So, you’re a teen writer, and you’ve got this amazing story idea in your head. But sometimes, writing can be tough, and you need a little help to get those creative juices flowing. Don’t worry! There are so many awesome websites out there that can help you with writing—without costing a single penny. I’ve rounded up a list of some of my faves that are super easy to use, no editing websites involved, just pure writing goodness. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips on world-building for sci-fi and fantasy, because let’s be real, those genres are fun but they can also get tricky!
1. Reedsy
Okay, Reedsy is like a treasure chest for writers. You can find free writing prompts, guides on publishing, and more! The best part? It’s all free. They’ve got this super helpful section called Reedsy Learning that has free writing courses—yes, for FREE. It’s an awesome resource if you want to learn how to write better or even self-publish your stuff someday. It’s really simple to use, and I’ve learned a lot from it!
Website: Reedsy
2. Pinterest
Pinterest isn’t just for looking at aesthetic photos or DIY projects (although I do love that too). It’s also a fantastic place for writers! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can get stuck when I’m trying to come up with new ideas. Pinterest is full of writing tips, plot ideas, character prompts, and even world-building inspiration! You can search for boards dedicated to writing and just keep scrolling for hours of ideas.
Website: Pinterest
3. OneLook Thesaurus
You ever get stuck on a word? You know what it means, but you just can’t think of the right synonym? OneLook is a life-saver. You can type in a word and it will give you a ton of similar words, or even related words if you’re looking for a specific vibe. I use this website all the time when I’m editing because it helps me find the perfect words for my characters’ thoughts or descriptions. Best part: It's super easy!
Website: OneLook Thesaurus
4. World-Building Website (For Sci-Fi and Fantasy!)
Okay, world-building is so much fun. But if you’re writing a sci-fi or fantasy story, it can be super easy to accidentally create plot holes or confusing rules in your world. So, check out this site called World Anvil. It’s a great place to create a detailed world, and they’ve got loads of free resources to help you think through the geography, history, cultures, and even magic systems in your story. You can also get feedback from other people who love fantasy or sci-fi and are great at spotting potential plot holes.
Website: World Anvil
5. Plot Generator
Need some inspiration but don’t know where to start? This site helps you generate plot ideas by filling out a few prompts. It’s quick, simple, and so fun. You can get a random plot or be more specific with things like genre, character details, or setting. It’s perfect when you’re having one of those days where you just want to write, but you don’t know what to write about.
Website: Plot Generator
6. Notebook.ai
If you're building a world for your story, Notebook.ai is a must-try. It's a free tool to help you keep track of your characters, locations, magic systems, and even the small details you might forget (like the name of a town you invented on page 2). It’s kind of like a giant digital notebook for everything you create in your world, and it helps you stay consistent as you go. It’s also a great place to check for any plot holes or areas that need more explanation. It’ll point out things you might have missed—like if two characters have the same name or if a place doesn’t make sense within your world. Super helpful!
Website: Notebook.ai
7. Writer’s Digest Blog
Not only does Writer’s Digest have tons of articles on writing and publishing, but they also have free resources for writers, like prompts, advice on character building, and tips for getting through writer’s block. The blog is easy to follow and packed with good advice for anyone who wants to become a better writer. Check out their writing tips and get inspired!
Website: Writer's Digest
Bonus: A Few World-Building Tips for Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Okay, so I had to throw this in! If you're writing sci-fi or fantasy, world-building can be hard but fun. Here are a few tips to make sure your world is strong and makes sense:
Consistency is Key: Make sure the rules in your world stay the same throughout the story. If you say magic works in a certain way, it can’t suddenly change without a good reason. Readers will notice if something feels off!
Think About Your World’s History: Why does the world look the way it does now? What’s happened in the past that’s affected your characters? History is a big part of world-building because it gives your world depth.
Create Realistic Systems: Whether it's politics, magic, or economics, make sure your world has systems that make sense. If your society is built on magic, what are the rules around it? Who controls it? If it’s sci-fi, how do spaceships work?
Get Feedback from Others: Sometimes, it’s hard to see your own plot holes. World-building websites like World Anvil let you connect with other writers who can help point out things that don’t add up.
Keep It Fun! Remember, building your world is one of the most exciting parts of writing fantasy or sci-fi. It’s your chance to get creative, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild!
So, that’s it! These websites will help you level up your writing game, whether you’re working on a fantasy epic, a sci-fi adventure, or a cool short story. The best part? They're all totally free, and you don’t have to deal with complicated tools or editing software. Just visit these sites, get inspired, and start writing!
Got any websites you love to use for writing? Let me know in the comments below! 👇 Happy writing!
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