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The Writers' Forum
Topic: Software for writers.
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Deleted by Leah. Last Edited on: 1/17/09 6:31 PM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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I've been doing the same as you, Leah. I guess when I become rich, famous, & published*snort* I'll HAVE to get some type of software ;) But it is a good question. Love to have an answer myself.
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I have yet to find a software that gives me as much flexibility as I would like. Basically, I need something that is as freeform as a plain old notebook, but that allows me to "bookmark" connections between different pages of notes and such. I usually feel too restricted with the software I've tried - it stifles my creativity when I can't just type random notes...getting everything organized in sections has it's place, but I haven't been able to stick with it so far. I'm still curious to hear suggestions, though. Particularly if it's cheap or free. =) Tracey |
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I just use Microsoft Word. Always have, since the ancient days when it was a novelty. BUT I do a lot of my editing on a hard copy; I just read better that way. And I also now put the entire manuscript into one file; it's easy to do a search that way for any keywords or a phrase I'm in need of. I also write out notes longhand. *blush* There's a reason for it, though: I bought myself a cool (but cheap!) fountain pen -- the Lamy Safari; it's supposed to be one of the best for beginner fountain pen users -- and I love to use it! All those purple notes make me smile and, somehow, inspire me. |
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I was spurred by this post to try again. I've started testing out TreePad (the "lite" version, which is free), and I like it a lot so far. It's not much more sophisticated than a basic word processor, but it does allow you to store pieces on different "nodes" within a "tree." It's helping me lay out my screenplay outline as if it's on index cards, so pieces are easy to move around. Also, I can keep my notes easily accessible, but completely separate from my actual outline. Might give it a try, if it sounds like your cup of tea. =) |
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Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I know that there was just an article about this in Writer's Digest a month ot two ago. I will have to look it up and see if any of the software has a free preview. Keep posting what software you use or what you do to stay organized if you don't use software. It's nice to see what other writers do. |
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I normaly use word but I also like Rough draft, and Yeahwrite, along with some other free word processors that I got offline
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Joan, do you use rough draft for novels and short stories? I looked into the software and from what I read it seemed like it was designed more for screenplay writing.
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I use it for short stories, but it can be used for screenplay writing as well.
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Hi there-I have two great writing programs that I got for a real good price. (Under $80) The one is called Quick Story and the other is Character Pro. I have found thm both very helpful when doing my work on my novel. Happy Writing, Melanie |
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The problem with dramatica pro is that I spent all my time answering questions and none writing.
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I agree with you, Kristi. I mainly just want something to help keep me organized, but I haven't liked any of the free software that I have tried so far. |
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Hi! I'm new here! Just yesterday I found and downloaded this freeware writer's software - Papel http://homepage.ntlworld.com/michael.odonnell617/downloads.html Basically it just gives you this big free-form screen where you can organize snippets of characters, scenes, descriptions, whatever. I haven't used it extensively yet, but it looks neat. :) |
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I've been using yWriter for a little while. It's good for me, because the steps in the software force me to flesh out my characters and make them mroe three dimensional. P.S. The best part about the software is that it's free. Last Edited on: 11/8/06 8:33 AM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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Deleted by Leah. Last Edited on: 1/17/09 6:32 PM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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I have always used word and I really like the 'Insert comments' I use it like a sticky note and I love track changes, this way I can see what I have changed and can chang it back if I want.
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Deleted by Leah. Last Edited on: 1/17/09 6:32 PM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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I use word at the present time. I also carry a small notebook with me when I get ideas or if I feel like writing long hand for a while. Even though my ideas flow faster when I'm on my laptop, sometimes my eyes get tired a lot since I'm on it for work. I also use my notebook when I'm on vacation and I dont want to take my laptop to the beach. I transcribe the notes later at the vacation home. I also make notations in my notebook if I'm making changes on a scene and note where it is in the computer file. Janie T. |
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Unfortunately it costs too much for me to get the new MSWord. In some ways the two writing programs I have are better because I can shift between the two.
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I use yWriter and Rough Draft - both free.
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Personally, I use WriteItNow and find it unbelievably useful. Not only does it allow you to flush out your characters but it also has charts, timelines, notes and various other tools so you can keep everything straight - which is useful for me since I never tend to write anything one chapter/scene at a time; I jump from section to section. I can't really compare it to other writing software, however. Before I used WIN, I was simply using MSWord along with a notebook to keep myself organized. |
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Deleted by Leah. Last Edited on: 1/17/09 6:35 PM ET - Total times edited: 2 |
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I am so incredibly disorganized. I do everything in word (unless I'm out somewhere and have to resort to a notebook, napkin, toilet paper or something else), and three ring notebooks. And like most of you, I skip around because when a thought hits me, I have to write it down or I forget it. So now, I'm just barely into the third chapter of a book, but just wrote something that won't come up until closer to the end of the book. |
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I think liquid story binder is the best one out there. You can test it for free for thirty days, and it has a dedicated staff, that is constanly updating the software. I recomend it for everyone, if you decide to buy it, it's under fifty dollars! |
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If you're just looking for something for organizational purposes, Writer's Deskbook works well and is inexpensive. (grimsoft.com) As others have said, yWriter is free and for those that work in scenes and want few distractions, it is a wonderful piece of software. Simon Hayes, the software writer is also a published author and updates the program often. WriteItNow is a bit pricier, but does have features like the timelines and historical info that the others don't. PowerWriter is my favorite (can be found for less than a hundred dollars). It allows you to have your outline to the left of the word processing menu and also have a note section below. Both the outline and the notes can be hidden when you're really in the groove of writing. A demo is available at http://www.write-brain.com. I think I've tried just about every program on the market, and while I do final edits in Word, ninety percent of my writing is done in PowerWriter. Blessings Kat PS I do have to admit tho, I am a huge fan of Dramatica Pro and while it does have a lot of 'questions', it will make you look and think about your story in ways you wouldn't normally.
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