Free Novel Writing Software: yWriter

Recently, I came across a free novel writing program called "yWriter". The program was developed by science fiction writer Simon Haynes, who also happens to be a computer programmer. Unlike the Storybook software I reviewed last year, yWriter is complete and does not require buying an "upgrade" in order to have access to the most useful functions. The process of creating a novel with yWriter involves first naming chapters and then naming scenes. In the program scenes are objects that may be dragged and dropped from chapter to chapter or reordered within a chapter. Double clicking on a scene allows you to enter a word processor where the scene may be written. Some of the more useful features of yWriter include:

• Storyboard mode which places scenes on character time lines (see image above)
• An automatic backup feature to help avoid losing work
• A built in word counter
• A new project wizard for first time users
• The ability to print out a variety of scene reports and summaries.

With what little I have used the program, I have found a lot I like about it. If you would like to try it yourself, the download page for the product is located here.