From plotting to polishing - the writing tools I use

Every writer has their own set of tools that help bring stories to life. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few different platforms, and I’ve found that each one serves a different purpose in my process, depending on what stage I’m in or what kind of story I’m writing.

Scrivener is my go-to for plotting. I love being able to move around the 3 x 5 cards on the corkboard view, which makes spotting gaps and plot holes incredibly easy. The ability to colour-code cards by point of view helps me keep track of which character is taking center stage and which ones are hiding in the background. It gives me a bird’s-eye view of the story while keeping everything neatly organized.

I’ve also used LivingWriter, which I really enjoyed for its mobile app. The automatic syncing between desktop and mobile meant I could make edits on the bus or train, and when I sat down at my writing desk, everything was already updated. Reading and editing on my phone felt similar to using an eReader, giving me a different perspective on pacing and flow.

Before I discovered those programs, I relied heavily on Excel. I used a scene matrix to map out each chapter, tracking characters, sensory details, and emotional beats. Each column was framed as a question, helping me think deeply about the purpose of each scene rather than just the bigger picture. Excel was especially useful when I was planning the Twisted Series, as I needed to ensure that foreshadowing and reveals worked across multiple books and that recurring characters had consistent arcs.

And of course, like many writers, I still use Word. While Scrivener and LivingWriter are great for structuring scenes and chapters, Word helps me focus on the flow and rhythm of the story across the entire manuscript.

These tools all have overlapping features, but I use them for different reasons. I’m a plotter by nature, so being able to outline, rearrange, and visualize my story structure is invaluable. That said, not every project fits neatly into the same process.

For example, my current work in progress, Three Little Lies, has been a bit of an experiment. It started as a seat-of-the-pants story, and to my surprise, I actually finished the first draft! It’s sitting quietly in a drawer for now, waiting for me to revisit it after I release the ARC versions of The Watcher’s Prey. When I do, I’ll probably move it into Scrivener to help identify any gaps and refine the structure.

Writing tools are just that—tools. They’re there to support the creative process, not dictate it. Whether you’re a meticulous plotter or a free-spirited discovery writer, the best tool is the one that helps you keep writing.

If you’re a writer too, I’d love to hear what tools you use and how they fit into your process. Feel free to share in the comments below or reach out through the contact section.