Writer's Toolkit Essentials: Everything You Need to Craft Your Novel
- Nola Morgan
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, having the right tools can make all the difference between a scattered first draft and a polished manuscript. Here are some essential elements to consider for your writer's toolkit - while this isn't a complete list, these tools will give you a solid foundation to build upon as you develop your craft.
Story Foundation
Your Novel Premise - Every great book starts with a compelling premise. This is your story's foundation - the "what if" question that drives your entire narrative. Spend time crafting a premise that's both unique and engaging enough to sustain a full-length novel.
Character Development - Strong storytelling starts with well-developed characters. Consider creating detailed character profiles that go beyond physical appearance to explore motivations, backstories, and character arcs that will drive your plot forward.
Outline Planning - Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, having some form of outline helps maintain story structure. From detailed chapter-by-chapter breakdowns to simple three-act structures, find the outlining method that works for your writing style.
Writing Software
Scrivener - The gold standard for manuscript organization, Scrivener allows you to keep research, character notes, and chapters all in one place. Its corkboard feature is perfect for visualizing story structure.
Microsoft Word - Many authors still prefer the familiar interface of Word for their actual writing. While it lacks Scrivener's organizational features, it's reliable, widely compatible, and most editors are comfortable working with Word documents.
Formatting Software
Atticus - A newer, more affordable formatting tool that works on both Mac and PC. Atticus emerged a response to authors who wanted quality formatting tools at a lower price point. While Atticus
produces good results, it's a newer player in the formatting game.
Vellum - The original Mac-exclusive formatting powerhouse that set the standard for professional book formatting. Vellum's formatting is simply superb at turning out gorgeous, professionally formatted books for both print and digital formats. It's beloved by indie authors for its beautiful typography and clean, polished results that rival traditionally published books.
Writing Approach: Plotter vs. Pantser
Plotters thrive on detailed outlines and structured planning before writing begins. Pantsers prefer to write by the seat of their pants, letting the story unfold organically. Most successful writers find themselves somewhere in between - "plantsers" who do some planning but leave room for creative discovery.
Building Your Personal Toolkit
The best writer's toolkit is the one you'll actually use. This collection represents just a starting point - there are many more tools, resources, and techniques you can add as you discover what works best for your writing style. Start with one or two tools that address your biggest writing challenges, then gradually expand your toolkit as you identify areas where you need additional support.
Remember: the most important tool in any writer's toolkit is consistency. Whether you write 500 words or 2,000 words a day, regular writing practice will improve your craft more than any software or system.
Ready to build your novel? Start with these essentials and adapt them to fit your unique writing process. Happy writing!
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