Software for Writers

In olden days, writers needed only a stone to sketch poems on their cave walls, but as times advanced they would have to pluck a pigeon and find some stuff called ink in which to complete their daily musings. For today’s writer, there are a multitude of programs that offer to ‘help’ in the process of writing. Put away your pen and pad and indulge in these free programs…(note: I use a PC, these programs work great for me, but these are only suggestions.) Click on an icon to be taken to the program’s homepage.

Openoffice – The great free alternative to the Microsoft version. Allows you to save your writerly documents in many different formats. Also comes with useful apps such as Calc (good for keeping track of expenses and/or writing submissions).

Wordweb – Not a substitute for a pavement-slab dictionary, but a useful tool in absence of said slab.

Irfanview – Sometimes a writer’s website, or his short story, needs a wee pic to go with it, and this program is a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Simple and easy to use.

Google Chrome or Firefox – If you are reading this now, then you are most likely viewing it via some kind of browser. And let me tell you, it is impossible to surf the net using your standard IE browser (joking but not far off the truth). So do yourself a favour and download either of these.

Celtx – Decent program for aspiring scriptwriters. Write something original, and save the world from all those shite remakes!

Wavepad Audio Editor – This program is great for any writers who like to produce audio recordings of their written work. Using this program allows the user to tweak their recordings to perfection and allowing you to save in web-friendly formats (and file sizes).

Opera Mobile – A most awesome internet browser for your smartphone. Surfing pages on this is much quicker than a standard phone browser, and even has tabbing. If your phone isn’t a smartphone, Opera Mini (which can be accessed from the same link here) is the browser for you.

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