| Creative writing software can be so very helpful | | | | When doing more structured writing, organization |
| for anyone starting a novel. There are a few | | | | tools become necessary. I will take notes in my |
| things that will have to be considered before | | | | writing software. I decide what my major points |
| relegating your time to one piece of software. It | | | | are and how they should be developed. Much |
| is helpful to first evaluate your situation, and what | | | | more planning goes into this type of writing. |
| can help your process. | | | | Beyond using software for organization, I will use |
| What do you want to write? How do you like to | | | | index cards or notebooks to write major points |
| write? | | | | that must be discussed. Index cards are another |
| The answer to those two questions is vital, and | | | | personal preference of mine, I think they are |
| will help you decide what is right for you. I'm sure | | | | fantastic. |
| you have put much thought into this already, so | | | | For you, a different style of writing may be |
| keep the answers to those two questions in mind. | | | | suitable. As long as you know how you like to |
| I don't always use things like character | | | | write, go at it in that way. |
| development and organization features. Say, for | | | | Your style can change over time. Mine has |
| instance, that I'm writing a novel or short story. I | | | | changed. I used to do so much more planning and |
| have the basic idea in my head, and I simply need | | | | writing about my characters. Now, I can take an |
| to type and let the story develop itself. I don't | | | | idea and expound on it. I need my basic character |
| want to get in the way of the creativity. I want | | | | in my mind, and a situation to put him or her in. |
| only to let the faucet run wild. | | | | Then I let loose, writing and not stopping. I leave |
| In that instance, all I really want is a simple word | | | | the editing and organizing for the second draft. |
| processor, something basic. I also like it to have a | | | | I am always open to new creative writing |
| full screen mode so that I rid myself of | | | | software, because if it will help me just a little, |
| distractions during the writing session. This is a | | | | then it is worth it. If a tool will make me a little |
| personal preference, but I know it is important | | | | faster and not get in the way, I am all for it. |
| because I lose productivity without it. | | | | |