When I first heard of it my reaction was one of cynicism… Software that writes a novel for you? It cannot be!
Actually, it isn’t. But what it is, is a convenient place to keep everything to do with the novel that you’re writing. Like a big concertina file with partitions for characters, locations, scenes, notes, and a bunch of other random bits and pieces but without the tedium of trying to decide, Do I file this under X or Y? Because inside the novel-writing software, it can be in both.
When I started writing my novel I went out and bought a notebook – one of those with three or four tabs that divide it up into sections.
I also hung a cork notice-board on my office wall (with pretty trim around the edges for inspiration). I started by doing my planning in the book, and pinned dozens of colour co-ordinated square paper notes on the wall, for a storyboard. The trouble was, the more I added, the harder it became to find where I had written the notes.
I am not a lateral thinker. My brain works in a very linear, logical way. So I scrapped the notes and went electronic.
But soon enough, I became faced with a similar problem. I ended up with dozens of different documents open at the same time and got myself in a tizz trying to remember where I’d written what, and when, and what my character was wearing, and when she said what to whom… aaargh!
And then I heard about novel-writing software. Pure curiosity made check it out but the more I read about it, the more intrigued I became. There are a number of programs out there and I downloaded a fair few – most only trial versions. People don’t give things away for free. Well, not often, and not if they’re worth their salt.
… but occasionally someone does. Simon Haynes, an author himself, and software programmer, has developed a program called yWriter5, and you can download it and use it for free, although you are encouraged to register it if you find it useful, and donations are always welcome. I have never met Simon, but if I did I would likely give him a big ol’ hug for making something so easy to use for my poor, cluttered head, and it has some great reports in it too.
While I’m sure some of the other options on the market have great features too, I like the simplicity of this one. It’s just a good fit.
So if, like me, you find it hard to keep track of everything related to your novel, then check it out. I did and I have not looked back.
theresewelch.com 