Top 5 Tools for Writers

Writing is one of the essential skills in modern society. Being able to communicate effectively is paramount both at work and at home. It makes your thinking visible to others, and is the main way in which work, learning, and intellect is judged by others.

You might think that a perfect tool for a writer is the trusty word processor. After all, in days gone by, budding authors would tap away using a typewritter, and a word processor is the modern day equivalent. However, word processors are actually not the ideal tool for some forms of writing, particularly novel-writing. In fact, it could be said that using a word processor for novel-writing is a recipe for disaster, and actually a retrograde step from a typewritter. Word processors are a general application software that are perfect for constructing business documents, letters, batch mailings using templates, etc. However, many word processors are too obtrusive and distracting for writers. What is needed is software that helps concentrate on the content of the novel, sketch out the chapters and scenes, work out the best structure, import research, add locations, characters and objects etc.

Step forward software that is designed for novelists, scriptwriters, academics, and journalists. Linux does not have a particularly wide range of mature open source software for writers. Nevertheless, we have identified the pick of the cream in this field.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 5 high quality free writing tools. Hopefully, there will be something of interest here for anyone who has a passion for writing.

Now, let's explore the 5 writing tools at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot of the software in action, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

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Last Updated Friday, November 02 2012 @ 06:00 PM EST