Creatives need tools. Here’s a few I’ve found helpful…
Like all tools, some of these are free, some have a nominal cost.
Disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). If you like the product and end up purchasing it, I’d get a commission to help me pursue my passions as you pursue yours. But only purchase them if you think they’ll help you in your creative endeavors.
Creativity Resources
For Inspiration:
I wrote a short e-book called Ten Commandment for Creatives. It’s designed for prolific creatives as well as for beginners–we all need a roadmap. Read more about it here or snag it on Amazon by clicking here
For Writing:
Purpose: Organize your random creative thoughts with this writing program for Mac or PC.
Pros: Templates for screenwriting, fiction, or even just brainstorming. Functionality allows you to drag and drop chapters and subchapters with ease. You just may say goodbye to Microsoft Word or Apple’s Pages once you try this.
Cons: Learning curve. After I spent about an hour doing the suggested tutorials, I had a great grasp on Scrivener’s capabilities.
Learn more about Scrivener here.
For Reading:
You might want to read this post on Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. It’s one of my favorites.
For Blogging:
Standard Theme
Why use Standard Theme? Even I can do it, and I’m no designer or CSSer.
I’ll prove it. Here’s a video of me installing and designing with the lastest version of Standard Theme.
- Customizable (even if you don’t know CSS, HTML, or other weird languages).
- If you purchase the support license you can use it on innumerable sites.
- Great support forum.
- Check it out HERE.
Purpose: Host your blog/website and install software with one simple click.
Pros: It’s one of the top three hosting sites. I use GoDaddy to host what you’re reading right now. Customer support has been fantastic the one or two times I’ve called in and I have no complaints.
Cons: GoDaddy’s stigma is that of girls in bikinis and a general frathouse feel. They’re getting away from that now, but they still have the suspicious name. Don’t let that stop you from trusting them. They will give you great service!
Special Offer! 20% off New 12+mo Hosting plans from GoDaddy.com!
Purpose: Same as GoDaddy…just in a different prackage.
Pros: A bit more professional and maybe 2% more reliable than GoDaddy. I’ve used it to host a few others sites and it seems that I’ve experienced less downtime with Bluehost than GoDaddy.
Check out this Bluehost plan: Easy Web Hosting $6.95.
Cons: None yet.
For Social Media:
Purpose: Tweet Adder is a program that’s helped me find likeminded Twitter followers, follow them, send a thank you tweet when/if they follow me back and more tasks all completely automated.
Pros: This is one of my favorite creativity resources. Why? It saves so much time and I can do what I like to do: write, create, and help others monetize their passions.
Cons: Your computer must be on and connected to the internet (unless you set up a virtual desktop, but that’s a bit over my head).
Find out more about Tweet Adder here.
I’ve been using HootSuite for about a year now and it’s helped me manage multiple accounts.
Purpose: Hootsuite allows you to manage multiple social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and many more.
Pros: Schedule your updates in the morning and then go about your creative work during the day! I usually spend about 20-30 minutes scheduling updates via Hootsuite before leaving for my day job. That way I can work online and offline at the same time.
Hootsuite free service allows users to manage up to 5 social profiles, while the paid service allows users to maintain unlimited accounts and provides analytics on social media campaigns.
Cons: Not any I’ve experienced. I love Hootsuite and use it daily.