Embracing Efficiency: My Favorite Tools for Scribes on the Move
Streamlined Tools for Scribes: Top Apps to Boost Writing Efficiency
Hey there fellow wordsmiths! I just gotta share with you a few life-savers when it comes to honing my writing craft. Over the years, I've experimented with a multitude of productivity apps, and these are some gems that I've been relying on in my writing escapades. Since I've managed to restrain myself from shamelessly begging their sponsorship, I'm solely spreading the love because they've genuinely made a positive impact on my scribing journey.
The Digital Quill: Google's Arsenal
Google Drive - the Jack-of-All-Trades
Google Drive is my faithful writing companion when I'm away from my computer. It houses my writing projects, especially the ones I'm collaborating on. It's so relieving to dip into my documents while traveling, ensuring I've always got what I need at my fingertips.
Google Docs - the Portable Workspace
Google Docs has revolutionized drafting for me. Before the apocalypse, I'd spend hours commuting, and I needed to utilize that time as effectively as possible. Google Docs got me hooked, as I could write on the go, whether it was waiting for a train or seated in a crowded tram.
Google Sheets - data crunching made manageable
Google Sheets has proved handy when organizing my series and story bibles. If I find myself struck with inspiration while out and about, I can whip out Sheets and document those thoughts without missing a beat. Plus, it's indispensable for my word count accountability. I'm always striving to improve my productivity, so whenever I can tackle tasks while in line or waiting for public transport, I seize the moment!
Habitica - the Gamers' Secret Weapon
Yes, it may look like a guilty pleasure, but Habitica is nothing short of a productivity powerhouse, and it's got an addictive element that I just can't resist. Habitica is an RPG-style app that encourages productivity. The better I manage my tasks, habits, and to-do lists, the better my virtual character performs in the game! One of my favorite parts is setting recurring tasks to reappear on the days I need them - it's like having a personal assistant!
Toggl Track - Tracking Time like a Pro
I stumbled across Toggl Track in April, and it's been a game-changer ever since. As my ultimate goal is to quit my day job and write full-time, I knew I needed a tool to track my writing hours carefully. By monitoring my projects and recording the time spent, I can estimate my writing earnings versus that of my day job, offering valuable insights into my productivity.
With Toggl Track, I can color-code individual projects and tag tasks that are related. I simply tap the start button when beginning a task, and it keeps tabs on the time until I formally stop it. Integrating Toggl Track with Google Calendar allows me to compare scheduled task blocks with the actual time spent on them, ensuring I'm using my time wisely. My favorite feature has to be the weekly pie charts that show the time spent on each project, allowing me to maintain a balanced approach to my writing schedule and ensure my focus is where it matters most.
Trello - the Organization Master
I only discovered Trello a month or two ago, and I've been captivated ever since. It's become my go-to tool for managing my projects and communicating with collaborators. I appreciate the user-friendly collaboration features and the ability to set due dates and create comprehensive lists.
I particularly love the calendar function, which provides me with a birds-eye view of upcoming deadlines for my writing projects. Using Trello has significantly accelerated my progress on my latest draft, making it an indispensable app for me.
So there you have it: the go-to apps I use to keep my writing career thriving and keep me organized between all my projects. Want to share your favorite productivity tools and reasons behind their usefulness? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!
In the realm of novel writing, Google Drive serves as an all-in-one solution, storing my writing projects, especially those requiring collaboration, ensuring easy access when traveling. Meanwhile, Google Docs has transformed the drafting process, allowing me to write on the move, merging technology with the art of storytelling.
In my quest for productivity, I've also embraced Toggl Track, a time-tracking tool that has revolutionized my understanding of project management, offering a clear picture of my writing hours and helping me estimate potential earnings versus my day job.