The 5 Best Free Apps For Writers

I always have trouble finding good free apps, regardless of what sort of app I'm looking for. But when it comes to apps for writers, there is a definite lack of free downloads. 

However, I have found a few great apps that cost absolutely nothing. I have not been solicited to mention any of these apps; I'm including them on the list simply because I have them, and find them useful. 

Here goes!! Enjoy!

1. Evernote

Android, Windows, and Apple Products

 

Evernote lets you share lists, voice memos, and photos across as many devices as you wish. You simply have to create an account with them, download the app onto all your devices, and all your data will be synced. 

I am constantly writing on different devices because I am on the go so often, and it was hard for me to find a program where syncing my writing was easy and convenient. With this app, I can write on my desktop computer, then, if I have to leave, I can just sync my writing and pick it back up on my iPad. 

The app could not get much simpler to use, and I have had no problems with syncing devices. 

Evernote also has a string of other apps that you can link to your Evernote account.

2. Dragon Dictation

Free for iPhone/iPad

I am a fan of writing by hand, and once my writing is finished, typing a 50,000 word novel into the computer can get tedious, not to mention time consuming. This is where Dragon Dictation comes in. You simply talk into your microphone, and the app writes down whatever you say. You can even use keywords to put in punctuation and line breaks.

This app has made transferring my writing from paper to computer so much easier, plus you get the added bonus of reading your work out loud, which can be a good exercise when revising. 

3. Mindomo

iPhone/iPad and Android

Mindomo is an app that lets you create various flow charts. When I am plotting a new book, it helps me to see what actions are going to happen, and the consequences that will come from those actions. My hand-drawn flow charts never came out very well, however. But Mindomo will do it for you! You can add pictures and links into the charts, and change background colors and shape of the charts.

It did take just a little bit of experimenting with the app for me to get familiar with it, but after I had created a few different charts I got the hang of it. 

4. Name Dice

iPhone/iPad and Android

Name Dice is a really simple app that generates names for characters. 

And that's literally all it does.

Sometimes it is nice to be able to get a random name without having to think about it, when you need a name for a not-very-important character. The names that generate truly are random though, because you can't choose gender (which is a little annoying).

5. Pinterest

iPhone/iPad and Android

Ok, this might be cheating just a little bit because Pinterest is technically a website, but I'm including it anyway.

I absolutely love Pinterest. It gives me so many inspirations for scenes and characters, and is a great way to find articles on writing craft. It is also a great way to waste time! I can't tell you how many times I've said, "I'll just check Pinterest real quick.." and 'real quick' turns into several hours of work time gone. Nevertheless, if you get really inspired by pictures (as I do) Pinterest is a great tool. 

But maybe set a timer before you get on=).

Do you have any favorite writing apps to add to the list? Do you have any sites like Pinterest you use for inspiration?