How reading can improve our writing
The New York Times recently published its list of The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. I’ve never been a list follower; I read what I like, or what my book club suggests for a particular month. Still, I scanned the titles that were declared “the best” by New York Times staffers, editors, and best-selling authors. What a opportunity it must be to give your two cents on which books make up a miniscule percentage out of the millions published yearly.
I made mental notes of the books I’ve read, and the many I haven’t yet that will be added to my growing “to-be-read” list.
A few years ago, my daughter traveled to Denmark to study artist Per Kerkeby for her master’s thesis, I bought her My Brilliant Friend from our local independent bookstore, Tombolo Books. It was displayed prominently on its table of suggested summer reads. My daughter studied Italian in undergraduate school, and even took a class that delved into the Camorra, the Italian mafia-type criminal organization that originated in Campania, so I figured she would enjoy it.
She is now on the 4th book in the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante. My Brilliant Friend was opted for Netflix, with 3 seasons already devoured by my husband and me. Ferrante is an assumed name, but many readers believe that she (or he?) is Lenu, the best friend to Lila’s in this captivating story of a 60+-year friendship that began on the dusty streets of post-war Naples.
In response to the this list, readers gave their suggestions. It’s intersting to compare the two, and my recent favorite, the #1 My Brilliant Friend, ranked a still-impressive #8 on the readers’ list. You can check that out here with this gift link.
I’ve written one book, published in 2021, which means I’m often asked when book #2 is coming out. I believe that most authors write because they’re passionate about the story they want to tell. They have a burning desire to share it with the world. That is how they commit to the work.
I remember how I felt when I decided to write Accidental First Lady. Few women had written about the unique role of the political spouse, and until my husband’s 8th and final political campaign in 2017 - the most expensive and vitriolic in the city’s history - many never asked how political life affected me, or our children, or my friendships, career, or sense of self.
Thanks to a new, yet divisive and abusive style of politics introduced in 2015 when Donald Trump declared his bid for the presidency, formerly “non-political” people started becoming engaged in the process. Perhaps that’s why it took 18 years for anyone to consider what it is entailed when a spouse decides to wholeheartedly support his/her partner in the pursuit of public office.
The more people asked me about political life, the more I crafted my elevator speech became. I began to expect the questions, and I’d been in politics long enough to know that I should always be prepared to spout off my husband’s campaign goals, tenets, and platforms. It was no different for me. I began giving honest answers versus the canned versions I’d tell strangers in the grocery store. After I gave a friend one of those honest answers to her question of how did I live a political life, she urged me to write a book.
Aspiring authors don’t need the suggestion of another to begin writing, or to determine their topics, but I love the idea of a project, and my memoir of 22 years of political life was a new challenge.
A few ideas are churning, and at the suggestion of some who know my history with raising labrador puppies to become guide and service dogs, that’s an obvious subject. And, while most authors refrain from writing in response to requests from potential readers - and other authors - I view writing as a form of service.
It informs, entertains, educates, and inspires. The best advice I’ve received from those who’ve written more than the one book I published in 2021 is to read, read, read. I read for enjoyment, but also to learn. I balance receiving the story with dissecting sentences, dialogue, and chapter organization, use of metaphors, noting those authors that avoid the abhorrent adverb.
My book shelves are full, and my nightstand is stacked, but after House of the Dragon, Killing Eve, or lately, the Olympics, I find it hard to read at night. So I listen, whether through the Hoopla app through the local library or Audible (don’t hate me!). While I walk the dogs, run errands, or fold laundry, I’m usually consuming a book. I listen with two ears: one for enjoyment, the other for analysis and education.
As with anything, practice makes progress, so we continue to write. But reading different authors’ styles also contributes to improving how you deliver your unique story.
If you’re an aspiring author looking to improve your writing, here are 7 essential author tools that can improve your productivity and unleash creativity.
I understand the challenges writers face. The tools I share here will not only streamline your writing process but inspire and energize your creative flow.
Whether you need assistance with generating ideas, plotting your story, or simply improving your writing skills, this list has something for everyone. You'll discover game-changing tools that can help you overcome writer's block, increase efficiency, and turn your writing aspirations into reality.
The importance of productivity for authors
Being a successful author requires more than just a knack for storytelling. It also demands exceptional productivity and time management skills. In today's competitive literary landscape, authors who can consistently produce high-quality content and meet deadlines are the ones who thrive. Productivity is the key to turning your writing aspirations into a reality.
