The Storyteller's Ultimate Toolbox
Updated: Dec 31, 2024
The internet is a large place and not everyone get's the same information. To narrow down the search radius, I've decided to make a list of the best tools that all storytellers should be taking advantage of (if you already aren't). There are way more tools that you can use besides the ones suggested so make sure to keep a personal list that you can update as you continue on your storytelling journey.
Side Note: I have 0 personal connection with any of these "masters" that are showcased below. They are being showcased as an important resource for you to add to your toolbox free of charge and worry. Always keep in mind that if someone asks for your email to get a "free gift", the chances of being on their mailing list are HIGH. You can always get the free gift and then unsubscribe later, but make sure to give them a chance before you do (as many below will probably lead you to give out an email). I promise that they are reliable sources with more knowledge than most on their topic.
Discover Your Writer Archetype
Purpose: Focus on what your strengths and weaknesses are as a writer through a fantasy lens. Super helpful for personal branding and marketing strategy.
"TAKE THE QUIZ: What type of fantasy writer are you? Are you an eccentric Free Spirit, a passionate Spell-Caster, a mystic Lore-Keeper, A Dark Wizard… or something else? This free guide to 12 Fantasy Writer Archetypes breaks down what kind of readers you should be trying to attract… and (most importantly) what kind of content you should be creating to attract them."
Merriam-Webster Dictionary's Word of the Day
Purpose: Expand your vocabulary and write with diversity.
You can also sign up for their daily email or download their app. They also have games and facts that are great for fueling inspiration for stories, worlds, and more.
Urban Dictionary's Word of the Day
Purpose: Expand your vocabulary in an unusual way and write with a unique style.
This is a great tool to have in your back pocket if you're looking for slang or are in the mood for a good chuckle. Please take these definitions with the seriousness of youth and the spirit of storytelling.
Google Arts and Culture
Purpose: Gain inspiration for your stories from fine art, games, and more!
For those who are unable to go to a museum, this a great place to check out art, culture, and diversity in abundance. They are constantly updating it with new things so the only way to understand its greatness is by checking it out for yourself. Use it as a tool of inspiration and be sure to check out the blob opera.
Random Word Generator
Purpose: Take the word as a kickstart for a brainstorming session or a freewriting (word vomit) moment.
I personally love this one for general inspiration when nothing is coming to me. Writing about a random word or two might jumpstart the inspiration you were looking for in the first place.
10 Fast Fingers - Typing
Purpose: Sharpen your typing skills and WPM.
Writers need to know how to type without looking at the keys if they want to maximize how fluid their ideas come out. It is also helpful (and humbling) to know how fast you write compared to the average joe (40 words per minute on average). I personally started at 23 words per minute (WPM) and over a year this is my speed just taking a shot while writing my article.
KeyBR - Typing
Purpose: Learn how to type with all your fingers and learn your weaknesses
If your results from the WPM challenge humbled you I highly suggest spending some time with KeyBR. They will take you letter by letter and give you the tools to learn how to type with each finger. Your pinkies and pointer fingers are they key to proper hand placement. Don't take my word for it. Test it out yourself and see how far you get. Like I said before, the more fluid your typing skills are the easier it will be to get your ideas out onto the page and into the world.
Inkarnate - Map Maker
Purpose: Make high-quality world maps
This is my favorite thing to use on the planet! It is the best way to bring your world to life and though it may take some time to learn, they have a fantastic support group. Where do you think all of these maps come from?
World Anvil - Interactive Story Bible
Purpose: Organize your world and the various details
If you have too many subfolders of details, this is the place for you. Organize everything from that map you made to your character details. Make everything you can think of for your story in one place. It is a wonderful tool to have if you don't want to make entire website for things like I do.
Canva - Free Design Tool
Purpose: Content Creation
I've been using Canva for almost a decade and it has been my top choice for everything. It doesn't matter if it's a book cover, a character design, or a instagram post, I can do it all with Canva.
Script Slug - Free Scripts
Purpose: Free access to live-action and animated scripts and resources
For those that participarte in the script reading challenges that we hold at the guild, this is the source of our scripts! See what they have posted lately and snag yourself a script before it's gone forever!
Character Creator 1
Purpose: Full-Body Low-Quality Character Design
This is one of the many character creators that I use. Be warned of the quality of the download before you begin. Even if you take it into Canva later on, there is only so much enhancing you can do for large print.
Character Creator 2
Purpose: To create Stardew Valley-looking characters
If you are into the 8-bit/16-bit video game look, this is a fantastic character designer for concept creation. I love to use this one when I'm designing video game characters just to keep myself in the mindset that this is a video game, not a novel or animation, but that's just me.
Free Dictation Guide
Purpose: To learn the art of writing fiction through dictation
While this is not my personal cup of tea, I found it fascinating when attending a virtual discussion at the Escape the Plot Forest 2024 Writer's Summit. I highly encourage you to check it out and see if it's something that you can add to your arsenal of tools.
Authrotunities Hub
Purpose: Choose Your Publishing Path and understand why you want to publish
This blew my mind when I learned about these four paths, or quests, that you can take to publish your work. You can have it all, but you can't have it all at once. So, choose your publishing path and learn the deeper truths of why you're writing.
Free Writing Retreat Planner
Purpose: Learn how to plan a personal writing retreat
Being a writer is important and taking ourselves seriously is hard, but it's necessary. Taking a few days away to focus on your writing is life-changing. Whether you take a small step or a big step, take a glance at this planner and see what comes to mind.
Free Five-Day Mindful Writing Challenge!
Purpose: Take a chance to do something mindful with your writing practice
I'm so excited that other writers want to dive deep into mindfulness practices such as meditation and freewriting (word vomit here on Storyteller Planet). Be sure to take the challenge and see where the journey leads you.
Free Story Structure Worksheet
Purpose: To take a different approach to your story
While there are many on-planet tools to help with this, we know that we don't have all the answers. Plus it's fun to try a different approach to a similar topic. It takes a village to make a memorable story.
Map Out Your Picture Book Guide
Purpose: Learn how to map your picture book
This is such a nifty tool that I think is great even if you're not writing a picture book. Take a break from your chosen genre or five headfirst into your idea for a picture book with this basic guide and helpful tips.
Map Out Your Chapter Book
Purpose: Learn how to map out a chapter book
From the same author from the tool above, this is focused on the structuring of chapter books for younger readers. Very insightful and a great tool to have.
The Core of Your Story Worksheet
Purpose: Reaffirm the seven core scenes in your story
Another great worksheet to see if your core elements are working for your story. This is a different approach to how you can check in on the foundation of your story and make sure it flows for your reader and advances the plot.
Plot Type Assessment Quiz
Purpose: Narrow down your internal and external plot types
This was fun to do because it helped me think about elements of my story that I normally overlook as "obvious" and I was able to reaffirm the balance of internal and external plot types that I plan to use in my story.
Romancing the Beat - Beat Sheet
Purpose: Learn the origins of romance beats and see where your story falls.
There is an inexpensive book that discusses these beats in depth, but here is the beat sheet to get you started.
Another Trove of Resources
Purpose: More tips for you to use
Here's another list for you to skim through and use for greatness.
Wheel of Life Assessment
Purpose: Connect to yourself first and then put your characters to the test
This is a fantastic tool for us as writers and for the characters we write because it helps us understand the essence of our lives and learn from the results. Who you are shapes everything you do and the same thing goes for your characters. Why not learn more about both?
About the Author
Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who writes dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. Born as Angelica Cabrera, she is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA NYC, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. Crystal has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. While she tries to keep up with her social media accounts, the best way to get to know her is over a cup of tea or a good plate of food.
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