That’s what my friend told me, when I said I was considering an upgrade from my old-school cell phone to an iPhone. “I keep going back and forth, though,” I sighed. “I mean, I don’t really need it.”
“Get it,” she insisted. “You’re a writer.”
My ears perked up, then. I love it when someone outside the circles of writing helps me acknowledge that I am, in fact, a writer. Some days, I still have trouble saying those words out loud. Plus, I was intrigued by how certain she was that an iPhone would complement my other writing tools. So, I bought one.
It is lovely. Even the box it came in is pretty, with its minimalist and sleek design.
(Taken with my iPhone and emailed to my laptop. Just call me Fancypants.)
I’ve already put the phone to good writerly use, too, downloading the Kindle app and buying a copy of Roz Morris’ Nail Your Novel. The other day, when I suddenly had a few hours to sit in a coffee shop, I whipped out my phone, my pen and paper, and read through the beginnings of Morris’ book. I scribbled down notes. I wrote out the first few tasks. I felt productive.
I also purchased an eBook novella by Cathryn Grant, a book only available for eReaders. That “Buy now with 1 click” button on the Kindle Store page is a little dangerous, but I’d be missing out on Cathryn’s novella without this iPhone and that Kindle app.
Technology, be it wireless internet or free apps for a phone, makes a writer’s life a little easier. I’m finally getting that, in bits and pieces.
What about you? How are you using the technology you have on hand to move your writing along? Or, do you have a secret iPhone app I should know about? My son keeps pushing me to download the free Monster Truck game, but I’m not so sure I’m ready for virtual mud-bogging.
While you’re thinking, here are a few other posts on technology and iPhone apps for writers:
- Lisa Rivero talks here about all the fun things she’s doing with technology and writing these days, including this great video she created in conjunction with a current book project. The video, like a mini book trailer, is a great way to whet the appetites of readers and introduce her main character, Hattie, to the modern world.
- “Ultimate iPhone Apps for Writers: 30+ Productivity and Creativity Boosts,” from Jane Friedman, There Are No Rules. As always, Jane offers plenty of links and great information.
- “iPhone Apps for Writers,” from appadvice.com. This one includes information on Writer’s Studio, an app that mixes visual and audio components with writing.
- “12 applications for writers on my iPhone right now,” from Michael Alexander on The Editorial Engine. Listed here is iBlue Sky, an app that makes a map of your brainstorming ideas.
Aren’t their boxes awesome? I can’t recycle them … the shape, the texture. Apple’s design team is pure genius.
I love thinking of my tech toys as writing tools. I have a recording app for reading my fiction out loud. The ability to work on my writing in small chunks of time is part of what makes me love the iPhone.
Thanks for the pointers to writing apps, I didn’t realize there were so many, I only have one writing app, but I made a little “folder” that’s my writer folder and contains the apps I use for writing and the icon for my website.
That one-click buy is indeed dangerous! I’ve learned to sample a lot more 😉
Thanks for the shout-out.
Cathryn, So, I’m not crazy for being attached to that box?….
On the recording app, which one do you use, and do you read it onto your iPhone and save it somewhere?
Not at all, their boxes are like silk! I use Easy Recorder. I think it was free, so it’s pretty “low tech”. I don’t save the recordings for long, I just use it to listen to myself reading as I record (hearing the rough spots) and then listen back and make notes.
Easy Recorder. I’m checking into it. Thanks, Cathryn!
Well, Miss Fancypants, I just love this post! And thank you very much for the shout-out and video link. 🙂
I don’t have a smart phone yet, but I did just order an iPad 2, which should arrive in a couple of weeks. My plan is to continue to do my computer-related work (indexing and writing, mainly) on my laptop, and use the iPad for reading articles, blog posts, etc. I’ll keep you posted.
Now, repeat after me:
“My name is Christi, and I am a writer.”
Lisa, I just saw my brother-in-law’s iPad2. Very cool. I can’t wait to hear how it works out! And, yes, I’ll keep repeating those words. Eventually, they’ll stick 🙂
I am very fortunate to have an iPhone and a Kindle. I haven’t downloaded the Kindle app for my phone yet. I may do this. Thank you for the reminder. I have the technology, but to some degree I am technologically challenged. Ha! I have an e-book on my computer right now. I’m having trouble understanding how to get it onto my Kindle. I’ll call support. Don’t we hate calling support? Blessings to you, Christi…
Carol, Yes, I hate calling support 🙂 I hope you figure it out.
The Kindle app for the phone is really nice. We took a day trip recently, and I read bits and pieces of a story here and there. That saves me from carrying around too many books, which I do even on a quick trip out and about.
I promise you … you will fall in love with your iPhone like it’s a child! I’m so geeky … I even have a jawbone for my iPhone. There’s a rhyme somewhere here just waiting to be born … LOL!
Beth, A jawbone? I’m off to do a search right now 🙂
Oh, Fancypants, you’ve gone and left me behind. I may as well be clickity clacking away on a big old Underwood. Hey, those were the iPhones of their time, a writer’s best friend. I have nothing to offer except to say, I like your text messages and photos that come straight to my laptop.
Victoria, Send me letters typed on that Underwood, and I’ll reply with a text. Worlds will collide 🙂
I’ve had my iPhone for almost 2 years, I love it. I also have a Kindle, which I’ve enjoyed so much, but my new job at B&N may entice me to sell it and buy a nook, just to support my employer and it’s ebook market.
I don’t read a ton from my iPhone, but I have both nook and Kindle apps on it, in a pinch it will do. I have downloaded audiobooks also, fabulous for puttering around the house and listening.
Welcome to the new technology , and just be a fancypants!!
Anita, I’ll have to look into downloading some audiobooks. And, someday I hope to get a Nook or a Kindle. I haven’t looked into either that much yet. I might have to contact you for the pros & cons of each 🙂
And, enjoy your new job!
I downloaded, My Writing Nook for my iPad, Android, and I can use it online to sync up any ideas, short stories, well anything.
I love it!
Oh, I’ll have to check that one out as well. Thanks for the info!
I have more technology then I know what to do with, yet I find nothing is more peaceful then a crisp sheet of quality white paper and and the pen. The best advise I can offer is don’t get to caught up in the technology remember your a writer first.
Steve, Great point. I am loving the iPhone, but lately I have been drawn back to paper and pen. It helps that I also just got a fancy new notebook from my friend and fellow writer, Lisa, a notebook that begs to be filled!
Christi, paper and pen with a fancy new notebook sounds fabulous. Honestly sounds like the best way to do it.
BUT… if you ever start thinking about writing tools on your iPhone, let me know if you want some info…. The key, for me, is to use a writing app on the phone that works with Dropbox — so you can have your documents always synced between your computer and your iphone without having to do any work… Oops, have I already overly-geeked out?…
Oh boy, Yuvi, I have tons of questions. First, you like the Dropbox? I always feel funny about sending files out into the Internet abyss (mostly out of fear of the unknown). Where do I go to find out more info on that (the Dropbox, not the abyss – *gulp*). And do you work with a Mac computer? I’m stuck with a PC for now (boo).
Still, I’d love to know more about the apps you use for writing on the phone!