If you know me, you know I'm an avid reader and can be a prolific writer. Of course, I'm also a huge fan of apps that help me do anything better, and I love to share what I find (hence this email newsletter). With all of that in mind, here are some reading and writing apps that have caught my eye...
This fascinating app based on a reading methodology will transform how you read. How? By training you to access the Optimal Reading Point or OPR in words to minimize your eye movements and increase your reading speed. Still a bit of an experiment, but it will blow your mind. Get the
Spritzlet for your web browser or watch it in action within the website for
the upcoming movie Lucy.
This website takes the Spritz method and lets you apply it to websites and PDF files.
Give it a try, and watch your reading speed (WPM i.e. words per minute) increase pretty quickly.
An entirely different kind of reading app that "zaps" clutter from any web page you're reading. Gone are the distracting widgets, advertisements and plug-ins that make web pages busy and annoying. Add it to your web browser for quick web page cleanups or download the app to your
iPhone & iPad or
Android devices.
Mind mapping can be a visual way to make and access notes for your writing projects. Use this simple, very cool, free mind mapping app to organize your ideas on your
iPhone. Some Android alternatives include
iMindMap (from Tony Buzan, the man who invented the mind mapping technique) and
MindMapper.
Get rid of writing distractions when writing on your computer. FocusWriter wipes your screen clean so only the document you're writing is visible. Available for PC, Mac, even Linux. Free although there is the option to tip the developer.
Quickly identify your common writing errors. Type or paste in your content and get a "grade" that highlights phrasing issues, use of adverbs, sentence complexity and other criteria. Your grade is based on how easy your writing is to understand i.e. at what grade level.
BONUS:
Quip
A collaborative writing app for the
iPhone and iPad as well as
Android and even Mac and PC via your web browser. Compose, edit and discuss what you've written using Quip. For personal and family use (shopping lists, vacation plans) or a paid version for you and your business team (client proposals, work processes, event planning). Free for personal. Business: $12/user/month
Life is short. Do what you love.
On My Kindle App
Her: A Memoir by Christa Parravani
next up:
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
On My Audible App
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
On My Nightstand
Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter by Elaine St. James
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Aliza
LAUGH. LOVE. CREATE.
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ThinOptics: "Reading glasses t
hat are always with you."