As a writer, finding the right tools can make all the difference between staying a newbie forever or graduating to published author. Over the years, I’ve tried countless gadgets, apps, and software—some were a waste, but others were game-changers. The tools and activities that stuck with me didn’t just improve my writing process; they became essential investments in my craft. From boosting productivity to sparking creativity, here are the six tools I spent money on that definitely paid off, often in ways I never expected.
- CANVA software program – Truly an essential app when it comes to creating social media graphics for both Facebook and Instagram as well as reels for book trailers, flyers for trade shows, sell sheets for publicity, and general announcements of bookstore appearances, cover reveals, and funny posts. I buy the PRO version which gives me access to thousands of licensed photos (like the one for this blog) as well as advanced features. You can use this program to upload and edit your own photos, get professional design layouts, and access cool typefaces. I could not have an effective social media presence if it wasn’t for this comprehensive and easy-to-use software.
- Association memberships – Early on in my writing career, I joined my first professional association, Women’s Fiction Writers, and immediately found a community of fellow scribes who have proved to be invaluable on my writing journey. Not only did the group offer mentors, writing sprints, workshops, and critique partners, their Facebook group routinely gave me a place to ask newbie questions and get answers from more experienced writers. Later, I joined regional groups like Wisconsin Writers and Chicago Writers and of course, Rocky Mountain Fiction as well as genre specific groups like Sisters in Crime. Such groups proved invaluable in both finding like-minded writers but also providing information and camaraderie. Look for ones in your genre or region.
- Save the Cat – Every writer eventually seeks out craft advice. For me, one of the best investments I made was in a series of video lessons offered by Jessica Brody using the Save the Cat methodology. You might choose Story Grid, or Vogler’s Hero’s Journey or any of the dozens of other ways of viewing story structure out there, all of which have their pluses and minuses. Regardless of which approach rings to you, I found having a strong outline of where my novel was going invaluable in eventually writing two award-winning books.
- A stretched 24 x 36 canvas of my book cover – For less than $ 50.00 you can order a blow-up of your full-color cover to hang on the wall behind you for Zoom calls and take with you to public appearances. I don’t know about you but I easily attend two Zoom gatherings a week. They may be large groups when I’m just an attendee or committee meetings where I’m an active participant or a podcast where I’m the featured guest. Regardless, throughout the entire session, my book cover is on prominent display behind my back, subtly imprinting the image on everyone else in the meeting. And at book festivals and craft fairs, investing in an collapsible easel and showcasing this large canvas behind your table will stop people in their tracks.
- Small Group Workshops – I’ve attended my fair share of annual conferences, seminars, and workshops, and for me, you can’t beat the personalized attention and individual feedback you receive when the group is limited to no more than fifteen or so participants. This sometimes means going to a larger national conference and signing up for Master Classes and sometimes it’s just an offering like Ann Garvin’s Bummer Camp that limits the group size or lasts several days. Regardless, look for these opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with an experienced and knowledgeable pro, where you can often get detailed feedback and a one-on-one session to discuss your sample pages.
- Writing Contests – Though these contests usually carry a fee of between $35-$85, winning at least an honorable mention or better in a few of them can pay off in terms of both legitimacy/validation but also the opportunity to shout about your achievement on social media to garner more attention for your book. My debut novel won or placed in twelve major awards competitions which went a long way toward getting me attention from both reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, and influencers. I still get browsers at book fairs who pick up the book, notice the contest stickers, and remark about the wins before reaching in their pocketbook for their credit card.
Investing in these six tools has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a writer. Each of them not only improved my writing skills but also helped me grow creatively and professionally. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your writing process, these are purchases that truly paid off for me—and I believe they can do the same for you. Sometimes, the right investment can be the difference between struggling and thriving as a writer. These tools were worth every penny I spent.
Photo courtesy of Canva Pro/lutavia by Getty Images Signature
n a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith added novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies, a women’s fiction novel set in Chicago and released in March 2022 by Ten16 Press. It won NIEA’s Juror Grand Prize, the Star Award for Debut Fiction from Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Foreword INDIES Gold Metal for General Fiction. Her second novel, a psychological suspense called Blindspot released in May 2024. In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar (215+ episodes), blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and is Managing Editor for Chicago Writer’s Association Write City E-Zine. She resides in Milwaukee, WI, with her husband.