Can’t we writers get by with a simple pen and notebook? If it was good enough for Emily Dickinson and William Faulkner, it’s good enough for us, right?
Yes. Of course. (I am, after all, attached to my three-ring binder and Pilot Precise V5 RT.)
And yet…
Without tech, few readers find us. I suppose we could pin a manifesto to the coffee shop bulletin board, but only a few passers-by would glance at it.
If we want to share our words more widely with the world, we need to get our words off the pages that sit in a notebook, journal, or diary and into some digital format, because that’s how we publish and distribute our work in 2026.
It’s how we can share our meaningful message broadly. It’s how we encourage people, speak our truth, and take our stand.
If we offer a service or sell books, we need business infrastructure to manage that, as well.
My Main Tools for Writing and Coaching in 2026
I took a simple poll over on Instagram, asking if people want to know the tools and programs I use to run my writing and coaching business—even though the list will be boring.
Despite that disclaimer, most everyone voted they wanted me to share what I use.
Over the years my “tech stack” has evolved. I’ve tested both free and paid options, landed on a tool that served me for years and then switched it up to save money or simplify my workflow. Knowing it’ll continue to evolve, here’s a list of what I currently use:
Writing, Planning & Content Creation
- Google Docs: For my own writing and collaborative projects with clients, I use Google Docs for syncing across devices, sharing, suggesting, and commenting (though Word is what clients use when pitching agents). [Link to Google Docs]
- Notion: I use Notion for note-taking, reference material, project planning, and drafting short-form work (like my newsletter and social media captions). [Link to Notion]
- Obsidian: I use Obsidian for private writing because the local-file approach appeals to me (everything stays offline and under my control, even though it means I must manage manual cross-device syncing). [Link to Obsidian]
- Loom: For coaching call replays, course content, and client explainer videos (such as editing walkthroughs), I use Loom to create screen recordings with voiceover narration—sometimes with my face in the corner, sometimes just my voice (I also record personal voice notes on the go to transcribe and repurpose as content drafts). [Link to Loom]
Coaching & Communication
- Heartbeat (.chat): This community-first all-in-one system powers my AK Coaching learning space, where I deliver my courses such as Make Your Sentences Sing and connect with my communities such as WriteTrackers and Your Platform Matters. [Link to Heartbeat.chat (note: I may earn a commission if you sign up through this link)]
- Zoom: For in-depth 1:1 and group coaching calls, I use Zoom to host sessions where we dig into strategy, work through obstacles, and build momentum together (I record most calls as a value add). [Link to Zoom]
- Voxer or Heartbeat’s messaging: For on-demand coaching between Zoom calls, I use Voxer and/or Heartbeat’s messaging for asynchronous 1:1 exchanges via text or voice notes—this lets us respond on our own timelines and keep momentum going without scheduling pressure (I also offer group coaching through these same tools in YPM). [Link to Voxer’s web page, but it’s best used as a mobile app]
- TidyCal: For scheduling 1-to-1 calls, I use TidyCal, a more affordable alternative to Calendly and available through AppSumo for a one-time fee. [Link to TidyCal (note: I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link)]
Business Infrastructure
- Email Service Provider: I use a multi-provider strategy with Kit (at a reduced price point) for its referral system + Encharge for cost-effective automation (purchased through AppSumo). [Link to Kit + Link to Encharge and maybe it will come back to AppSumo (note: I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links)]
- Website Host: I use Siteground to host my WordPress website; it’s boring, but necessary, because without it I would have a home base for this website, where I can feature all my content, free offerings, and paid services. [Link to Siteground (note: I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link)]
- Podcast Host: Blubrry has hosted my podcast since 2014. [Link to Blubrry (note: I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link)]
- Feedly & Bookmarks: I use Feedly and Firefox bookmarks to collect and curate industry links and resources that I enjoy reading and sharing with you here. [Link to Feedly; bookmarks are available on all browsers]
- Canva: This design program gives non-designers like me a way to create images for any online use, from blog post headers and social media posts to lead magnets and course promos. [Link to Canva]
- ToDoist: After cycling through various digital to-do systems, I’ve returned to Todoist because I appreciate its simple approach to task management. [Link to ToDoist]
- Stripe: For invoicing and payment processing, I use Stripe to securely collect payments from coaching clients and course students. [Link to Stripe]
- WPForms: For client queries and intake forms, I use WPForms, a WordPress plugin that sends responses straight to my inbox. [Link to WPForms]
- 1Password: I use 1Password for password management and secure access. [Link to 1Password]
- Zemith: I use this multi-chat tool for AI that I purchased for a one-time fee through AppSumo, avoiding monthly fees of multiple systems. [Link to Zemith]
- Late: Similar to Buffer, this new, simple social media scheduler (also purchased for a one-time fee through AppSumo) allows me to batch create and load up social media updates at my convenience so I can focus on interacting with people instead of creating and uploading in the moment. [Link to Late and maybe it will come back to AppSumo (note: I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links)]
- Castmagic: This tool transcribes audio from teaching sessions, client calls, and recorded content, generating summaries and takeaways. [Link to Castmagic and maybe it will come back to AppSumo for a one-time investment (note: I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links)]
I warned people this was just a boring list, but there you go.
I’m sure you have your own tech preferences, as well. Do you switch things up or keep things streamlined, simple, and steady?
And do you have non-negotiable tool or program you use in your writing life—something you can’t live (or write) without?
You want to write your truth (without AI)
Find your spark and hone your voice with guidance from a human writing coach
You’re ready to tell your story and write with confidence (without sounding like you’ve copied output from an AI chatbot)? Work with Ann Kroeker as your writing coach to sharpen your writing skills, gain confidence, and get the human input you’re looking for. Your spark is real. Let’s fan it into finished projects ready to publish.
