Whether you're writing a to-do list, journaling, writing a blog, a novel, or simply a note, there are plenty of great apps out there to make your writing better. But even more importantly, these apps can keep you organized and learning all year long. Make your 2012 resolution to write more, write better, and get your writing organized.
Writing Prompts
What's the most difficult part of writing? For most of us it's coming up with a topic or just getting started. Writing Prompts, from writing.com, serves up creative inspiration in a variety of ways: a series of words, an interesting news story, a set-up for a scene. Shake your phone to get a new prompt. ($1.99, rated for ages 9 and up)
Evernote
Is 2012 the year you are going to get stuff done? No reason to do it alone anymore. Rated by The New York Times as a Top 10 Must-Have App, Evernote is an app for your iPhone and iPad that captures all your notes, from to-do lists to snapshots of wine bottle labels, syncs them to your PC or Mac, and makes them sharable and searchable. (Free)
Penultimate
Are you one of those people who really misses writing on paper with your favorite pen? This app can bring it all back for you: take notes, keep a journal, add a sketch. And the best part is you can cut, paste, backup files and share. Choose the paper background you like and let your creativity shine. You can save an unlimited number of notebooks, letting you keep personal journals separate from lists or professional work. Many users recommend buying a stylus, so you can really recreate the old-fashioned feeling of writing. ($0.99)
Grammar Girl
The hugely popular podcast is now available as an app. You can get weekly updates, book excerpts, wallpaper with funny "signs gone wrong" examples. If you're a budding writer or just love grammar, this is a fun app to have. ($0.99)
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
One of the best ways to expand your vocabulary is to get in the habit of looking up words you don't recognize. Back in the day that wasn't so simple: there may not have been a dictionary in your pocket. But today, there's no excuse. You can spend money on fancy dictionary apps, but I'm a fancy of free, and the Merriam-Webster free app packs in plenty of words. Download it and make it your resolution to learn—and use—some new words in 2012. (Free)
