy from scratch.

3. ChatGPT prompts for landing page copy

A landing page helps convert curious visitors into engaged customers. Creating this landing page, however, isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. It involves an artful blend of marketing strategy, storytelling skills, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs. You must clearly communicate what your business offers, why it matters, and how it stands out from the competition.

Perfect your conversion-focused pages with these ChatGPT prompts –

• Create a landing page copy using the [AIDA/BAB/PAS, or any other] copywriting framework. Clearly describe [product/service], what problems it solves, and who it is meant for. List all the benefits of using [product/service], and include the [USP] and [desired action].
• Write a landing page copy for [specify product/service/offer] based on this framework. [List all the sections you want in the landing page, like heading, About section, Body, section, Solution section, CTA, footer etc).
• Craft a landing page copy that will be appealing for [target audience] encouraging them to [specify desired action].
• Suggest unique and creative ways to design a landing page for [specify purpose] that will grab the attention of [target audience].
• I need a landing page copy that explains the benefits of [product/service] and what makes it better than [specify competitor’s offerings]

Additional tools for landing page creation

Narrato offers two AI templates for landing page copy. One template assists in creating the landing page outline, while the other generates the complete copy based on your specifications. Other AI tools like Leadpages AI Engine and Plai.io can also help in building landing pages.

4. ChatGPT prompts for CTAs

Crafting an irresistible CTA is an art, and that’s where our ChatGPT prompts for copywriting come in. These prompts are your toolkit for creating CTAs that don’t just ask; they persuade and entice your visitors to click that button. Here are some ChatGPT prompts to help you get started –

• [Add details about the product/service] Help me write a CTA for this product/service to achieve the goal of [specify your goal]. The CTA should be interesting, direct, and include power words. It should also create a sense of urgency.
• Generate X powerful CTAs for [specify product/service] that will inpire [target audience] to [specify desired action]
• [Add copy] Analyze this copy and give me suggestions for customer-centric CTAs that will motivate readers to [specify desired action].

Additional tools for generating CTAs

If you’re looking for a simpler way to create CTAs, you should give Replug’s call to action generator a try. It aids in crafting convincing CTAs that are both visually appealing and strategically positioned.

5. ChatGPT prompts for product descriptions

When it comes to creating product descriptions that pack a punch, ChatGPT is your secret weapon. Simply provide a few details about your product, and let ChatGPT do the heavy lifting. From catchy taglines to detailed features, ChatGPT will help you create descriptions that engage and entice your customers. Try using these ChatGPT prompts for creating better product descriptions –

• Can you create an x-word product description for [product name and category], that is designed for [target audience] and has the following features: [List features].
• Give me X creative ways to describe [product name and category] that will set it apart from the competition.
• Create engaging product description for [product name and category], emphasizing its affordability and value, and convincing [target audience] why it is the best choice for their needs.
• Write a product description for [product name and category] in [specify tone] highlighting its unique features. [List features].
• Generate a catchy tagline for [product name and category], summarizing its benefits.
• What could be some selling points for [describe product briefly]. Create a product description using those selling points.
• Rewrite this product description in [specify tone] to make it sound more persuasive for [target audience]: [Add product description]

For more such prompts, check out this compilation of  ChatGPT prompts for product descriptions .

Additional tools for product description generation

ChatGPT can create product descriptions for you, but can it create them in bulk. If you need a tool that helps with that, Narrato’s AI product description generator could be the perfect choice. This AI tool takes your product specifications to generate a product description in the format you want (bullet points or paragraphs). For bulk generation, it takes the input (product specifications of all products) in the form of a CSV file and gives you AI-generated product descriptions in the form of a downloadable sheet.

