Your Writing Stack: The Tools That Support (or Sabotage) Your Writing Life
How to build a system that actually helps you write—without falling into the tool trap.
Dear Quill Keeper,
Most online businesses and many people in the tech world have something they call a “tech stack.”
Frankly, I think even those who don’t fall into those categories are using some type of tech stack in their day-to-day lives.
So what exactly is a tech stack anyway? It’s a set of tools, software, and systems that help you accomplish tasks and get work done. Of course, the type of tools you use will depend on the kind of work you do and what you’re trying to achieve.
Writers have something similar. It’s called a “writing stack.” You can probably guess what it’s about—a stack of tools writers use in their writing life that helps them, you guessed it, write.
But I think it’s important to understand that these are not just tools that help you write. In fact, they’re more than just writing tools. They include everything that supports your writing life. It’s more of a system that works efficiently, like a well-oiled machine.
For example: your writer’s notebook captures ideas, which then move into writing software that helps you expand and refine them. The piece then gets published on your blog using a back-end system like WordPress. The notebook, writing software, and WordPress become part of your writing stack. Together, they create a system that helps you achieve your writing goals.
This all sounds nice and helpful, but I’ve found that if it’s not kept in check, it can actually turn into a hindrance to writing.
So what do I mean by that?
The illusionary writer
You may have all the tools in the world in your writing stack, but it becomes a problem when you’re not using those tools to do the thing that matters most—writing.
Sometimes fancy tools can make you feel prepared. They can convince you that everything is in control and that you’re finally ready to sit down and write. But in truth, those very tools can give you the illusion of being a “real” writer.
You can be fully armed with writing tools and still not write. And that becomes a serious problem in the long run.
✨ A Little Something
If you’re realising your tools feel heavier than helpful, it might not be about adding more—it might be about building the right system around your writing life.
That’s the thinking behind resources like the eBook Launch Your Authorpreneur Career, which helps you clarify what actually matters in your creative journey, and the Author Business Plan Workbook (with an AI-guided option) for writers who want structure without overwhelm. Both are designed to support your writing—not complicate it.
The learning curve
Every tool you get your hands on will most likely come with some kind of learning curve. It takes time to understand it, set it up, and get comfortable with it.
That process can frustrate you. In the worst-case scenario, it can distract you completely. You fall down the rabbit hole of tutorials, tweaks, and experiments—losing track of the actual writing.
Shiny object syndrome
Who doesn’t know about this? Who hasn’t fallen prey to shiny object syndrome?
Every day, a new tool gets released into the market. It looks like exactly what you need. But in truth, you’re just getting caught in the shiny object cycle.
This one is tricky. It requires self-awareness and discipline so you don’t end up collecting tools while producing very little writing.
Building a writing stack minus the drama
If you want to build your writing stack—or assess your current one—here are a few things you can do:
Audit what you’re already using in your current writing stack. If you don’t have one, this is a good time to start thinking about building one.
Notice the tools you’re naturally drawn to. These might be your core tools. Keep track of them.
Sometimes you’ll have all the tools in the world and still feel stuck. In that case, check whether the issue is not the tools—but the system itself.
Try this simple exercise: whatever tool you’re using, jot down how many words you’ve written so far—and how many words the tool has helped you produce. This won’t lie. You’ll know exactly what’s working and what isn’t.
Take it slow. You continue to evolve as a writer, so your stack can evolve too. Or, especially in the beginning, don’t overthink it. Just focus on the one thing that matters most—writing.
Your turn
What’s in your writing stack?
Signing off from Avid Quill Studio🪶
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