Tools I actually use.
Practical AI and creativity tools — no fluff, no affiliate hype.
This is an honest list. I only include tools I’ve used consistently or found genuinely useful for thinking, creating, and finishing things. I’ll update this as things change — because they always do.
AI Thinking Partners
Claude (Anthropic)
My primary AI writing and thinking partner. Excellent for long-form drafts, nuanced conversations, and when I need something that actually engages with context rather than just pattern-matching. Strong on tone and voice.
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Useful for quick brainstorming, iteration, and when I want a second perspective. I use both — they think differently, and that’s often the point.
Writing & Creating
Notion
Where I keep my working drafts, ideas, and project notes. Simple enough to stay out of the way, flexible enough to actually work with how I think.
Otter.ai
Transcribes voice notes and recordings automatically. Surprisingly good for capturing ideas when I’m not at my desk — I talk, it writes, I edit later.
Clarity & Focus
Day One
Journaling app for reflection and morning pages. Private, clean, easy. I’ve used it for years and still find it the best place to think before I write.
Freedom
Blocks distracting apps and sites on a schedule. Boring name, genuinely useful. I run it during morning writing sessions and don’t regret it.
A note: I don’t use affiliate links and I don’t take sponsorships for tool recommendations. If it’s here, it’s because I actually use it.