Increased productivity allows authors to write more, experiment with different genres, and refine their craft at a faster pace. When you're able to maximize your output, you can create a larger body of work, increase your chances of getting published, and build a stronger following among readers. Moreover, being productive can help you overcome the dreaded writer's block and maintain a steady creative flow, ensuring that your writing journey remains fulfilling and rewarding.
Essential author tools for organization and planning
Organization and planning are crucial to your success. Juggling multiple projects, managing character arcs, and keeping track of plot points can quickly become a daunting task. Fortunately, there are a range of tools designed to help authors stay on top of their writing tasks and maintain a clear, structured approach to their work.
One such tool is Scrivener, a powerful writing software that offers a comprehensive suite of features for authors. With Scrivener, you can easily organize your research, outline your story, and manage your manuscript all in one place. The software's intuitive interface allows you to seamlessly navigate between different sections of your work, making it easier to keep your ideas and storylines cohesive. Additionally, Scrivener's built-in tools for formatting, compiling, and exporting your manuscript can streamline the publishing process, saving you valuable time and effort.
Another essential tool for authors is Trello, a collaborative project management platform that can be tailored to suit the unique needs of writers. With Trello, you can create boards to organize your writing projects, track your progress, and assign tasks to yourself or your collaborators. The platform's visual approach to task management can help you maintain a clear overview of your writing workflow, enabling you to identify and address bottlenecks more effectively.
Writing tools for improving creativity and inspiration
While organization and planning are crucial for authors, it's equally important to nurture your creativity and find inspiration to fuel your writing. Fortunately, there are several tools available that can help you tap into your inner muse and unlock new ideas.
Brainstormer, a digital mind-mapping application, can help you generate and organize your ideas. By visually representing your thoughts and associations, Brainstormer can stimulate your creativity and uncover unexpected connections that can lead to fresh, innovative story concepts. The tool's versatility allows you to use it for a wide range of writing tasks, from character development to world-building and plot structuring.
For authors who thrive on visual inspiration, tools like Pinterest and Canva can be game changers. Pinterest allows you to curate mood boards, collect reference images, and find visual cues that can inform your writing. Meanwhile, Canva's user-friendly design tools can help you create custom visuals, such as character profiles or book cover concepts, that can further fuel your creativity and bring your ideas to life.
Editing and proofreading tools for polished writing
Once you've harnessed your creativity and produced a draft of your manuscript, the next crucial step is to refine and polish your writing. Effective editing and proofreading are essential for ensuring your work is free of errors, coherent, and engaging to your readers. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available to help authors streamline this process.
Grammarly is a powerful writing assistant that can analyze your text for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and stylistic issues. Grammarly's intuitive interface allows you to seamlessly integrate the tool into your writing workflow, whether you're working in a word processor, email client, or online platform. The tool's advanced algorithms can provide detailed feedback and suggestions, helping you elevate the quality of your writing and ensure your work is polished to perfection.
Another invaluable tool for authors is ProWritingAid, a comprehensive editing and analysis software that goes beyond basic grammar and spelling checks. ProWritingAid can provide in-depth insights into your writing, including suggestions for improving sentence structure, eliminating passive voice, and enhancing your overall style and tone. The tool's reporting features can also help you identify and address common writing weaknesses, empowering you to continuously improve your craft.
For authors who prefer a more collaborative approach to editing, tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Word's built-in tracking and commenting features can be extremely useful. These platforms allow you to share your work with trusted editors or beta readers, who can then provide feedback, suggestions, and revisions directly within the document. This collaborative process can not only improve the quality of your writing but also foster valuable relationships with other industry professionals.
Tools for tracking progress and setting goals
As an author, it's essential to maintain a clear understanding of your writing progress and set achievable goals to keep yourself motivated and on track. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available that can help you do just that.
I’ve created a Goal Setting Guide for Authors. This downloadable guide helps you set measurable, achievable goals that keep you focused, allow you to celebrate wins and milestones, and complete your book. For less than a cup of fancy coffee and pastry, you can get the guide HERE.
For authors who prefer a more traditional approach to goal-setting, tools like Trello and Asana can be invaluable. These project management platforms allow you to create detailed writing plans, set deadlines, and track your progress across multiple projects. By breaking down your writing goals into smaller, actionable steps, you can maintain a clear sense of direction and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Time management tools for efficient writing
Time is one of your most precious resources. Effective time management is crucial for ensuring you can consistently produce high-quality work, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available that can help you optimize your time and boost your writing efficiency.
