Software, should you or shouldn’t you?
When starting a new novel, after my initial thinking around the idea, the ‘world’, and the characters, I have a look at the current range of apps/software available. I’m talking here of software related to the planning and writing of a novel, not editing or publishing – there’s crossover, certainly, but there are also specialist apps which help with that aspect of the work.
I write primarily on a desktop, laptop, and iPad (rarely on my phone) so I need to be sure any software I’m using is:
a) Available on different platforms.
b) Syncs easily between the devices.
c) Is affordable to run on different devices.
I also need to assess how steep the learning curve is compared to what I’m currently using. And, importantly, that it suits my style.
Standard word-processors like Microsoft Word and Apple Pages offer hundreds of features and are great if all you want is to write without distraction and your planning is minimalist. It is, of course, possible to establish a navigable chapter and scene structure in this type of program, using (in Word) heading styles. If you’d like more info on how to do this, drop me a line at charlie@charliegarratt.com and I’ll do my best to explain.
It's also possible to use a spreadsheet to keep extensive records of scene synopses, character profiles, locations, plot, etc.
The problem with these two methods is that they aren’t as flexible, nor particularly stimulating to the creative juices, as some of the other methods. So, my ‘go to’ programs when I start are currently:
· Freemind: mind-mapping software which helps me think through my initial ideas
· Scapple: also mind-mapping but a bit more flexible than Freemind if I want multiple starting points. It also integrates with Scrivener, being from the same stable.
· Word/Excel: Snowflake Method takes an initial one-sentence idea and expands it to a paragraph, a page and then a full synopsis. I use an Excel spreadsheet then transfer to Word for the longer documents.
· Scrivener: From my full synopsis, which might run to several pages in Word, I create synopses for each scene in Scrivener. This then gives me the plot structure for my writing to begin. I continue in Scrivener for the remainder of the writing process.
I’ve also dabbled with Plottr, but haven’t found the subscription worthwhile for the limited advantages over a combination of the above, though it’s undoubtedly a useful tool.
I’m not going into the benefits and disbenefits here all the software around. A quick Google search of “book plotting software” will come up with plenty of advice and comparisons on what’s available at the moment.
The key question is, should you bother with plotting/planning software or not? My general thought about writing, and writing techniques, is ‘whatever gets you through to the end.’
Writing a novel isn’t easy. It can be a slog and the path is strewn with as many barriers as we expect our characters to overcome on their own journey. So anything that helps has got to be a good thing.
Questions to ask yourself include:
· Do I plot (or want to plot) a lot or a little? If the latter then a couple of sheets of paper will do and getting up to speed with a specific program may not be worth the effort. If the former, then software can assist and the time spent learning the basics will probably be worthwhile.
· How much time investment will it require? You’ll probably already been conversant with some of the software, like Word or Pages, perhaps even Excel or Numbers, so using them for plotting a novel might just need you to watch a couple of YouTube videos. The mind-mapping software tends to be quite easy to learn, whereas Scrivener requires much more investment of time to become proficient. Scrivener, however, does have the advantage of being incredibly versatile in all aspects of planning, writing and publishing a novel.
· How much cash do I want to invest? Some of the software, like Freemind, is free, Scapple, Plottr and Scrivener all have free trials (some more generous than others). Once the free trial’s over, Scapple and Scrivener are one-off purchases, Plottr is an annual subscription. Most of the other software out there will be similarly free, one-off purchases, or annual subscription.
Before embarking on any particular line, check out YouTube videos for anything you’re considering, there are lots out there.
Remember – none of this is necessary, but some of it may make climbing the mountain easier.