To Scrivener or Not to Scrivener
There's been a lot of talk in my writing groups and on twitter recently on whether it's better to ditch Word and use a software tool meant for writers. I'm not here to give an opinion either way. What works for one is not necessary the right tool for someone else. Use what works best for you.
Instead I want to hear what you think and become informed on the choices. Which software do you like?
So many writers swear by Scrivener, saying it changed their life and made writing so much easier. From what I can see it allows users to move scenes more easily, split up chapters, and make notes about anything you want--like what feels incomplete about a chapter and what you need to come back and add. It lets you convert easily to Word or epub documents. It seems to have many benefits, including outlining. It's got bright and shiny gadgets.
My reasons against switching from Word comes purely from my own writing style. I don't outline. I don't need to convert my manuscripts to publish-ready formats. I rarely move scenes around because I write in a linear fashion. And I keep notes in my head or in another Word document that I just keep open.
Sometimes I go even lower tech and keep notes on paper. Here's the notebook where I list the POV used in each chapter for Faithful. It lets me find each character easily and doesn't cost a dime. When I got my new laptop, I had to pay to install Word again. I need convincing to pay more for another software package.
So opinions? Which software do you use? What functions of Scrivener make it worth the extra money?
Instead I want to hear what you think and become informed on the choices. Which software do you like?
So many writers swear by Scrivener, saying it changed their life and made writing so much easier. From what I can see it allows users to move scenes more easily, split up chapters, and make notes about anything you want--like what feels incomplete about a chapter and what you need to come back and add. It lets you convert easily to Word or epub documents. It seems to have many benefits, including outlining. It's got bright and shiny gadgets.
My reasons against switching from Word comes purely from my own writing style. I don't outline. I don't need to convert my manuscripts to publish-ready formats. I rarely move scenes around because I write in a linear fashion. And I keep notes in my head or in another Word document that I just keep open.
Sometimes I go even lower tech and keep notes on paper. Here's the notebook where I list the POV used in each chapter for Faithful. It lets me find each character easily and doesn't cost a dime. When I got my new laptop, I had to pay to install Word again. I need convincing to pay more for another software package.
So opinions? Which software do you use? What functions of Scrivener make it worth the extra money?
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I downloaded the WriteWay to my computer, and learned how to use it to make my draft. I found that it really did help me stay focused. Not only that, but I really got into the circle graph at the top of the screen, which charted my progress toward my wordcount goal. Also, it is quite user friendly for the linear writer, in my opinion, although, you can definitely jump around if that is your style.
The following NaNo year, Scrivener became available for the PC, at another step discount. I tried it out, and liked it as well. It has a few different bells and whistles than WriteWay from what I can tell. I adore the corkboard feature! The corkboard has made me an outliner, which I never dreamed would be the case.
Both programs allow you to make changes to novel format, outline, create easy to use templates for characters, etc. I do love what the programs can do.
I guess I can't advise anyone either way. The two programs I have used have both been great! The differences would probably boil down to personal preferences. What I can say, is that I won't use just Word ever again during the writing of a first draft. I will always use a program like WriteWay or Scrivener to draft it out and get the first round of edits done. After that I export it to Word, and continue editing that way.
I'd be happy to talk to anyone about either of these programs. I am no expert, but I can certainly share my experiences :)
Hope this helps!