Hello, my dear readers. For today’s Thursday Thoughts, I wanted to discuss external tools that can help with writing and life. I used to struggle with this, feeling that needing outside support meant I was somehow failing. But I’ve come to realize that using external tools isn’t a weakness—it’s an invaluable way to grow and achieve new heights.
General Tools for Self-Help
Self-Care Apps. Personally, I use Finch, a self-care app that helps me stay on track with daily goals to balance work and life. It’s a bit like raising a little virtual pet, complete with customizable outfits, which keeps me motivated. This may not be everyone’s thing, but there are so many self-care apps available now that it’s easy to find one that resonates! I also tried Habitica, an app that gamifies goals by leveling up a character and battling monsters. However, it’s community-focused, which means you may miss out if your friends aren’t also using it. That said, many people love it, so it’s definitely worth a look. My biggest recommendation? Find an app where you can track self-care goals first and foremost, even before writing goals, as self-care lays the foundation for productivity.
Timers and Alarms. Some people dislike timers because they feel like they “should” remember things or stick to tasks without reminders. But in a busy world—especially with tasks like writing that ebb and flow—timers can be lifesavers. I set alarms to remind myself to eat, as I tend to forget on writing days. Rather than feeling guilty for losing track of time, I simply rely on my alarm. This lets me focus fully on writing without the background worry of forgetting basic needs. Visual timers are also incredibly helpful. I use them to break up my writing sessions into manageable chunks, usually around 15 minutes. If I struggle to get started, I promise myself just 15 minutes of writing. Often, I end up wanting to keep going afterward, but if not, it’s a sign I may need a break.
Writing Down a Routine. I used to feel that my routine was so ingrained that I didn’t need to write it down. But I’ve found that having a written checklist actually frees up mental space. It’s not about memory—it’s about having peace of mind. This checklist reduces my stress and ensures I’m thorough with my morning or evening routines. For writing, I use a monthly calendar to track shifts, deadlines, and a weekly view to break down specific writing goals. Seeing everything in one place, I can assess whether I’ve overloaded myself. Recently, I realized that work training was affecting my writing pace, particularly with my Sunday posts, so I decided to pause them temporarily. This might have been harder to spot without my weekly calendar.
Writing-Centered Tools
Scheduling Writing Time. Besides planning my day, I also make sure to schedule my writing time. When I first started My Year Quest, I didn’t schedule, and my progress lagged. Now, I plan blocks of uninterrupted writing time and minimize distractions. Turning off my phone, using noise-canceling headphones, and installing apps to block general browsing during writing hours help ensure I’m fully focused.
Writing Software. I rely on Scrivener to keep my work organized. It’s built for writers, allowing you to organize content into scenes and chapters that can be easily moved around as the story evolves. Microsoft Word is a great tool, but writing software like Scrivener adds organization that is truly invaluable.
AI Writing Assistance. People often wonder if AI tools are useful for fiction writers beyond basic grammar checks. For me, ChatGPT has been a game-changer. It helps me structure and streamline my thoughts on days when they’re all over the place. While I always do the final drafts myself, ChatGPT shortens my initial drafting and organization process, giving me more time for the deeper work of storytelling. I also use Grammarly, which allows me to adjust settings based on the type of writing. For blog posts, I let Grammarly fine-tune for clarity and engagement, while for fiction, I take suggestions with a grain of salt, retaining my creative voice.
Parting Thoughts
Overall, I encourage you to try using external tools. If you’re anything like me, you might feel that you “should” be able to do it all on your own. But especially with technology evolving, we should embrace tools that make our creative lives easier. Even something as simple as writing down a routine can free your mind for bigger creative pursuits.
Wishing you a thoughtful Thursday,
B.R. Quinn
B.R. Quinn 