Without the proper tools for writing a book, you can still enjoy a retreat of a lifetime, but you can’t get the work done. As a travelling writer, I’ve discovered the incredible sensation of finding inspiration for my novel in new places and have the dedicated spaces and time to work through the story ideas I gather. Yet, I’ve also bumped into the challenges that come with writing in unfamiliar places. I started out tentatively, tweaking a few words from a café in Darwin, and a few years later, I lived for almost a year from one writing retreat to another. These are the 5 tools that made it possible.
1. Best device for writing
Writing retreats are impossible without a laptop or, at the very least, a reasonably sized tablet. It speaks for itself; it’s the most essential of tools for writing a book. Unless you’ve taken on the mission to handwrite the first draft of your novel, you’ll want a reliable digital travel buddy for your writing. Whether I’m drafting chapters, refining character profiles, or adding details to my worldbuilding, I’m inseparable from mine.
After my old laptop overheated and died in the scorching sun of Australia’s North-West, I replaced it with a device that could handle the demands of my projects and travel. My new MacBook Pro is lightweight and slim, so it fits easily into my daypack. However, I was especially keen on its built-in fans to keep it cool in hot climates—a lifesaver when I’m writing in tropical cafés under the relentless Australian heat. Plus, I can write for hours without needing to charge it. It’s the perfect companion for me as a travelling writer.
2. Software tools for writing a book
The right software helps you do what you set out to do on your writing retreats: write. What if you could focus solely on your story instead of worrying about grammar or keeping track of your ideas? Whether I’m curled up in a cabin for a retreat or go on a full-blown creative journey, here’s the software I rely on while travelling.
Google docs
Everyone knows it. Everyone uses it. Google Docs is how I started writing collaborative stories with my writing bestie in the States. Now, I still use it to capture new story ideas before they grow into bigger projects. It costs nothing. All you need is a Gmail account to start writing freely, without the annual fees of a Microsoft subscription.
Scrivener
Novel writing tools like Scrivener are well-known among writers, and it’s by far my favourite. It’s an all-in-one program designed for authors, letting you plan, draft, and organise complex projects like novels or research-heavy books in one seamless workspace. Scrivener is my go-to writing tool for crafting stories and shaping my fantasy worlds, inspired by my travels.
Grammarly versus ProWritingAid
For grammar and vocabulary support, you’ll want software that refines your craft. The two best-known options are Grammarly and ProWritingAid. While there’s plenty of debate about which is better, I use both for different purposes.
Writing a book in English as a non-native speaker can be challenging at times. I use ProWritingAid for my novel writing and long-form projects. It integrates seamlessly with Scrivener and provides more in-depth stylistic feedback. Apart from the usual grammar and vocabulary corrections, it also helps me improve my pacing, sentence variety, readability, and word repetition. I started with the free version but now use the lifetime Premium edition, which is especially useful as I near the publication stage. I can even get a daily critique report on a fresh chapter, or with a discount, a full manuscript check and feedback report.
Grammarly is my go-to software for quick edits and everyday writing. It’s easy and intuitive, making it perfect for checking my blog posts on this website. I don’t use it for my novels, but I highly recommend trying the free version to trace down your basic grammar mistakes. It’s a perfect tool to get started with, and using the free version allows you to try out which software program you like best.
3. Notebook or journal for inspiration
When you bring your writing to places far away, you want to travel light. Instead of bringing a whole stack of books, journals, and notebooks, consider keeping it simple. Book nerds like us are attached to the comfort of a real book and the romanticised idea of scribbling in a journal. I was like that, too. But when my single backpack turned into two heavy suitcases, I decided to chuck some things out.
Now, I use my iPad mini for almost everything. I read e-books with Kobo and Apple Books, and I keep track of my ideas in GoodNotes. Recently, I even used this app to review an entire manuscript, adding notes in the margins so I could keep it beside my laptop while editing. The iPad mini is so compact that it fits into my handbag. It’s perfect for when you’re struck by a sudden story idea (and believe me, it happens!).
4. Power & connectivity tools for writing a book
Nothing glamorous here, but these tools for writing a book are essential on your writing retreats! If you’re heading out into the world to craft your novels, there are a few basics you’ll want to pack. These simple tools will help you maintain your creative flow:
- A universal adapter that connects to your laptop charger in every country you travel to.
- A portable charger or power bank so you can recharge when working outside your accommodation.
- A long charger cord. Seriously, this one matter! I’ve struggled with short ones when the only writing spot in my Airbnb beach cabin was the bed with no nearby power socket.
- A reliable Wi-Fi hotspot (or a local SIM card with plenty of data) so you can stay connected wherever you go.
5. Don’t forget to create atmosphere
Writing away from home can be tough. Even when you’ve found yourself the most stunning writing location, to truly find your flow, it’s worth creating an atmosphere that nurtures inspiration. As I’ve travelled full-time and adjusted to new homes from one place to the next, my top priority has always been to create a space that helps me settle in.
It’s not always easy for us introverts to find a place where we feel comfortable enough to write. That’s why I carry a few small tokens from home: a tiny fake plant, a postcard, and my favourite comfy clothes that remind me of my Sunday morning writing sessions in Arnhem. Create a Spotify playlist with concentration music, wrap yourself in the plaid you brought from home, and tada! You’ve created a cocoon where you can sink into your story world and focus on writing the novel you came to write.
Writing everywhere
Writing in a strange environment might bring its challenges, but with the right tools and mindset, you’ll discover that focusing on writing is possible wherever you go. For me, the ability to write anywhere is what sets me free. All I need is my good old Mac with the right software, a notebook, connectivity essentials, and a few small comforts that help me focus entirely on writing my book.
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