livewritedream:

Anonymous asked:

what are some good novel writing programs other than the usual word or open office?

Hello!

There are a multitude of writing programs available to writers! Some cost, some are free. Here are some of the best:

• Scrivener
  This is perhaps the most well-known novel-writing program. It costs $40 USD, with the option to have a 30-day free trial. It is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. 
  About Scrivener:

  “Writing a novel, research paper, script or any long-form text involves more than hammering away at the keys until you’re done. Collecting research, ordering fragmented ideas, shuffling index cards in search of that elusive structure—most writing software is fired up only after much of the hard work is over. Enter Scrivener: a word processor and project management tool that stays with you from that first, unformed idea all the way through to the final draft. Outline and structure your ideas, take notes, view research alongside your writing and compose the constituent pieces of your text in isolation or in context. Scrivener won’t tell you how to write—it just makes all the tools you have scattered around your desk available in one application.”

• FocusWriter
  This program is free, but the creator asks for donations upon download. It is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
  About Focus Writer:
  

  FocusWriter is a simple, distraction-free writing environment. It utilizes a hide-away interface that you access by moving your mouse to the edges of the screen, allowing the program to have a familiar look and feel to it while still getting out of the way so that you can immerse yourself in your work. It’s available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X, and has been translated into many different languages.

• yWriter
  This program is free. It is available for Windows.
  About yWriter:

  yWriter is a word processor which breaks your novel into chapters and scenes, helping you keep track of your work while leaving your mind free to create. It will not write your novel for you, suggest plot ideas or perform creative tasks of any kind. yWriter was designed by an author, not a salesman!

• Storybook
  This program is free, but offers a pro version with multiple extra features for $34.90 USD. It is available for Windows and Linux.
  About Storybook:

  Storybook is a free Open Source novel-writing software for creative writers, novelists and authors. Starting with the plot to the finished book — with Storybook you’ll never lose the overview. Storybook helps you to keep an overview of multiple plot-lines while writing books, novels or other written works.

• NewNovelist
  This program is $39.99 USD, with an online demo. It is available for Windows. All of NewNovelist’s features can be found here.

Useful Links

5 Cool iPhone Apps to Help Writers
Online Writing Programs
Discussion about Writing Programs (With opposing viewpoints on novel-writing software)

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Thank you for your question, and as always, please direct any other comments or questions to our askbox!

-Laikyn