Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Novel Writing Software

I am a proud panster. Outlines are for high school projects and plotters, but not for me. For years this happy panster has allowed the words to just flow and for the characters to find their way to the end of the story all on their own. 

Then I met Dabble. This online-only novel writing software is available through monthly subscription. Unlike downloadable novel writing software for which you pay a flat fee, your monthly subscription fee allows for constant updates so you don't need to pay to buy updated software in the future. I can't say that I've used Scrivener, Storyist, Squibler or other novel writing software in the past, so I can't compare features.

What made me decide to move forward with a free trial of Dabble?

A) I am re-writing a novel from the beginning, so I know how many plot points, characters, and scenes that need tracking.

B) I want to finish this novel.

We all have to find a way to motivate ourselves to keep writing despite all the distractions in our daily lives. If you've found a way to do that, congratulations! I am still one of those seekers--looking for a way to tune out all the noise around me to get from first page to last. 

Dabble allows me to stay organized and keep all my story notes in one place. You can create scenes, add plot points, create a plot grid, build your world, and keep miscellaneous notes, and then you can write your story. I find managing the writing process this way to be more effective, and I get way more excited about it as I see it come together on the screen.

Does a writer need novel writing software? No. It is a tool just like any other tool in our writer's toolbox. If you're at a point where you're struggle to keep up with all your plot points, characters, and scenes, it might be worth taking a look at one of the many novel writing software programs out there. Just like shoes, one size doesn't fit all. 


Sunday, August 2, 2020

The 3 Levels of Picture Books










