Your writing gets better the more you write. It gets even better when you make time to sharpen your tools. A computer, a good notebook, a nice pen, and even some background music can help. These are some helpful online resources you can add to your writing toolbox. They will help with the technical aspects of your craft.
For Your Language Toolbox
Writing is about how you express yourself. Know what words to use and how to use them.
Grammar Girl (quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl)
There’s no better place to turn to for “grammar, punctuation, usage and fun developments in the English language.”
The Internet’s Best List of Clichés (prowritingaid.com/art/21/list-of-cliches.aspx)
Don’t get caught using tired cliches in your writing. This ProWriting Aid post makes sure you “play your cards right” and points out all those overused phrases.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary (merriam-webster.com)
An oldie but goodie, this dictionary tells you what’s what.
Thesaurus (thesaurus.com)
Thesaurus.com is a user-friendly site that helps you find the right word.
For Your Editing Toolbox
Getting words down on paper (or screen) is one thing. Getting them in the right order and flow is another.
AutoCrit (autocrit.com)
No matter what genre you write, Autocrit can help. With free and paid versions, this editor checks your text for pacing, dialogue, word choice, and repetition.
Grammarly (grammarly.com)
This handy tool is more than an autocorrect for your email and documents. The app and Chrome extension offer quick and easy tips to correct your grammar as you write.
Hemingway Editor (hemingwayapp.com)
Like Ernest himself, this editor focuses on delivering clean and simple text. It points out passive voice, offers alternatives for tricky phrases, and even your text’s reading grade level.
Scrivener (literatureandlatte.com)
There are a lot of word processing programs out there and Scrivener is a great one. You can store all your research (text, links, and images) in one place and map out your novel all from one program.
For Your Research Toolbox
No one can be an expert on everything! Writers need to flex their creativity but still make their scenes believable.
Criminal Law Consulting for Writers & Filmmakers (criminallawconsulting.com)
Criminal law attorney Blythe Leszkay gives a cursory review of the legal system, defines legal terminology, and provides links to other helpful sources.
Fight Write (fightwrite.net)
Want to make sure your fight scene is going to be a hit? This blog, written by martial artist Carla Hoch, gives you the ins and outs of writing fight scenes.
Not Quite Dead (bryndonovan.com/2016/05/25-serious-injuries)
Author Bryn Donovan lists common injuries and the odds that someone will survive (minus the medical jargon). Of course, you can always turn to a medical reference like the Merck Manual for a more comprehensive review.
The Poisonous Plant Database (poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu)
Looking for a way to kill off a character? Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences lets you know what plants put you at risk, which part(s) of the plant is poisonous, and what those plants look like (pictures included).
Other Helpful Reference Tools
Canva (canva.com)
Whether they want to or not, writers have to market themselves. Whether it’s print advertising, social media, or a website, Canva source offers a wide range of templates, images, and how-to courses and tutorials on branding.
MyBib (mybib.com) and Zotero (zotero.org)
Non-fiction writers will appreciate these user-friendly tools that help you organize and cite your references, including links to the original sources. They have handy Google extensions that make them easily accessible.
U.S. Copyright Office (copyright.gov)
Do you have questions about copyright law? Go to the source.
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