Have you ever been on a fishing trip? If so, you know that it requires a lot of preparation. You need to make sure you have the right rods, bait, and gear, just to start.
There’s another component of fishing that doesn’t get as much attention: the mental aspect. You need to bring a calm, attentive mindset with you to your fishing spot.
It’s important to stay calm when there’s a bite on the line, and similarly, you can’t get frustrated when there are no bites. You also have to pay attention to what’s happening to your line. If you don’t, you might miss a fish.
Writing is like fishing. It’s important that you have the right tools and the right mindset to be a successful writer.
In this article, we’ll discuss these three types of tools you need to be a successful writer:
- Physical tools
- Management tools
- Skill-related tools
Physical Tools
Let’s start with the basics. You have to have a way to record your thoughts, feelings, opinions, research, and all your drafts. Most people will choose a computer because typing is faster than handwriting.
A computer (or laptop, or tablet with a keyboard) is essential for every writer. But it’s not the only tool that you need.
If you’re going to write fiction, then you should start carrying a notebook and pen with you so that you can write down your observations of humanity and nature.
On the other hand, if you want to write nonfiction, then you’ll need a notebook by your computer to help you organize your tasks.
Management Tools
Management tools are very helpful because they act like a boss who’s there keeping you on track. Most writers don’t have a boss who’s watching them as they get distracted and click over to Facebook.
There are many different software programs that can help you stay on track. Off Time, Freedom, Moment, Self-Control, and FocusMe are just a few of these tools that will help you manage your time better.
You should also make sure you have a way to track your progress. There are programs that can do this for you, or you can create a simple chart in Microsoft Word (or Google Docs) or Microsoft Excel (or Google Sheets) where you track if you wrote, how many words you wrote, or if you edited.
Alternatively, you can use a calendar to track your progress too. The tool is important, but what’s more important is the fact that you are consistently using it. Make sure you choose a tool that you are consistent with, whether it’s on paper or it’s a digital program.
Skill-Related Tools
Last but not least, it’s a good idea to make sure you are doing everything you can to polish your writing. There are many tools out there that can help.
Grammarly is one of the most popular grammar programs out there. The Hemingway App also can help you revise your writing so it’s bold and clear.
There’s also the Cliché Finder, which can identify cliches that make your writing sound basic and trite.
We also can’t forget the foundational books that help writers improve their grammar, organization, and ideas: the dictionary and Strunk and White’s Elements of Style.
All of these tools can help you strengthen your writing so that it reads as more advanced.
In Conclusion
Using the right physical, management, and skill-related tools is essential to making progress as a writer. Without the proper tools, it is difficult, if not impossible, to improve.
Maybe your goal is to get published and to reach your audience. Perhaps it’s to produce a quality piece of writing that will leave its mark forever. Or, it could be all three.
No matter what your goals might be, it will be difficult to reach them without the right tools.