I do like to tinker with building apps and websites, and it's been a while since I shared my recent efforts.
Scribomatic
I created an iOS app of the same name a year or so ago, but found the mechanics of flow writing (with the delete key disabled) a little restrictive on my phone, so I've created a Mac and Windows version. I wanted to create something that had the key features of Ulysses and Scrivener, without the complexity or bloat.
Node Writer
This is brand new, hot off the press as of the past few days. Still a bit experimental, too, but would value people's feedback.
When I was editing Infernal Creations on DaVinci Resolve, I was quite taken with the node-based effects editing, and wondered if you could extend that to text editing. If you've used Mural, or it's ilk, you'll get it straightaway. A big, 'infinite' canvas. Add a node (a story beat). Develop the idea from germ to fully edited sequence. Then join the nodes together to wire up your story and export it (Text, Markdown, PDF, ePub etc.). It provides a nice visual view of your story.
I've also built in a story bible editor and various other fun things to assist in the development of stories.
SimplePrompt
A simple teleprompter app for iOS that allows you to import a script and video yourself reading it. Using the new speech recognition functionality in iOS26, it listens to what you say and auto-scrolls the text, keeping the current line at the top.
Storymachine
This was a website that I built about 18 years ago, and then never really did anything with. I discovered the code on an old memory stick. It uses a little story generator to help inspire you to write a short story. If you like what you produce, you can share it. Would love to see what people do with it.
felt
I love this little app. I wanted to create a little visual journal, that was easy to maintain and pleasant to look back on. I think I succeeded. You can:
- take short (up to) 5-second videos
- write something pithy
- sketch something with an Apple Pen or your finger#
- import a video or photo
It formats them in a nice vertical photo album style where the videos auto-play and loop (giving it a vaguely Harry Potter-esque vibe). It's lovely to scroll back through.
Download felt on the App Store.
Nag Me
I wanted a little to do app that was more like my Mum on a Saturday morning in the 80's. Add things you have to get done, and various characters (including Naggy Nana, Disappointed Dad and Karen from Accounts) will randomly nag and cajole you at appropriate times with increasing intensity until you get to job done. Great for the scattered ADHD mind!
Lexia Reader
Definitely a bit experimental, this one, but again, would love your feedback. In my research over the past few years on neuroscience, I've read a lot about hoe the brain processes information. One book that I read with interest was 'Speed Reading with the Right Brian' by David Butler. In it, Butler describes the idea of whole brain speed reading. Here, you break down the text into small chunks and then engage your right brain to 'visualise' the chunk rather than just parse the words with your left brain.
This website breakdown books into small chunks and presents them in a nice, uncluttered way, so you can read them quickly in this speed reading style. You can try it with your own epub books, too. I quite like it, but it does take a bit of getting used to. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.
You can check out all my iOS apps on the Apple App Store.