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Tools are as important to writers as they are for any craftsperson. At a basic level, a pencil and some paper is all you need to get started. From there, the options multiply exponentially. There are dozens of apps designed to support writing, from basic word-processing programs to custom designed novel software. Many programs work across multiple platforms so you can start off with an idea and capture it on an app on your phone, then flesh it out further on a tablet or computer.

Over the years, I’ve tried different apps and programs to try to find something that works with my writing output. This includes flash fiction, short stories, blog posts, diary entries and longer works — novels and novellas. My current approach relies mostly on two programs, Ulysses and Scrivener, though I still have some of my older work in Microsoft Word and Pages files.

I discovered Ulysses back in 2017 when I was completing a short course on making time to write. The course covered the importance of having the right tools to support you with your writing. When I had a look at the Ulysses app, there were positive reviews and a free trial period, so I gave it a go. And I’ve been using it ever since.

Ulysses now contains a staggering amount of my writing content, sorted into various folders and projects. I have a section for writing courses, short stories, letters, and future project ideas. The projects help to corral notes, research, and content for blog posts. All blog posts are drafted in Ulysses, with a simple upload process to WordPress. Another important category of writing that is held in Ulysses are my diary entries. There are literally hundreds of them.

The search tool in Ulysses is fantastic, and similar to the search function on WordPress, I sometimes use a keyword search to find something that I know I’ve written about, but can’t recall where or when. I also like the progress tracker, especially when I’m working to a word count for short fiction. The simple, distraction-free interface is another feature that I love about the app.

I’m sure that Ulysses has the capability to manage a novel, but I’ve been using Scrivener for longer form projects for years. I have used it for novel projects and short story collections, and love the options available to structure a more complex piece according to your requirements. The ability to have everything in the one place, from research to character summaries and place settings, as well as the writing itself, makes it easier to be immersed in the work with everything at your fingertips. The outliner mode provides a high-level overview of the work — this is essential on a long project with multiple characters. Another winner for me is the corkboard summary, and the ability to easily move scenes around.

There are times when I’ll see references to other programs or software that offer similar features or more functions. It is tempting to explore these too — who doesn’t love something shiny and new — but having a consistent platform where I know how things work frees my mind up to focus on the words and the content.

Various considerations come into play when deciding on what software to use for writing projects. These include platform, cost, and the tools offered across different programs. Is the ability to collaborate on your work important? Do you need — or want — AI assistance? For longer writing works in particular, there is a huge time investment, and it’s essential to find something that is a good fit for your writing style.

What writing software helps you with your writing goals?

Photo: old typewriter

Writing resources:

There is an overview of the features and limitations of some writing app and software options outlined in The Best Writing Apps and Book Writing Software 2025 Update. I agree with the comments on the learning curve for Scrivener: if I’ve not used it in a while, I need to reorientate myself on some functions. I might need to have a look at the Living Writer software — so much for avoiding bright and shiny things!

One of the main benefits of writing software is to make the writing process easier, as noted in this article. It also calls out the challenges of distractions on the focus required to be a writer, with some suggestions on how to minimise them.

There is an in-depth review here of several apps and programs, including Microsoft Word. In author interviews, there is usually a mix of writers using novel-specific programs such as Scrivener or Word. You can read about Scrivener vs Word here.