Writing Software

Last post, I mentioned Mind Mapping and the free-to-download program FreeMind. This post is inspired by that. There are a range of writing programs out there – here are a few.

I won’t go into too much detail about Microsoft Word. I’m sure most of us are familiar with it. Word has all the basics required to properly format a manuscript for publication as well as handy tools for navigating a document. It’s fast, easy, and it’s what I use – most of the time.  Once, I tried something different: yWriter.

yWriter  is a program that was developed by talented science-fiction author Simon Hayes who gave us the wonderful Hal Spacejock series. What I like about that is that it’s a writing program for writers, by a writer – he knows what writers need and he’s given it to us in a very useful little package.  I tried yWriter when I was beginning an earlier novel and quite liked it. It divides your story up into individual scenes, which you can then put in the order you wish. You can also view what the story looks like in book format, which I got a kick out of. However, I found it a bit too compartmentalised, but that can be attributed to the fact that when I write it is in a very non-linear fashion.  Because I like to skip around quite erratically, typing a few words here and a few words there, the constant clicking between scenes got a bit frustrating. Now that I’ve got more of my story done, I’m thinking about going back to it, because I think it would help me sort out my chapters. I reckon a planner would find this software great from the get go and I recommend giving it a try – it’s free to download, so what is there to lose? Check out Simon’s books while you’re there!     

Scrivener: I’ve heard good reports about this, but haven’t tried it out myself.  I have had a read over the features though, and this program looks really good. If I wasn’t a poor uni student, I’d seriously consider buying it. Not that it’s expensive – check out their website for the current price (looks very reasonable).  Scrivener’s features include (to be very brief) a corkboard and outliner as well as text editing and an equation editor for those interested in non-fiction works requiring formulae. Those who prefer the Mac over the PC might like Scrivener, though I believe there is a Windows Beta version currently available. Scrivener let’s you compile your work in a very nice range of formats and file types including .ePub (ePub eBook format) and .mobi file (Kindle format). You can download a free trial from their website, too, so no need to buy before you try. Awesome name, too, Scrivener.

Snowflake Pro: I haven’t tried this software, so I can’t comment on it personally. It also comes with a price tag. It’s from the same guy who created the ‘Snowflake Method.’

Be warned: these writing software packages might look fancy, but don’t let yourself get caught up in learning how to use the software – you liable to spend hours that should have been spent writing trying to figure out how to change fonts and do this, that and the other.

I’m sure there is more writing software out there, so if you know of any others, feel free to share it with us, or let us know of your experience with any of the ones mentioned here (I’m particularly interested in the ones I haven’t tried).