Top Tools For Writers in 2011: These are mine, share yours

What are your top writing tools in 2011 — the tools you actually use every day? I’ve listed some of mine, please share yours in the comments.

Blogs and Twitter

Ah blogging… I’ve been blogging for over a decade now, and I doubt I’ll ever get tired of it. Blogging’s come a long way.

I can still remember my early years of blogging (up until 2005). In those years, other writers were very contemptuous about bloggers. Commonly, the response would be: You’re writing for nothing?! Well… no.

Twitter is an indulgence, as well as a tool. I adore browsing my Twitter feed when I have time, but I use it for more serious purposes too.

Scrivener

I adore Scrivener. Nowadays, I can’t imagine writing a book without it. It’s always open on my Mac. If you’re on Windows, there’s a Windows version too.

iPad (tablet)/ smartphone

Flipboard: read and discover

I love my iPhone and iPad.

My iPhone doubles as a voice recorder, which makes it endlessly useful. I can take voice notes anywhere. Although I’ve tried many recording apps, I usually just add a voice note to Evernote, because it’s so simple, and is installed on all my devices.

My iPad’s always with me. I use it for reading, writing, and brainstorming. I’m surprised at how much use I’ve got out of it. Originally I read on it, but now I create mind maps, write, and post Twitter updates.

Dropbox

Store your stuff in Dropbox, and use it anywhere.

I use Dropbox because it’s so easy and reliable. I can create backups and copies of important files, and they’re available to me everywhere.

Livescribe pen

I always think better with a pen in my hand, but I hate transcribing notes. My Livescribe eliminates the need to transcribe, and it makes it super-easy to share everything I’ve written on all my devices.

OK — now it’s your turn. What are your top writers’ tools for this year — the tools you use most? Please share in the comments.