Writing Software

There are several kinds of writing software out there and deciding which one works best for you might be hard. Sometimes you just don't need these things and can stick with good old Microsoft Word...if you have it. Some of the programs are actually a lot cheaper than getting Microsoft Word. You just have to explore and do research on what is the best suited.

These are the ones that I've used or heard of over the last several years:

• Scrivener: When I first heard about this product, it was made strictly for Apple products so I wasn't able to get it. Once it finally became compatible for Windows, I decided to give it a try...and I hated it. There were too many issues and it didn't work the way I wanted it to. It wasn't worth the price in, in my opinion. Though, just recently, I decided to test it out again to see how it worked for me. I have to say, I love the program. It's simple to use it has the basic functions I need and helps me stay organized. It's definitely worth looking into. If you are a NaNoWriMo winner, you'll have a coupon to get a good chunk of the price knocked off. That makes it even better.

• Liquid Story Binder: I used to use this program but it stopped updating and there were some functions that needed some work. I still love the heck out of this program though. It's versatile and I can use it for almost every aspect of my life. This program isn't as easy to use as other programs but it has a lot of functions that an author tends to use. You don't have to use them all either. Pick which ones you want to use and it will be in your binder. It does cost money so it's best to test it out first. It might be too much for you or you might fall in love with it. Even if it's not being updated, it really helps keep things together. 


• Focuswriter: This program is as simple as it gets. The goal of this is to make a distraction free work space for a writer. I've never used this one personally but some of the people I know seem to really enjoy it. This is free to download.

• Writermonkey: I've never used this before. I've only ever heard of it once or twice but I thought I should mention it. It's free to download and might be something you are interested in.

•  LibreOffice: For people who like Microsoft Word but just can't afford it. This is an alternative for that. It's free too!

• yWriter: I used this a long time ago. This software is free and it's pretty simple. It gets the job done.

These are the ones that I've seen and some I've used in the past. Don't forget to research your other options. You could simply just use Google Drive and keep everything like that. You don't have to spend money to find good writing software. While I prefer Scrivener, I still tend to go back to using Microsoft Word or even Google Drive when I need something simple or I just want to write something out. Just get a feeling of what you want. Don't spend money unless you think it's worth it. Maybe try the free trial to see if you like it. That's always another option. 

My Editing Space

My writing space and my editing space might be in the same location but it's a completely different set up. I like bright an colorful things surrounding me when I write. That's why my storyboards are so colorful. I like to have tons of things on my desk while I do it. I don't know why, it's just how my muse and I work. Though, those colorful things are distracting when it comes to editing. 

While with writing everything can be slightly disorganized, editing is much different. I need open space. I need movement. Everything I need has to be within reach. Now, my work space isn't completely empty but the things on there aren't in the way either.

This is how I have to edit. There are very few things on and around my desk that you see. Even my walls are bare. That wasn't intentional but I think it will remain that way for some time. At least on this side of the room. I have some pens, my manuscript, my writing notes, some sticky notes, a coffee mug that is currently empty, a blanket my best friend made me, etc. There are some things I don't need on there right now, like my speaker but it's staying where it's at for now.

Now, let's hope this distraction free method lasts me the year. If not, I'll find something else to help me make editing easier. 

The real goal is going to be keeping the area clean for a year.