I use two –ok three–pieces of software to keep my writing life organized.
OK, I will admit that one of the three is Microsoft Word. I think nearly every writer uses this software. It’s easy to learn, most every editor and agent will accept it, and it gets the job done. If all you’re doing is writing a story down. I do like the pros of Word, so I’m not knocking it. It does what it’s supposed to do, which is record your writing for posterity. It’s just that my go-to software, which I’ll talk about next, goes above and beyond that.
I use Scrivener for almost all my writing, then transcribe what I need into Word. Scrivener will compile your stories into almost any format, even Kindle or Nook. With this software, you not only have a place to write your stories, you also have a place within the same project to record your notes, research data, photos, comments, and even character studies. So you never forget anything. What color were Cousin Emma’s eyes? See character study. Did the bedroom have two windows or three? See research data and imported website you used for inspiration. I don’t know how I worked before they invented Scrivener.
Another useful tool is Aeon Timeline. This is exactly what it says it is: a way of recording timelines for real life or stories. If you’re tired of tacking index cards up on your wall, try this software out and be amazed at how simple it makes your outlining and plotting. You never have to worry about mixing up a timeline again.
What software and programs do you use to make your writing life a little more organized?