Storywriting Software - Writers Forum

LadyBard · 08-22-2005, 11:08 AM

Can anyone recommend novel writing software? How is Dramatica Pro ?

I think I'm going to order StoryWeaver, it's only $29.99, so even it sucks
I'm not losing much. I had a look at the downloadable version and it looks pretty good.

Any other suggestions ?

Viqto · 08-22-2005, 11:28 AM

I would advise against it all together. Programs can't help you become a better writer (in my experience), only cintually writing and reading the books which emulate the level of writing you are looking to acheive. But if you're really in a bind then I'd say going to a seminar would be more helpful because you could ask questions.

If the reason you want this program is to set up the novel page size on your word doc, don't bother buying a program. Just go into options and change the size of the page (HINT: You can do that under Page Setup, then the sub-menu Paper Size). The standard size is 4.25" x 7". I left the margins at 0.5". Then I saved the blank doc and can now load that every time I want to start a story in that form. Hope this helps!

GD · 08-23-2005, 07:29 AM

I agree.

Books don't write themselves...

mammamaia · 08-23-2005, 08:38 AM

to paraphrase the quiche line, 'real' writers don't need writing programs... the only software other than ms word that's really needed by any writer is final draft [or its equal], if you're writing scripts...

if you need so much help that you'd think of using a program, my best advice is to take a course in creative writing, and learn how to do it on your own...

if you want some one-on-one help, just drop me a line...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

mswietek · 08-23-2005, 11:59 AM

While I agree with what people have here, I do think that software can have its place in writing. Now I think the "write by numbers" type of software will stunt you in the end.

However, one thing which would be really useful would be an electronic file system of sorts, specifically for novels. Where you can enter character descritions, place descriptions, etc. It could also let you enter basic scene descritions and allow you to get an overall flow of the book.

It would let you see if a given character disappears for too long. Or if one subplot is taking up too much space. It would be sort of an electronic outline, with hyper links in the descriptions.

I am (very slowly) working on just such a program for myself.

Michael

mammamaia · 08-23-2005, 12:08 PM

whatever bloats your goat, amigo! [did i get that right?]

mswietek · 08-23-2005, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

whatever bloats your goat, amigo! [did i get that right?]

I hope not, as that is not an image I need in my head right now. My idea is to take all of the notes, and character snippets people typically write and allow the to do it electronically and organize them. Right now, I have separate word docs for characters, places, and scenes, and it can be hard to keep it all in the head. Sometimes I think I know what I have, only to find out that's not what I had actually written at all!

Michael

mammamaia · 08-23-2005, 12:16 PM

i was just teasing... it was a joke!... see the li'l winker?

re your dilemma, have you considered printing out your lists, so you can keep them handy and consult them as you write?... some of the old-fashioned ways still work best, y'know...

calming hugs, m

mswietek · 08-23-2005, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

i was just teasing... it was a joke!... see the li'l winker?

Well you never know when you're dealing with Queen Bitch!

Yes, I knew it was a joke, just wanted to further explain what I was up to.

Quote:

re your dilemma, have you considered printing out your lists, so you can keep them handy and consult them as you write?... some of the old-fashioned ways still work best, y'know...

calming hugs, m

I do print them out at work (bad Michael!), butmy printer at home is too slow and too crotchety. Most of it is just personal preference. I like writing notes down in my journal, but when I have something that I like, I like to transfer it. Because its the way I work (computer programmer), I like the idea of clicking through a hyper-linked outline that would allow me to attach notes, etc.

Michael

mammamaia · 08-23-2005, 12:29 PM

well, at least that pouty kid elevated me to regal status, right?

i hereby dub you the Bitch Queen's Knight Aberrant!

which honor entitles Sir Michael to all appropriate benefits and courtesies appertaining thereto...

[declination or resignation is not an option]

Robgb · 08-29-2005, 10:43 AM

I've found one of the best software applications for writing is free: OpenOffice.org. And you only need to use one application in the suite -- the word processor.

Any other software you might use, any software that promises to help you write your novel, is probably a waste of the time -- time you should spend actually getting words on paper.

LA · 08-29-2005, 01:16 PM

You might want to try RoughDraft, which is free http://www.rsalsbury.co.uk/rd.htm

Just a simple, free word processor which is designed with the writer in mind, it has a few extra features like a notebook for jotting ideas down, and different writing modes (prose, screenplay etc).

Theres also NewNovelist http://www.newnovelist.com/ which is geared at helping the writer (especially first time writers) keep focused on their story, and offers a database system where you can record all your characters, events, locations etc and come back to them when you need to. It also lets you select a type of story you want to create and generates a rough structure for you to work through. Whicle this detracts from the creativity factor somewhat, it does help keep focus.

Viqto · 08-29-2005, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mswietek

While I agree with what people have here, I do think that software can have its place in writing. Now I think the "write by numbers" type of software will stunt you in the end.

However, one thing which would be really useful would be an electronic file system of sorts, specifically for novels. Where you can enter character descritions, place descriptions, etc. It could also let you enter basic scene descritions and allow you to get an overall flow of the book.

It would let you see if a given character disappears for too long. Or if one subplot is taking up too much space. It would be sort of an electronic outline, with hyper links in the descriptions.

I am (very slowly) working on just such a program for myself.

Michael

If you're talking about something like a system where you visibly set Text Boxes of info about the storyline progression across a timeline, then I could see the value....but still, you can take a look at your scenes and write that on a drawn timeline and save some money. Otherwise I don't see the value of such a program, uhhh, Sir Knight Aberrant (

).

Quack Corleone · 08-29-2005, 01:48 PM

Treepad Lite can be a helpful outliner, and it's freeware.

http://www.treepad.com/download/#tplitewin

mswietek · 08-29-2005, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viqto

If you're talking about something like a system where you visibly set Text Boxes of info about the storyline progression across a timeline, then I could see the value....but still, you can take a look at your scenes and write that on a drawn timeline and save some money. Otherwise I don't see the value of such a program, uhhh, Sir Knight Aberrant (

).

If I ever finish the program, I would distribute under the GPL and make it freely available. This way, if anyone complains about it, I could refund their money.

The idea would be that you could do things like associate scenes with plots/subplots. You could then see visually where they fall. You could also, at a click, see all the scenes that a certain character, place, or item was involved, giving you a quick and easy way to see how things are structured.

Sure, you could do similar things with pen and paper, but what I like about the computer is that it's much easier to make changes, and it is easier to hyperlink and navigate (for me, anyways).

Michael