What software do you write with?

[mythtrav16]

I'm curious as to what other authors out there write with. Does anyone out there work with one of those "special" writing programs with extra features to aid you in story development?

I use MS Word, myself. But recently I've been trying out the beta for Scrivener for Windows. It allows you to write the individual scenes/chapters as seperate sub-documents, then it automatically combines them together with the proper formatting when you are finished. It also allows you to keep a database of all your characters and scenes.

The manufacturer's reckon the finished software will be sold for $40 when it's complete. I can't see it being worth the money, honestly. Most of it's special features can be replicated in any word processor, with a little effort.

Does anyone out there have any special writing software with features that they find really helps them in the creative process?

 

[sr71plt]

MS Word. It's the one the publishing industry has almost exclusively used for years.

 

[harding]

I've just discovered a piece of software called Scrivener. It's been around on the Mac for a while, but there is a new Windows beta. I've tried Word, of course, but been frustrated at the inability to "brainstorm" longer works (and my stuff always turns out longer!)

I would recommend anyone take a look at it. If you go to NaNoWriMo there is a link to download the beta. You can also see more here.

I'm not connected with these people at all, but so far, in my many, many years of looking for a better tool, this is the best I've come up with so far.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I've been using scrivener for mac about three years now.

But one of the simpleist interfaces-- googledocs-- is also one of my favorites.

 

[TxRad]

Ms Word when I'm writing myself and Google Docs when I'm partnering with someone.

I've tried a few of the "writing programs" and find them all more tedious than useful.

 

[favoritesgoddess]

I use OpenOffice Writer. Works about the same as MS Word and is compatible.

 

[3113]

Scrivener!

I've been trying out the beta for Scrivener for Windows.

I've just discovered a piece of software called Scrivener.

I've been using scrivener for mac about three years now.

I use MS word and Scrivener. MS word for some older projects that were started with that (even though I could import them to scrivener if I wanted), and Scrivener for new projects.

I really like Scrivener. I like that it has all my chapters and research and note files listed there in the sidebar for me to pick rather than making me, like MS word, "Open" and go elsewhere to find what I want. I like that it allows me to split the window so I can have a chapter up on one side and research or another chapter up on the other side--including pictures and such. So while I'm writing the chapter I can have another up and make sure I'm being consistent--or I can easily find and import stuff like a bit of dialog I scribbled down elsewhere.

I like that it has script options for movies and comic books to make writing those easy.

And I like its corkboard idea--makes it really easy to remember what happens in what chapter, to create place holders for future chapters and move them around. I like that I can put all characters (and such) notes in one place and immediately find what I want and need.

And the program easily compiles the chapters into an MS word document for publishers.

Scrivener was clearly made by writers for writers, as compared to MS word which was always seemed to me more for business documents. Scrivener is very aware of what writers like and want...with one exception...it still doesn't have a thesaurus like MS.

 

[soflabbwlvr]

Wordperfect. In my profession, it is far superior to Word.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I don't need any of the fancy parts to the programs that some people use for editing and whatever else. I just need the simple formatting of any text editor, so I use Word at work and Open Office at home.

 

[lettersaroundmidnight]

What software do you write with

Mac - Pages. What else is there?

lettersaroundmidnight

 

[Liar]

Notepad.

No distractions, no delays. Just me and my keyboard.

Then I c&p into OpenOffice Writer for spellcheck.

 

[SamScribble]

Word. I've tried a few others, but Word is the devil I know, the devil I've known for yonks.

 

[bdsmghostwriter]

Tiny word is a decent freeware alternative for those who have limited hard drive space which preclude larger programs like Word or Open Office.

http://tinyword.net/

Tip: select "NO" when it asks if you want to other sponsor's components. Tinyword will work just fine with-out them.

 

[ishtat]

If you wanted to write TV scripts or drama for stage or film you might need to use "Final Draft." At $194 it is not cheap but it is first rate.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I use yWrite, like Scrivener it allows you to create your story in individual scenes, chapters, books, etc. Keep track of your characters, add bio's to each one with a picture if you want, of the character.

It saves each scene as an RTF file, has spell check and I have found it a very good tool for one that is FREE! It has also been around a lot longer and is a very stable product. And did I mention it's FREE! And there have been update/improvements over the last what...four years.

It will export the completed story as a single RTF file, which I then load into Word for finishing touches.

 

[squarejohn]

Notepad.

No distractions, no delays. Just me and my keyboard.

Then I c&p into OpenOffice Writer for spellcheck.

I'm with you. I used Notepad until I switched to a Mac, Now I use TextEdit. Either one is really all you need.

 

[stephen55]

I use a very old (and pirated) copy of MS Word.

A while ago I properly purchased a new copy of MS Office, but out of principle, I still use the one that didn't make Bill a dime.

 

[Handley_Page]

Frankly, I'd rather use Wordstar 6, but as that has gone the way of all DOS programmes, I use Word. Type 97 of choice, but 2003 as it's what's on my PC). Use twin screens, open two documents, one with the notes & scenes and the other with the story, and you are away.
Open Office is fine, yWrite is weird (it's written by a programmer and I don't write my works like I'm writing my programmes).

 

[oggbashan]

I used to use WordStar 1512, then WordStar 2000+ until I upgraded my hardware. The original 1512 would run from a single 5.25 inch floppy.

I now use Word 2007 but I would still be happy with WordStar 2000+ except that my contacts couldn't read files from it.

Any basic word processor is a massive advance on a typewriter as long as you learn to use it properly. I'll never use all the facilities that were available in Word 97 and have no use for the "improvements" since then.

Og

 

[harding]

I used to use WordStar 1512, then WordStar 2000+

CONTROL-K-K rules, ogg.

 

[Xelebes]

PFS First Choice when I started writing (back in 1992ish) but now I use Open Office.

 

[SamScribble]

In light of the prepositions thread currently running, shouldn't this be: With what software do you write?

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Frankly, I'd rather use Wordstar 6, but as that has gone the way of all DOS programmes, I use Word. Type 97 of choice, but 2003 as it's what's on my PC). Use twin screens, open two documents, one with the notes & scenes and the other with the story, and you are away.
Open Office is fine, yWrite is weird (it's written by a programmer and I don't write my works like I'm writing my programmes).

I'm a programmer. I don't write my stories like programs. And you wouldn't find Scrivener to your liking either.

As all the software is written by programmers, I don't understand your complaint.

The guy who created, designed and programmed yWrite would consider himself an author first, a programmer second, I would bet.

 

[DehviantGirl]

Writeway

Hi -

I use Writeway.

The two features I like the most is the ability to maintain character profiles with pics & future story ideas.

Also - it offers a lot of functionality with regards to organizing a story and editing ones work.

Very affordable. I hope you check it out and find this to be a good recommendation.

DG

 

[RoyceConnors]

I'm like a couple of others and just use wordpad. It keeps me on top of every aspect of the story. There's no chance to get lazy and just let a bot screen things for me. I like the 'rawness' of it and the connection to my writing that it gives. I edit for spelling and such and let it go. What you read, is what I wrote, word for word.