5 web tabs to keep open while writing
The internet is a writer’s greatest resource! It can be used right from the beginning in the research and concept development phase, all the way through to conducting edits and final touches. But what websites are the most useful—and most often used—during those times you actually sit down to write?
Now I know some writers prefer to shut off the internet during their writing sessions in order to limit distractions. While I can understand this perfectly, it’s not for me, and today I discuss five key websites that I almost always have open in my web browser when writing. I find them so useful and helpful as both resources and quick-reference guides when there’s something I need to look up. What tabs do YOU keep open while writing?
(1)
Dictionary.com | Thesaurus.com
(or your online dictionary of choice)
Most word processors have some kind of inbuilt dictionary and thesaurus, which are certainly helpful for a quick definition or synonym check, but they can also be fairly limited in scope and functionality. This is where an online dictionary comes in. My favourite is dictionary.com, which provides definitions and well as word origins and example sentences. With a single click, you can also switch over to thesaurus.com, where you can find extensive lists of synonyms, antonyms and related words!
(2)
Wikipedia
(or your online encyclopaedia of choice)
Now, I know your teachers have probably told you not to use Wikipedia, but while this is probably true for your scientific research paper, “the Free Encyclopedia” is actually an excellent resource when it comes to writing a story. There are millions of articles on Wikipedia, and 99% of the time it’s my first stop when, midway through a scene, I need to double-check the finer details of the Ancient Egyptian embalming process. A key advantage of using an online encyclopaedia as opposed to just a web browser is the way the articles are linked together so you can readily access related information!
(3)
Google Images
(or an image browser of your choice)
How many times, while writing, have you felt the need to quickly look up punk rocker hairstyles while describing that particular character? It is for reasons like this that I always have an image browser open—images are inspiration! At the moment I just use Google Images because it’s quick and easy and free and I know how it works, but there are many other options out there. From my understanding, Pinterest is a good one too!
(4)
Behind the Name
(or your name website of choice)
Are other writers as obsessed with names and etymology as me? Surely! I love little more than finding the perfect names for my characters and places, both in sound and meaning. While there are billions of naming websites out there, I believe Behind the Name to be by far the best. There are options to search names by origin, letter, gender, meaning and more, and they give detailed descriptions of their etymology, similar names and related names in other cultures. If you don’t already have this site added to your favourites, it’s definitely worth checking out!
(5)
Google Translate
(or your online translator of choice)
This one might not be relevant or required in 100% of cases, but I almost always have Google Translate open while I’m writing. I use it a lot while working on a fantasy WIP, because I often find inspiration for names and terms from other languages—and Google Translate has a lot of languages to conduct a quick check! A word of warning, though: if you want a precise translation, don’t rely on this site. It’s pretty good for words and short phrases, but the grammar and structure for longer sentences is not always correct.
What tabs do YOU keep open while writing? Do you use any of those listed above? What are your favourite online writing resources?
Rebecca Alasdair
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
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Lorraine Ambers
I always keep a dictionary, thesaurus and onomatopoeia page open. 😊
Rebecca Alasdair
Ooooo an onomatopoeia page! That’s a good one!! 😀
Andrew McDowell
Behind the Name is definitely a good one; it’s one of many sites I find are good for looking up names (along with its surnames counterpart). Wikipedia searches are also good when finding people with a certain name and seeing when and where they were alive.
Rebecca Alasdair
Yes all good points! I remember being so excited when I found the surname version of Behind the Name!!
Bryan Fagan
This is a great reminder. I keep forgetting these. Thanks!
Rebecca Alasdair
You’re welcome! It’s always good to learn / revise these little tricks that help out when you’re writing 😊
M.L. Davis
Hey! I’ve nominated you in the writer’s tag, see my blog for info: https://uninspiredwriters.com/2018/10/05/m-l-davis-writers-tag-lets-connect/ 🙂
Rebecca Alasdair
Aww thank you so much!! I’ll put that in my blog schedule for next month 😊
M.L. Davis
Look forward to your answers 😀
Ari
Great post, I keep thesaurus open and wikipedia, never thought of the others!
Just an FYI I have nominated you for the Writers Tag, take a look at my blog for the details and questions
Rebecca Alasdair
There’s a reason I put those as number 1 and 2!! And thanks for the tag – perfect timing as I’m putting together my blog schedule for November 😃
Ari
Wow you are organised! I can only manage a month at a time. I wish I could prep November already. 😀
Yay, I’m looking forward to seeing your answers 🙂
Rebecca Alasdair
Most of the time I only plan a week or two ahead!! But since there’s now only a handful of weeks until the end of the year (how did that happen?), I thought I’d plan out which post ideas I’ll use in the remaining 2.5 months and which I’ll leave to 2019!
Randi Anderson
Ah, yes! Behind the Name has long been one of my favorite naming resources. 😉 Good choice!
Rebecca Alasdair
It’s awesome isn’t it?! Such a wealth of name-related info and it has some very useful tools!!