6. ChatGPT prompts for Ad copy

Crafting an ad copy that grabs attention and inspires action requires finesse. It’s not merely about writing a catchy sentence or two; it involves careful selection of words, skillful sentence construction, and syncing your message with the reader’s hidden desires and needs. The goal is to pique the curiosity of the prospective customers, and inspire them into action – be it buying a product, subscribing to a service, or simply making an inquiry. Using the right ChatGPT prompts for copywriting, you can create ad copy that do exactly that.

Want to create attention-grabbing ad copies? These prompts might come in handy:

• You are a copywriter in [specify industry]. I want to write a [Google/Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram] ad copy on [topic] highlighting [main points]. The target audience for this ad copy is [specify target audience]. I want you to add a hook, and include the keyword(s) [add keywords] and these supporting points in the copy: [Add supporting points]. My goal with this ad copy is to [add your goals]. End the ad copy with a CTA that tells the audience to [desired action].
• Give me X variations of an X-word ad copy for [specify platform] targeting [target audience]. The ad is for [specify product/service].
• Give me X variations of an ad copy in X-words for [specify platform] targeting the keywords [add keywords]. The ad is for [specify product/service].
• Give me X variations of an ad copy in X-words for [specify platform] targeting [target audience], and encouraging them to [desired action]. The ad is for [specify product/service].
• Generate an ad copy in X-words that promoting [product/service], and explain why it could be the best choice for [target audience]. Here are the key features of my product/service: [Add features]

Additional tools for ad copy generation

With Narrato’s AI ad generator , there’s a simpler way to create compelling ad copy. Narrato provides AI templates for various advertising platforms, including Google Ads, Facebook and Instagram Ads, LinkedIn Ads, and also Classifieds. It also allows you to customize your ads with the desired tone, word count, and more.

7. ChatGPT prompts for SEO copy

To succeed in the digital world, it’s not enough to have a visually appealing website. You need a good content strategy that makes sure your content is both easy to find and interesting. This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) copywriting comes in. The secret to improving your search engine rankings lies in creating content that connects with your readers and meets the requirements of search engine algorithms. Here are some ChatGPT prompts for SEO copywriting to help you build better SEO content –

• Develop a webpage centered around [topic] tailored for [company and product details]. Ensure optimization for relevant keywords such as [Keyword 1, Keyword 2, Keyword 3…].
• Write a unique selling proposition (USP) of X words for a sales page representing [company and product details]. Tailor it to resonate with [target audience] seeking [product differentiators], integrating keywords like [Keyword 1, Keyword 2, Keyword 3…].
• You are an SEO copy editor. Craft a concise web page copy within X words, showcasing the distinctive features of [product]. Emphasize [product features] for maximum appeal to [target audience]. Seamlessly incorporate the keyword [keyword] throughout the content.
• Create a brief persuasive piece encouraging [target audience] to acquire [product]. Integrate the call-to-action: [CTA], and infuse essential keywords like [Keyword 1, Keyword 2, Keyword 3…].
• Compose a product description of X words for [product], incorporating keywords like [keywords] while accentuating key features listed as [features list].
• Craft an ad for [LinkedIn/Facebook/Google/Instagram], targeting [target audience] and highlighting [product features]. Ensure the seamless inclusion of keywords such as [Keyword 1, Keyword 2, Keyword 3…].

Additional tools for SEO copy generation

Like we said, SEO content writing is more than simply stringing words together and stuffing it with keywords. To create well-written content that is strategically optimized for keywords, Narrato can help. The platform comes with an AI keyword generator , and an SEO content brief generator to guide your content optimization efforts. The SEO brief gives you suggestions for all the basic SEO parameters (keywords, word count, competitor references, questions for FAQs, etc). The AI Content Assistant on the platform offers tons of other AI tools to help you in enhancing your copy for SEO.

8. ChatGPT prompts for email copy

Whether you’re aiming to boost open rates, drive conversions, or simply nurture relationships, emails are the go-to resource. That’s because email marketing boasts the highest ROI compared to all other marketing channels, with an impressive return of nearly $36 for every $1 spent. But when your customer’s inboxes are overflowing, your email copy needs to cut through the noise and leave a lasting impression. With the right ChatGPT prompts for copywriting, you can create emails that not only get opened but also inspire action.

