How to write a life story using best writing software (online dictionary, Grammarly, Rev + more!)
First published July 26, 2018: This article has been updated and improved.
Hands up if you or your spouse are bad at reading maps?
Indeed the experience can be stressful, frustrating … and perhaps a tad funny!
Thankfully bad map readers are a dying breed given new tools like in-car navigation systems and smartphone map apps.
But technology is not just for the car.
Certainly it can help us pull into the fast lane to fix spelling and grammar during the writing process.
Therefore, here are my best online writing tools to keep you on track when you sit down to write an autobiography, memoir, biography or other life-story project.
So rev the engine and let’s get started …
Related article – Edit: The ultimate guide to polishing your writing
Online dictionaries
When I was at primary school I was given two enormous Macquarie Dictionaries by my grandfather.
They were the biggest books I had ever seen and I could barely lift them!
However, these days I use the convenient online version.
Simply go to the search function to look up any word in the dictionary, thesaurus or both simultaneously.
Indeed the site gives you access to over 300,000 words and definitions, encyclopedic entries, audio pronunciations for over 25,000 entries, etymologies, usage notes and more.
For an annual subscription fee, this writing software will help you gain confidence and accuracy with your writing.
However, there are also many free online dictionaries to try such as The Free Dictionary by Farlex.
Related article – Good writing: Writing tips on how to become a better writer (plus writing prompts free training)
Best online writing tools: Grammarly
Grammarly is one of the best online writing tools.
It is like having a copy editor in your pocket!
Grammarly aims to make sure everything you type is clear, effective, and mistake free.
Therefore it checks for repetitive words, misspelled words, comma usage, weak adjectives and much more.
Indeed it can even give you detailed explanations for all your mistakes and weekly progress reports.
Most importantly, there are a few versions, such as the addin for Microsoft and premium but the browser app is free.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: Revising and editing autobiography stories
Takeoff with Rev
Sometimes the best online writing tools are outside the box.
For example, many find talking a lot easier than typing and frees them from spelling and grammar worries.
Simply pull out a smartphone or laptop and hit record using a video or voice recorder.
If you need to download a free recorder app, search at Google Play (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone).
Then make a transcript using the recording.
A friend could do this for you or another option is Rev.
The Rev transcription service has transcribed millions of minutes.
It typically charges about US$1.25 per minute of recorded audio or video with a 12-hour turnaround and 99% accuracy.
Related article – Transcription: How to make writing easier with 3 transcription writing tools
Best online writing tools: Book layout templates
A book template will help you get stuck into book layout like a pro.
For example, I used Book Design Templates when I put my grandmother’s autobiography together.
These templates take the worry out of book layouts.
Firstly pick a template.
I used the A5 Inspire template (US$39).
Then, cut and paste your manuscript according to the helpful video training.
Most importantly, the company has templates for Microsoft Word, Apple Pages and Adobe InDesign.
And each template is made by a professional book designer.
Therefore, a template is definitely one of the best online writing tools to consider before starting a book layout from scratch.
Related article – Book layout: Don’t start a book layout without these 7 book-design tips!
Double your efforts
Sometimes life-story writers need more help than writing tools can offer.
So consider asking a loved one to help get your story started and finished.
And one of the best online writing tools in this situation is my Your Family Stories System: Easily capture your loved ones’ memories for future generations.
It will show you how to interview and record a life story so that unique memories live on.
And you can try the first few sections for free by clicking here to sign up.
Alternatively check out my coaching calls and publishing services for a more hands-on-approach.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: What you should know about Forever Young Autobiographies publishing services
Final say: Best online writing tools
Don’t be afraid to use these best online writing tools to help start, write, polish and publish a life story.
Certainly technology has given us many options to fix bad-writing woes.
For example: try an online dictionary, grammar checker, transcribing, book design template or other online life-story resources and services.
Indeed writing life stories can be a cathartic experience.
And when you finish, it can feel like a huge weight has been lifted.
So find peace in recording stories by starting today.
Happy writing!
*Please note: I am an affiliate for some of the sites listed and will receive a small fee if you sign up using the links listed.
Free gift!
Want a loved one to help you record your life story? Don’t go it alone! Try the Your Family Stories System. It has everything you need to know about interviews, compiling and recording a life story. Get the first few sections free! Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
What writing tool do you fancy? Or what’s your best online writing tools? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Have you hit a roadblock planning, writing, polishing or finishing your autobiography? Let me know here so I can help!
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.