One such tool is Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working in focused, 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks. The Pomodoro Technique can help you maintain your concentration, avoid burnout, and make the most of your writing sessions. There are numerous apps and extensions, such as Focus Keeper and Tomato Timer, that can help you implement the Pomodoro Technique into your daily writing routine.
Another valuable time management tool for authors is Freedom, a distraction-blocking software that can help you eliminate online distractions and stay focused on your writing. By allowing you to customize blocklists and schedules, Freedom can help you create a distraction-free writing environment and ensure you make the most of your available time. Whether you're struggling with social media addiction or the temptation to browse the web, Freedom can be a powerful ally in your quest for writing productivity.
For authors who thrive on visual organization, tools like Kanban boards and Gantt charts can be incredibly useful. These project management tools allow you to break down your writing tasks, set deadlines, and visualize your progress in a clear, intuitive manner. By using platforms like Trello or Microsoft Project, you can gain a better understanding of your workflow, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions about how to allocate your time most effectively.
Collaboration and communication tools for authors
Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but that doesn't mean authors have to work in isolation. Collaboration and communication with other industry professionals can be invaluable for authors, whether they're seeking feedback, networking, or simply finding a supportive community. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available that can facilitate these essential connections.
One such tool is Slack, a popular communication platform that allows authors to connect with fellow writers, editors, and industry experts. By joining dedicated Slack communities, authors can engage in discussions, share resources, and seek advice from their peers. The platform's intuitive interface and robust features, such as channels, direct messages, and file sharing, make it an ideal tool for fostering a collaborative writing environment.
Another valuable collaboration tool for authors is Google Docs, a cloud-based word processing platform that enables real-time editing and feedback. By sharing their work with trusted collaborators, authors can receive constructive criticism, suggestions, and proofreading assistance directly within the document. Google Docs' commenting and revision tracking features make it easy to manage the collaborative process, ensuring that authors can incorporate feedback and refine their writing with ease.
For authors who prefer a more structured approach to collaboration, tools like Dropbox Paper and Microsoft Teams can be highly effective. These platforms not only facilitate document sharing and editing but also provide built-in project management features, video conferencing capabilities, and integrated communication channels. By using these tools, authors can streamline their collaborative workflows, stay connected with their teams, and ensure that their writing projects remain on track.
Marketing and promotional tools for authors
In today's competitive publishing landscape, authors need to be savvy not only in their writing but also in their marketing and promotional efforts. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available that can help authors effectively reach and engage with their target audience.
One such tool is Flodesk, a powerful email marketing platform that allows authors to build and maintain mailing lists, create visually appealing newsletters, and track the performance of their campaigns. By leveraging Flodesk's features, authors can stay in touch with their readers, announce new releases, and provide exclusive content or promotions to their loyal fan base. The platform's user-friendly interface and robust analytics make it an asset in any author's marketing toolkit.
Another essential tool for authors is Canva, a design platform that enables users to create professional-looking promotional materials, such as social media graphics, book covers, and author bios. With Canva's extensive template library and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, authors can easily craft eye-catching visuals to support their marketing efforts, without the need for advanced design skills. By consistently producing high-quality visual content, authors can effectively highlight their brand and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
For authors looking to leverage the power of social media, tools like Hootsuite and Buffer can be invaluable. These social media management platforms allow users to schedule posts, analyze their performance, and engage with their followers across multiple platforms. By using these tools, authors can streamline their social media presence, ensuring that they maintain a consistent and impactful online persona that resonates with their target audience.
Embracing author tools to unlock your writing potential.
Your writing potential is limitless, but harnessing that potential requires the right tools and strategies.
From organizational software like Scrivener and Trello to creativity-boosting apps like Brainstormer, these tools can transform your writing process and unlock new levels of success. By leveraging editing and proofreading resources, such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid, you can ensure that your writing is polished and professional. And with progress-tracking tools, time management techniques, and collaborative platforms, you can maintain focus, stay motivated, and build valuable connections within the writing community.
Remember, the key to unleashing your full writing potential is to embrace the power of these author tools and integrate them seamlessly into your creative workflow. By doing so, you'll not only streamline your writing process but also unlock new avenues for inspiration, productivity, and growth. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring these essential tools today and watch your writing dreams unfold before your eyes.
Author’s Note: These tools are merely suggestions, and success or monetary compensation is not guaranteed. In full disclosure, this author uses Flodesk and Canva. Offered here is an affiliate link to try Flodesk at 50% off for the first year. If you have questions about Flodesk or Canva, feel free to reach out to me at kerrykriseman@gmail.com.