Drunk on Writing

So if you're anything like me, you much prefer to fuck around online instead of writing. This is a sure-fire way to never get any work done. You don't have to question this fact, just take my word for it. So instead of wasting my time looking at LOLCats and other nonsense, I decided to look into software designed to aid authors in the writing of their novels. And since I feel the need to continue posting on this blog (for whatever reason) I thought I would offer some insight into what is out there. Because when you can't organize your own head and write a story, who is going to do it for you?

Technology, that's who.

So here is a list and review of some software I tried.

1. Storybook
Storybook is an open source program designed for Windows.It helps to structure and organize plot by providing an overview of multiple plot-lines.

Don't bother downloading! As I was writing this post and attempting to install the program, it decided to go ahead and download a toolbar I specifically declined to have installed. This resulted in me having to restart my computer which took up 10 precious minutes of procrastination time. Not cool.

2. Writer's Cafe 2.33
Writer's Cafe, a free download available for Windows and Mac, is a self-proclaimed "playground for the imagination". Its main feature is StoryLines, which helps to structure your story.

From the website (because I'm too lazy to paraphrase): "Designed by published novelist Harriet Smart, Writer's Café also includes a notebook, journal, research organiser, pinboard, inspirational quotations, daily writing tips, writing exercises, name generation, and a 60-page e-book, Fiction: The Facts, distilling 20 years of writing experience."

Okay, so it seems to have everything a author needs, with the exception of a direct link to FailBlog. I do like the fact though that it's called a "Cafe" since I often wish to sit in a artsy location and write my book. Those you can't do find a way to on the internet. 

I'm not going to go into great detail about all the features this program has to offer but I wanted to check out StoryLines. As a non-linear writer (someone who cannot write a story from beginning to finish), I tend to write different chunks of a story and then lose track of what the hell I've written or I am unable to string the portions together. The interface is very pretty but there is no clear indication as to what one does once they begin StoryLines.So as any cornered animal would do, I click on "New" and start a new project.

Success!

From here I can add "cards" to identify different scenes in my story and from there I can rearrange them to suit my plot needs.

Overall, I think this program is highly useful in organizing a story. Give it a try! The only downfall is that an unregistered copy has limited features.