So here are the apps I use for my writing. Writing is a multi-step process and not one single work, so unfortunately no single app does it all.
Typically writing consists of the following steps
- Note-taking
- Outlining and Writing
- Editing
- Revising (if possible)
Below I describe the steps and why I use these apps. In case you have any app suggestions on replacing them, do leave the recommendations in the comments.
1. Note-taking
Note-taking is the recording of the insights and thoughts which come to you as you are thinking about your problems. I jot it down in “The Archive” if I am on the mac, or I use 1Writer or Metion on my iPad or iPhone.
Note -Here I am assuming you have highlighted and made notes from your research and reading. I am talking about post-research apps which are more focused on writing apps only.
2. Writing and Outlining
I then move to Writex for outlining and writing my drafts. Writex gives me vertical columns where I can compare my text in columns (side by side) and then work on polishing the same. It has even a wiki area which automatically highlights and connects important words which you have elaborated in your wiki.
Note — Now writex is a new app and has bugs. . The developer’s email is bouncing back and neither does he bother to reply on Twitter.
Another Notable mention is papereditorapp for focused writing sessions, which is the raw output which goes into the editing apps.
3. Editing
Now I would like to revise each sentence one by one. I write in MD so I move the content to Stackredit where I switch to HTML view and use a code in my MD document to break my paragraph sentence by sentence to view them in each line.
I then copy-paste the final MD output into “The Archive”. I use the find and replace all features to remove all the line breaks, all at one go.
4. Revising
This is a luxury as I am well past my submission deadline but Writex also provides readability and spelling. Grammarly is also doing its work to ensure that I don’t make silly typos and grammar errors.
You can also use an app called essay which will help you do this if you are ready to shell out 6$ per month.
I use essay app for important ghost blogging essays where I know I am getting paid to write. It is an excellent app which helps you write out several versions of your sentences and then add them. I think that is the corner stone feature of the app. Also you can drop paragraphs via very nifty drag and drop interface.grammar errors.
