Modern technology has made writing more complicated than it should be at times. After all, Ernest Hemingway did his business without complaining about a PDF file that won’t convert or poor Wi-Fi. But with a little bit of guidance and some help from the very same technology, the writing process can be as simple as the days of pen and paper and as hi-tech and efficient as the future can hold.

This Mac-only app gives you a clean, distraction-free writing interface. Instead of ‘ribbon’ menus and a laundry list of features, you get a blank page to jot down your thoughts. Formatting options are limited and within easy reach thanks to a contextual menu. The best part is that you can export your text as HTML. Bottom Line: Ulysses is the most elegant distraction-free writing app for Mac. It's ideal for writers who prefer a minimal interface and total flexibility, rather than a lot of structure and hand.

We took a look at the top writing apps for 2016 and gave you the rundown on our thoughts. The list is in no particular order, but numbered for easy scrolling. Take a few minutes and scour our list because the app that could help you out today might just be down there waiting for you.

Best video editing software for mac under 75. While this app offers no guarantee to turn you into the next Ernest Hemingway, it will certainly help you get one step closer to looking like a pro. The Hemingway app is not your typical grammar editor and won’t actually fix your mistakes. Rather, it points out common writing pitfalls such as an excessive use of adverbs, long sentences, and the use of passive voice. Why we love it: We absolutely love this app because it’s as if Hemingway himself is standing over your shoulder asking, “Are you sure you want to word it that way?” This app is actually available on desktop and for $9.99 you can have your own personal Hemingway on either Windows or a Mac. Phraseology What is it? Available on the iPad for $2.99, phraseology makes writing on a tablet a little more comfortable.

It offers an extended keyboard with a few more typing options and syncs right up to the iCloud to store your work. In addition, it offers live character and word counts so you can track your progress. Why we love it: This app is perfect for the time when you’re out on the go away from your typical writing platform and the light bulb in your head goes off with an idea. Simply pull out your iPad equipped with phraseology and make the best of the current situation by taking advantage of phraseology’s evaluation of your text. The spice mobile app is available either on Android or the iPhone and requires a paid subscription to access its features. This app basically serves as a historical thesaurus of sorts designed to help a writer find just the right phrase and understand exactly from where it came. Why we love it: We like that you can scour the entire history of a word or phrase and see its use throughout literary history.

Yes, this app is pretty much that nerdy English professor from college who just so happens to be small enough to fit in your pocket. Store House is a free app available only the iPad that allows you to upload photos from your phone, Flickr, Dropbox, or Instagram and create a visually stunning story that you can share with your friends or social networks. Why we love it: The writer’s life is as much about experiencing life as it is writing about it. We like this app because it allows you to tell the story of your life in a captivating manner that can actually inspire your writing.

Live it, see it, and then write about it. This app is available on desktop or mobile and is designed to focus the writer by taking away the distractions often associated with an Internet-connected device. It turns the background into a simple color and even plays soothing audio to keep you focused on your words. Why we love it: Writing in the modern age means using a computer and if one is not careful, their workday will quickly turn into a binge of YouTube videos. This is the app to keep you calm, focused, and productive towards the joy of writing and nothing else.