{"id":1705,"date":"2026-04-23T12:24:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/ca\/?p=1705"},"modified":"2026-04-23T06:26:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T12:26:30","slug":"can-i-start-writing-without-a-computer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/ca\/blog\/can-i-start-writing-without-a-computer","title":{"rendered":"Can I start writing without a computer?"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Online writing can be a very attractive opportunity for those looking for a side gig or even a full-time career. You may be wondering if you need a computer to get started, and while it certainly will be easier if you have this technology, it is possible to work using just your smartphone.<\/p>\n

Your phone can do double duty<\/h2>\n

As over 80% of Canadians are believed to have access to smartphone technology, there’s a good chance you have one yourself. That means you have a tool that puts a writing career at your fingertips.<\/p>\n

Apps can be your new best friends<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re considering using your phone to write, you may want to familiarize yourself with apps that can make the process easier. Google Docs is a popular choice, and it allows you to write, edit, share, and perform other tasks online. It includes a variety of useful tools such as word count, grammar checks, and font types.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a proficient writer but can use a bit of help when it comes to spelling, grammar, punctuation and tone, Grammarly can come in handy.<\/p>\n

WordPress has been used by many writers to both write and create an online portfolio of their work to show to prospective clients. This can be really important when it comes to attracting new clients.<\/p>\n

Bite into Bluetooth<\/h2>\n

Smartphones may have their own on-screen keyboard, but these don’t tend to be well suited to writing longer pieces. There’ s a wide assortment of budget-friendly Bluetooth keyboards on the market that make it easier to type, edit, cut and paste and perform other jobs.<\/p>\n

Libraries offer access<\/h2>\n

Public, university and community college libraries may offer access to both desktop computers and internet access. If you have saved your work in an online format such as WordPress or Google Docs, you can format and upload your documents. You can also do extra research beyond what is possible to do on just your phone.<\/p>\n

Make use of speech-to-text technology<\/h2>\n

Also known as voice dictation, this technology allows you to quickly draft articles without having to type. You can then go back and edit your work. This may save a lot of time, and there are a variety of programs available. These may also be really helpful if you have problems with your hands or fingers that make typing difficult.<\/p>\n

Do I really need a computer?<\/h2>\n

As stated above, the answer to this question is both \u201cyes\u201d and \u201cno\u201d. Working with a phone may be a good fit for the beginner who wants to get their feet wet without having to make a large investment.<\/p>\n

For a variety of reasons, most writers find that, as their career takes off, a laptop of desktop computer becomes essential.<\/p>\n

Improve your workflow<\/h2>\n

As you progress as a writer, you will likely find yourself working with strict deadlines. A phone means having to use a small screen that may not always be that easy to read. The large screen of an actual computer will make it much easier to type, edit and perform other tasks. It may also improve research times and outcomes by allowing you to have more than one tab open at once.<\/p>\n

Ease of editing<\/h2>\n

Just as with writing, editing on a small phone screen may not always be easy. The larger computer screen will help, and there are tools you can download that can make editing snap. Software such as MS Word and Hemingway Editor are better suited to use this way.<\/p>\n

Conform to your client\u2019s needs<\/h2>\n

Clients may want submissions in a particular format, and this may not be possible to do with just a phone. Using a computer also allows you to engage in project management and communications, as well as to manage invoices.<\/p>\n

Secure storage<\/h2>\n

A final perk of using a computer is it allows you to save your work offline. This can be especially important if the power is out or you need to work where you can\u2019t access Wi-Fi connection.<\/p>\n

While it certainly is possible to get started writing online with just a smartphone, having a computer can make the process so much easier. At Words of Worth, we offer our writers the chance to earn money while writing about a wide variety of topics. Why not submit your application to join the team today?<\/p>\n

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