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.

More About Storybook Software

After playing around more with the open source "novel writing" software, Storybook, I  unfortunately found that the features that interest me the most are only available in "Storybook Pro", the non-free version of the program. Such features include a "gantt chart of characters" (creates time lines of characters lives) and the ability to export information out of the program in formats such as TXT and PDF. At first I thought Storybook was intended only as a tool to organize plot information, but the creators of the program proclaim on their website that Storybook "can be used as a replacement for a word processor". While that may be true, I think the way the program "compartmentalizes" the story information would somewhat mitigate against a writing style that flows.  Still, Storybook may have its uses. I think I will keep it around for a while longer. ;)

Free Novel Writing Software

Recently, I became aware of a free novel writing program called "Storybook". Storybook is billed as an "open source novel-writing tool for creative writers, novelists and authors which will help you to keep an overview of multiple plot-lines while writing books, novels or other written works." I am intrigued by the idea. Pictured above is a screen shot of the program. Once information such as characters, dates, locations, etc. are entered into the program, the information may be viewed in four different ways:

• Chronological View - shows the scenes sorted by date. Each strand has it's own column.
• Manage Chapters and Scenes View - shows all chapters and their assigned scenes.
• Book View - shows all chapters and their assigned scenes sorted by chapter and scene numbers, as you would read it in the final book. (Book View is show in the image above.)
• Reading View (a mode of the Book View) shows the text as in a final book. 

I think software like this would be very helpful for stories with complex plots and lots of characters. Once I am able to give the program a test run I will post a more detailed review. But great as the software sounds, there is a nagging thought in the back of my mind: "What would Stephen King think of this?" ^^

Update: Read a further review of this product here.