Our Optional Question:
What are your favorite writing processing (e.g. Word, Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble), writing apps, software, and tools? Why do you recommend them? And which one is your all time favorite that you cannot live without and use daily or at least whenever you write?
No matter what tools, apps or writing programs I purchase, I always end up returning to Microsoft Word. I work faster there.
I’ve owned Scrivener for years and never been able to completely figure it out. Just in the past few months, I’ve taken the time to watch a few instructional videos and mastered another step or two. I know many authors swear by Scrivener but I also know I’ll never be one of them. If you’re interested in Scrivener, you can try it for FREE. I suggests you do what I do, use just the basics and learn at your own pace.
I also purchased Plottr a couple of years ago. I loved it. I watched a lot of YouTube sessions/interviews with various authors on how they used it and I have to admit, I created a beautiful outline for my latest WIP. I was able to create character sketches and scenes for each chapter but guess what – I’m a combination pantser/plotter and I have not been able to finish my book—even with a detailed outline and scenes. For the first time, I think I understand what authors mean when they say outlining ruins the story for them. I always thought that was a crazy thing to say but it’s the only excuse I can come up with because my novel is basically planned out and waiting for me to finish it.
With Microsoft Word, I can sit down and soar. My old arthritic fingers still type pretty fast and I enjoy letting my characters lead me. Usually the first three chapters move fast. In the middle I falter. So once I slow down and stumble through that middle, I’ll turn to my NOTES app on my iPhone. That’s where I drop pieces of dialogue, ideas for scenes and description as they comes to me at odd times. I can’t do without NOTES on my phone.
What I really love is YouTube. Anytime I need to know how to do something, YouTube is my go-to for help. I’m very thankful for those authors who take the time to create how-to videos and seminars on Zoom. And blogs like this one: Jill Kemerer
My question for you: what would we do without each other?
Jessica, I’m the same as you with good old Word. I do have Scrivener, but am only using the most basic aspects. One day I’ll have the time to dig into it further. Plottr sounds interesting as despite being a pantser, I can lose my way if I’m away from the keyboard too long, so having somewhere I’ve put some outline thoughts together could be useful. I shall give it a look see – thank you 🙂
I lose my way too. I’ve developed the horrible habit of writing in long chunks of time which leaves me vulnerable when I’m away from writing for a week. I’m trying to learn how to produce in 15 minute snippets but that’s just not me. Give Plottr a try. Or at least watch some of the YouTube videos on plottr. Interesting! Thanks for commenting.
My husband says there is an instructional video for everything on YouTube!
I love it! Brain surgery anyone? Helps with the research too!
I couldn’t agree more! Word is still so convenient for me, and I’m not prepared to make any major switches. The Notes app is also such a useful tool and I find myself jotting down little snippets of stories whenever I’m on the go.
There are so many useful tools out there but they don’t all work for everyone. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi,
YouTube is my go-to app for learning anything new or refreshing my knowledge on something that I thought I knew but forgot.
Have a lovely Fourth of July.
Shalom shalom,
Pat Garcia
Thanks Pat! YouTube has it all.
What would we do without each other ?
Truthfully ? Without support and examples of perseverance , talent and inspired thinking,
I’d give up. All but the toughest hides can be damaged by negativity.
,
I’m with you, Esther. I’m afraid I don’t have a very tough hide.