Writerly

Writerly

Start thinking like a writer!

111 ratings
17 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • February 1, 2017
  • September 15, 2025

Features

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About

This app guides aspiring and experienced writers through creative writing with advice, exercises, and AI-powered tools. It offers features to spark creativity, brainstorm ideas, research, and develop characters, acting as a constant writing companion.

AI Toolkit for research and brainstorming
Character development tools and exercises
Daily writing prompts
Techniques to combat writer's block
Sensory detail guidance
Built-in timer for exercises
Home screen widgets
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What's New in Writerly

2.50

September 15, 2025

- Added the "AI Toolkit" in-app purchase (requires iOS 26) - Book Suggestions. Tell the AI what aspect of creative writing you want to study and it provides a suggested reading list - Brainstorm Buddy. AI acts like a creative partner that you can talk to in natural language. You can brainstorm plot ideas, develop concepts, or solve story problems through conversation with the AI - Character Creation. AI can expand a simple character idea into a detailed profile. For instance, given a brief description (e.g. "a young wizard from a humble background, eager to prove herself"), the AI can produce a fuller backstory, personality traits, strengths, flaws, and even ideas for the character's arc - Prompts. Expanded AI writing prompts - Exercises. Generate creative writing exercises - Updated map-related functionality to use latest Apple MapKit APIs - Created a new universal icon that supports Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, ensuring a consistent appearance across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and the App Store

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In-App Purchases

$1.99

Ways into Character

Create living characters readers won't forget

User reviews

Eh

Eh

Save your time and money

At best you can call this a (slightly) interactive slide show. I say slight because if you purchase an addon you can click a few buttons that do absolutely nothing of use whatsoever. I gave it 2 stars because it does have a modicum of useful tips however you can find these for free on any given How-To-Be-A-Writer blog. Save your time and money; this isn't the tool you think it will be.
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Great app improvements, meh widgets

I wrote a review before they revamped it, and I still think the app is good. I’m glad they incorporated a view of your progress. I wish there were more options for the widgets other than the add-ons you have to pay for. I’d like for it to be the timer, or the exercise you need to complete. It’d be great to see a widget for something you’d use the app for every day. Even still, it’s a great app!
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Inspiring app

I have found the app is a great way to help me start a daily writing practice though so far I have barely scratched the surface of the exercises

One little niggle in the “year of writing promos” is the excessive number of days where four prompts are given.

Invariably I find the days with multiple prompts less inspiring and more arbitrary than the single prompts and those will be the days I break my writing streak.

Would it be possible to include the option for a preference for the number of prompts per day?
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Incredible Value (content and price)

After looking around the program for fifteen minutes, I bought all the add-on modules and can’t believe how much rich, creative, and varied content it contains. The tiny price the developers are asking for such a beautiful and useful program is almost a giveaway. They have done a fantastic job of blending information and inspiration in a visually rich interface that is as entertaining as it is informative. I look forward to every day’s writing prompts and all the information I’m learning about characters. Huge thanks for a fantastic job. I can’t wait to see what shows up in future updates.
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Developer apps

FAQ

What does Writerly do?

Writerly is designed to help users develop their creative writing skills. It provides advice, exercises, ideas, and prompts to assist both beginners and experienced writers in their craft. The app also features an AI Toolkit to spark creativity, brainstorm ideas, research, and create characters.

What are the key features of Writerly?

Key features include an AI Toolkit for research and brainstorming, character development tools, daily writing prompts, techniques to overcome writer's block, guidance on sensory detail, a built-in timer for exercises, and home screen widgets for quick access to prompts and character generation.

How much does Writerly cost?

The application is available for free with in-app purchases. This means you can download and use the basic features without charge, with options to purchase additional content or features.

What devices is Writerly compatible with?

Writerly is available for your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. This allows users to continue their writing journey across multiple Apple devices seamlessly.

Who is Writerly for?

Writerly is for anyone interested in creative writing, regardless of their experience level. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro, the app offers tools and content to help you grow as a writer.