This article is about how to choose the best Point Of View for your story.
Tips on naming your character
Choosing a name for your character can be difficult at the start. I try to choose names for my characters that are an Aptronym.
via 5 Tips for naming Characters — Ally Aldridge
Writing Tools — Ally Aldridge
Every writer will have certain tools that they use all the time when writing. Today, I am sharing the tools I use on a high frequency (almost daily) for creating my novels. Writing Space (PC/Laptop) If you have the room, you could create a dedicated writing space. For most writers this will be where their computer […]
5 Tips to achieve NaNoWriMo — Ally Aldridge
Firstly, to officially take part you need to create an account on NaNoWriMo – it’s free and there are member benefits
NaNoWriMo 2017 — Ally Aldridge
This year I’m doing NaNoWriMo. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month and it takes place every year in November. The challenge is to write 50,000 words in 30 days.
Apps for Writers — Ally Aldridge
My smartphone is always with me and as a result it gets used a lot for my writing process. Today, I shall share with you the most useful apps for writers.
These recommendations are for for both iOS and Android operating systems.
Productivity apps
Simplenote
This app is used the most. I jot down ideas I have during the day for my stories or potential stories. It can include character development, research or even ideas for blog articles.
Wunderlist
I use this app for creating to-do lists but also found it useful for developing plots because it is so easy to move the items in the list up or down.
The above are quick easy apps you can use all the time, however, if you are collecting research, then you will appreciate apps like Evernote, Google Keep and OneNote.
These apps enable you to take snips/clips of information you have found on the internet. You can then sort this information into an order that works for you and include your own notes.
Writing apps
Wattpad
If you need feedback from readers on your works, this is a great app to use. You can write and edit within the app too. You can save works as drafts or private.
Similar apps are: Movella, Radish and Opuss (iOS only).
Microsoft Word
You can use MS Word on the go. However, I don’t tend to use this app very often as I get frustrated by the limits placed on the mobile version and would rather use Wattpad.
Google Doc
You can write using Google Docs apps. It is a simple word processor with the same features you’d expect from Word. The docs save automatically to the Google Drive – you need a google account to use this.
Blogging apps
Blogger
I used the blogger app for a while I liked how it linked to my Google+ account. I stopped using Blogger early this year when I converted to WordPress: https://allyaldridge.blogspot.co.uk/
WordPress
This is my current blogging app. I usually blog at my PC/laptop. However, when I am out and about I enjoy how easily it is to read other blogs and share them.
Social apps
As mentioned above at ‘Writing apps’, you have Wattpad, Movella, Raddis and Opuss. These are great sites to connect with your readers and get their feedback and create a fan base of followers. It is also a great opportunity to meet other writers and support each others development.
You can also connect using any popular social media app. I share my writers life via Twitter, Instagram and Google+ and LinkedIn. You can also use Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube.
Don’t forget that blogging can be social too as you can meet other bloggers through comments and follows and discover their content too.
Storage apps
You upload your document to OneDrive or Google Drive and then can access them anywhere online with your login. You can also invite others to view your documents by email and manage permissions. These drives also have a few apps built in to enable you to create basic documents like word processing, spreadsheet or presentation.
OneDrive
Needs a Live, Outlook or Hotmail account.
Google Drive
Needs a google mail account.
Resource apps
Dictionary.com
This is my top dictionary/thesaurus app – yes, its a thesaurus too! I like how it is easy to search for a definition. You can save words and they have a word of the day to boost your vocabulary.
Browser (with search engine)
Your smart phone will likely come with a browser built in and a default search engine. You can go to the app store and choose a browser that suits your needs. There are browsers that block adverts or keep your privacy.
I enjoy using the Safari browser on my iPhone and searching using google. I use chrome on my Samsung with google for searches.
Downloading apps to your Smart Phone
To download iOS apps to your apple device you need to access the iTunes store. To download apps to your android device you will need access to the Google Play store.
Please let me know if there are any apps you find useful that I haven’t included as I am always keen to add more to my smart phone to make life easier.
To discover more ways to connect with me, click my link tree.
Instagram For Writers — Ally Aldridge
Instagram is famous for people sharing photos and videos. It is all about images. It seems a strange place for writers to connect but being the creative sorts we are, writers are. Follow Publishers I follow a few authors and publishers on Instagram. The first I followed was Swoon Reads when Macmillan Publishing first launched […]
Writers and YouTube Playlists — Ally Aldridge
In the same way a song can make you think of a person, place or time, it can also inspire writers to develop chapters. Music can bring chapters, characters and moments to life. It is a great aid whilst developing your story.
via Writers and YouTube Playlists — Ally Aldridge
Inner Demons — Ally Aldridge
To raise awareness of World Mental Health Day, I have decided to start a personal poetry collection titled Inner Demons on Wattpad.
via Inner Demons — Ally Aldridge
YA Competition for writers without an agent
I’ve finished and edited Drift. So, I’m now deciding what to do next with it: Traditional Publishing: I’ve been considering Literary Agents to query that specialise in YA Fiction, especially Fantasy. Self Publishing: I’ve been considering editors and cover artists and toying with the idea of self publishing. Competitions: A new avenue, I’ve been considering […]