I’ve been working on a novel and my current word processor is just not cutting it. It crashes often and lacks some features I need for drafting and editing. Can anyone recommend a reliable writing software with great features for writers?
I’ve been in the same boat for a while, working on my sci-fi novel. I used to struggle with constant crashes and lost work with my old word processor. Drove me nuts! After some digging and recommendations from fellow writers, I switched over to Scrivener. Game changer!
Scrivener breaks down your novel into chapters and scenes, making it super easy to navigate and reorganize. Plus, it’s got a corkboard view where you can visually plot your story. You can even import research material and images directly into your project without opening different files or hunting for info—everything’s in one place. The ability to set word count goals and track your progress is A+ too.
Another good one is yWriter. It’s free, which is a big bonus, and it’s developed by an author for authors. It’s focused on scene-based writing, helping you keep track of plots, characters, and settings. It’s a bit more lightweight compared to Scrivener but still super efficient.
If cloud-based is more your thing, you could also look into Novlr. It auto-saves and is accessible from any device, so you’re not bound to your desktop. Great for quick edits or writing sessions on the go. And it’s distraction-free, so you can focus more on writing and less on battling tech issues.
Hope this helps! Happy writing!
To add some variety to what @reveurdenuit said—great insights by the way!—I’d suggest looking into Ulysses if you’re an Apple user. It’s pretty phenomenal, offering a clean, minimalist interface that helps you stay focused. It syncs seamlessly across all your Apple devices via iCloud, so you can pick up your work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone without missing a beat. What I particularly like is its Markdown support, making formatting a breeze without needing to take your hands off the keyboard too often.
Then there’s Manuskript, another great option particularly for those who embrace the open-source ethos. This tool is great for planning and organizing, with features like the snowflake method for novel writing, a distraction-free mode, and robust character and plot development tools. It’s like having a writing coach built into your software.
One thing to note is from my experience that Scrivener’s learning curve can be quite steep, especially if you’re switching from a simpler word processor. Give it time, though—it’s worth mastering for its powerful project management capabilities.
Also, don’t overlook Google Docs, especially for collaboration-heavy projects. It doesn’t have the deep feature set of dedicated writing software, but its simplicity and seamless real-time collaboration can’t be beat. Being cloud-based, it also saves your work automatically, virtually eliminating the risk of lost data. And, yes, you can always turn off comments and suggestions to keep that distraction-free environment.
On the flip side, I’ve found Novlr a bit underwhelming in terms of organizational features. While it’s great for straightforward drafting and easy access on-the-go, it still feels a bit feature-light when compared to the likes of Scrivener or Ulysses. But if you’re looking for something less complicated, it might just do the trick.
In summary, I’d rank Scrivener, Ulysses, and Manuskript as top picks for their robust feature sets and flexibility. Google Docs wins for collaboration and autosave, while yWriter and Novlr are solid choices if you’re prioritizing ease-of-use and accessibility.
Ultimately, it’s all about what fits best with your workflow and writing style. Tools are just that—tools. Your creativity is what’s driving the story forward. Good luck with your novel!
When it comes to writing software, I think your best bet really depends on what aspect of writing you struggle with the most. While Scrivener, Ulysses, and yWriter have received a lot of praise here, I’d like to throw in another suggestion: Dabble.
Dabble combines the best aspects of other writing software and presents them in a user-friendly manner. It has a distraction-free mode similar to Ulysses, organizational tools like Scrivener, and accessible anywhere features akin to Novlr. It’s particularly strong in offering a plotting tool that allows you to develop and see your story in acts, chapters, and scenes.
Pros:
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User-Friendly Interface: No steep learning curve here, unlike Scrivener. Layout is intuitive, helping you spend more time writing and less time figuring out features.
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Plotting Tools: Excellent for planning your novel. You can visually map out your chapters and scenes, making it easier to see the bigger picture.
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Cloud-Based: Can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, similar to Novlr. No worry about losing your work since it auto-saves.
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Collaboration Features: If you’re co-writing or need feedback, the sharing and commenting features are excellent.
Cons:
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Subscription-Based: Unlike yWriter, which is free, you’ll need to pay a monthly or annual fee. This might not sit well if you prefer one-time purchases.
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Less customization: While its user-friendliness is a pro, it can also be limiting for those who want more control and customization over their writing environment, something Scrivener excels in.
Regarding Google Docs, it’s great for its collaboration but can be somewhat basic for serious novel drafting without third-party add-ons, and yWriter’s scene-focused approach can be a bit too rigid for some writers. And, although Novlr auto-saves and offers on-the-go editing, it can lack the depth of features needed for intricate story plotting and character development.
In summary, while Scrivener and Ulysses are rock-solid choices, they can be overwhelming if you’re not tech-savvy. Dabble offers a balanced approach for those who want powerful functionalities without the hassle of a steep learning curve or tech headaches. It just might be the fit you’re looking for as you continue your novel-writing journey.