If there’s one thing most writers love it’s a new gadget that supposedly will help us to write better or faster. There are any number of apps or other software programs that make this claim and that sound tempting
Stop!
First, be clear on what this software will actually do for you. Is it something you need? Will it really help you do better? How much of a learning curve does it require? Will learning it take more time than it saves? Are you sure it’s not just a nice distraction from writing?
Some are genuinely useful. For example, I regularly use the timer on my iPhone as well as one on my desktop. I also have an audio memo app that I use sometimes when I have an idea and it’s easier to dictate it than to jot it down.
What these have in common is they are free or very cheap, simple to use (no time required to learn how to operate them) and they serve a unique function. On the other hand, I’ve been a sucker for a variety of to-do list programs and apps but I’ve never found one that works better than…well, just a list, really. On paper or on the screen.
By all means, use technology when it helps, but be sure it really will.
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