Grammarly – Jean's Writing

Whether you are a planner or pantser, all writers need good tools of the trade.

Sometimes I get bogged down in trying new apps. I waste too much time learning the ins and outs of an app I hope will help, but often I’m disappointed. Not because the app doesn’t work, but because it doesn’t work for me.

So, instead of spinning your wheels, like a car stuck in a ditch, read reviews before you try a new writing app.

What writing apps do I use?

Scrivener
- I love this program now, but there was a big learning curve for me. And although I’ve gotten the gist of it now, I still learn something new almost every day.
Grammarly Premium
- This app is one of my favorites. The free app is good too, but I upgraded to premium because I love the extras. The app is easy, and the learning curve short. Oh, one other thing about this app. It automatically checks my posts and emails.
Ginger
- A free app, Ginger is easy to load and easy to use. You can listen to your story, the app also suggests rephrasing of sentences (you can accept or reject suggestions.)
Canva
- This is a terrific app to design covers, promo material, and illustrations for blog posts. Easy and quick to use.
Sumo Paint
- This cool app works similar to Adobe Photoshop. Not as complicated as Adobe, and for a simple layered design it’s perfect. There are a lot of Youtube videos to help on the learning curve. It can be used straight off the website, not requiring a download.
Paint.net
- I use this app for simple sizing and cropping of images/photos. Super easy, quick and free.

As with all writing apps, none are perfect. And at times they contradict each other. So always double-check any suggestions before you take them as gospel.

Now I’ve discovered a few more that sound interesting. Kathy Edens has some interesting apps that may help planners and pantsers alike.

Which apps do I plan on checking out next?

One Stop for Writers, by Writers Helping Writers
- This isn’t exactly new to me as I follow WHWs and love their Thesaurus books, but I haven’t used One Stop yet. Don’t know why but I’m checking it out now.
Pro Writing Aid
- I used this program a few years ago. The new and improved (since I used it) looks interesting, and a lot of writers seem to love it. So gotta go and see what all the hoopla is about.

To read more reviews about these apps, click and read Kathy Edens recommendations. She lists 9 apps for you to look at.