Here are some ChatGPT prompts for email copywriting –

• Craft subject lines for an email on [topic].
• Compile the latest trends in [ndustry/niche] to fuel captivating newsletter campaigns.
• Create [X] newsletters inspired by the theme of [topic].
• Personalize an email for [Name], spotlighting the features of [product/service]. Maintain a consistent [formal, friendly, conversational, etc] tone throughout.
• Build an X-word newsletter delving into [topic], weaving in an anecdote, and addressing key points: <add the main points>.
• Craft a promotional email for [event/occasion] on behalf of [Company name], unveiling exclusive deal details. End with a compelling call to action.
• Email Subject Line: <add subject line> Create compelling body content corresponding to the subject line.
• Create a follow-up email for [Name] using the subject line – <add subject line>.
• Craft a persuasive email pitch highlighting the unique features and benefits of [product/service details].
• Translate the provided email from [A] to [B], adhering to the specified tone. Email: <Add email content>
• Refine the style, structure, and tone of this newsletter to match a [specify tone].
• Create a welcome email for new users for [Company Name] and introduce them to the brand. <add details you’d like to include>.
• Write an email asking for customer feedback on [product/service], emphasizing the incentives offered for participation: <add the incentive you’re offering>.

Additional tools for email copy generation

Narrato’s AI email writer can help you create personalized email copy quickly and efficiently. It offers AI templates for generating email subject lines, cold outreach emails, promotional emails, event promotion emails, newsletters, and emails from outline.

9. ChatGPT prompts for social media copy

Social media is all about conversations, trends, and capturing the essence of your brand in bite-sized content. ChatGPT, with its conversational prowess and trend-awareness, can help you dominate the social media arena with finesse. Here are a few ChatGPT prompts to write that perfect social media copy –

• Create a set of X [Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn] posts focusing on [Topic], incorporating a [tone choice] tone. Integrate relevant hashtags and a compelling call-to-action, tailored for[target audience].
• Generate an uplifting Monday Motivation post for [Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn], addressing [define target audience]. Infuse the post with a [define tone], and include a strategic call-to-action and hashtags where appropriate.
• Generate [X] thought-provoking questions related to the subject [Topic] suitable for posting in a [Facebook/LinkedIn] group.
• Write a Twitter thread comprising X tweets summarizing the key points of this blog post: <link to blog post/ add text>.
• Create [X] captivating captions for an Instagram post discussing [topic]. Tailor the captions for [target audience] and maintain a [specify tone] tone. Infuse quotes and other elements to add an interesting touch.
• Develop [X] creative options for social media giveaway posts celebrating [holiday name].
• Give me [X] ideas for a social media poll centered around the topic [topic].
• Generate X meme ideas on [topic], including the top text and bottom text.

Additional tools for social media copy generation

An easier and more efficient way to create social media copy is using the AI social media post generator and AI Content Genie on Narrato. The AI social media post generator provides various tools for creating customized content on social media. It comes with templates for generating social posts from URLs, notes, themes, and more. Additionally, it offers a memes generator, a social profile content generator, and a Twitter thread generator.

The AI Content Genie, on the other hand, automatically generates social media (+blog) content weekly. It takes your themes and website URL to generate fresh content that you can effortlessly edit and publish directly from the platform.

10. ChatGPT prompts for press releases

Press releases demand a unique style—concise, informative, and with a dash of newsworthiness. ChatGPT’s prompts for press releases are designed to help you meet these requirements, enabling you to effectively communicate your key messages and engage both readers and media professionals. Whether you’re announcing a product launch, providing a corporate update, or introducing an innovative project, these prompts will ensure that your press releases navigate the news landscape accurately.

