Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Hello,
I am writing my first novel. The novel is near completion. I have a few questions.
> What is your opinion about writing software?
>
> I am old fashion, I believe writer's should develope all aspects of what they are writing.
>
> Is using writing software cheating?
>
> Please I hope you don't feel my questions are silly, but I am curious. I highly respect your blog and your opinion.

Would the agents and publishers notice a difference from software and someone's natural writing talents?
>
> This might help other writers as well.

Thank for any insight.

What exactly do you mean by software? I use a writing program called Scrivener, it's a great writing program (for mac), and without it, I would be completely drowning in word documents.

But from your description it doesn't exactly sound like that's what you're talking about. It sounds like you're talking about a novel generating program? I wasn't even aware those exist, and if it did, then yes, THAT would be cheating.

But otherwise, I don't why seeing software to help you organize and write your novel would be fine.

So would you clarify your questions?

CV

I'm assuming you mean something more than word processing?

Whatever it says on the box, writing software will not write a book for you. It is a tool. Some programmes help you organise material, like Scrivener (which is excellent); others help you figure out structure and plotting, like Dramatica Pro and several others of that ilk. Some people swear by programmes like Dramatica Pro but it is a polarising issue in writing communities. As with most things, you take from them what you can. It's not a question of cheating: if they help you, then use them. If not, don't.

I also use Scrivener, and for those that didn't already know this FABULOUS news, they're getting ready to release a Windows version!! (It's currently in beta, which is available for free.) Before switching to Scrivener I used Word documents and spreadsheets like they were going out of style! I am a very organized writer and I had all kinds of documents for notes, character sketches, plot graphs, etc. When I finally made the leap to software I tried the demo versions of the ones that looked the best to me and settled on Scrivener. I personally think it's much more powerful (as well as user-friendly) than the others. I love using software now because I spend a lot less time organizing notes and such, and more time being creative. Everything is all in one place, and it's so much easier to navigate through it all. I also really love working with a MS that is in pieces, rather than being one extremely long Word document.

So I'll echo what's already been said. Software won't do any of the work for you. And no, a publisher won't know the difference. But it may well set your creativity free. I would recommend trying a few out and seeing if they work for you.

Thanks to everyone for replying. Your responses have been helpful. My novel is completed and I was looking for a writing software that would assist with my editing. I enjoy writing and I am not pursuing something to write for me. This is the final run through.

I will check out your suggestions. I respect the writing world and I don't want to do anything unintential.