• Compose a press release unveiling the launch of our latest product, [product name]. Highlight its key features, benefits, and the substantial impact it holds in the market.
• Develop a press release commemorating the [specify] anniversary of our company. Showcase our notable achievements, growth, and the profound influence we’ve exerted on the industry throughout the past decade.
• Create a press release announcing our strategic partnership with [partner’s name]. Highlight the seamless synergy between our organizations and underscore the advantages this collaboration will bring to our valued clients. [Provide additional information]
• Help me craft a press release for our upcoming industry event on [theme]. Spotlight the event’s agenda, distinguished guest speakers, and elucidate why it stands as an indispensable gathering for professionals in our field. [Add event details]

Additional tools for generating press releases

Narrato also offers an AI press release generator to help you create better press releases within seconds. You can add your announcement notes, and company and product specifications to get an AI-generated press released with the desired word count. Narrato also has an AI image generator if you want to add a visual component to your press releases. It can create images, graphics, and art out of AI image prompts .

By now, it’s clear that ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you generate content for copywriting. Whether your task involves creating catchy website content, engaging blog posts, or persuasive advertising copy, this tool has your back. But to effectively make use of this technology, it’s important to give AI the right direction. Let’s break it down:

1. Set the right context and objectives

Provide as much information as possible to the model about the task. If you’re working on an ad campaign, let the AI know the product/service, its features, and the end goal. Aim to be precise in your description, and make sure to clearly state the desired outcome. Remember, the more accurately you define your objectives, the better the AI can help you achieve them.

2. Use specific keywords and target audience information

To optimize your content effectively, it’s important to feed ChatGPT relevant keywords and target audience information. This way, the resulting copy aligns perfectly with your content strategy and SEO needs. Identify target demographics for consumer-specific copy, and use long-tail keywords particular to your industry for maximum impact.

3. Ask for multiple variations

One of the best features of ChatGPT is its ability to generate multiple variations of a single prompt. If you’re unsure about which angle to take for a particular piece, simply request various versions and see which one suits you best. Experiment with voices and tones to find just the right feel.

4. Combine prompts to generate a more comprehensive copy

When it comes to more extensive pieces of text, you can combine several prompts to generate a more comprehensive copy. Use this approach to build a cohesive narrative out of different bits and pieces that the model creates.

5. Iterate and refine

The process of creating a persuasive and impactful copy with ChatGPT doesn’t end at just generating content. You must iterate and refine the output from the AI until we’re left with something truly engaging and compelling. Re-run the prompt with added feedback to refine the output, and make sure you polish the AI-generated text as you would with any other copy.

Words have the power to captivate, inspire, and more importantly, convert, and with these ChatGPT prompts for copywriting, you can add that special touch to your content that makes readers stop and take notice. Remember, the best copywriters are those who are always exploring new ways to improve their content. With AI tools and ChatGPT prompts listed in this article, you’ll not only be making the most of AI but also sharpening your copywriting skills.

So, why wait? Start crafting your magic with these powerful ChatGPT prompts for marketing . If you’ve got some of your own, do share with us.

Akshita is a content creator, with a penchant for turning complex topics into engaging and informative articles. As a wordsmith with a knack for storytelling, she is constantly looking for an opportunity to create something new.

Recent Posts

• How to Use AI to Generate and Schedule Instagram Posts
• AI Content Creation for Podcasters: How to Plan, Script, and Produce Engaging Podcast Episodes
• Use the AI Image-to-Text Generator to Create These 12+ Types of Content
• How to Use an AI Video to Summary Convertor
• How to Use Automated Content Creation to Boost Content Marketing
• Affiliate Marketing Content
• AI Content Creation
• Blog content
• Content Creation
• Content creation tools
• Content Marketing
• Content optimization and SEO tools
• Content planning tools
• Content Project Management
• Content Workflow
• Content workflow tools
• Covid-19 Coronavirus
• Freelance writers
• Hire Writers
• Narrato Workspace FAQs
• Website content