April 2018: Writing Software
~ Ann Jacobs ~
CTR asked:
Which writing software do you use (something other than MS Word, like Jutoh and Scrivener)? What’s your favorite feature(s), and why?
Ann Jacobs said:
I can’t say I don’t use MS Word, because I do, for writing drafts and making initial edits. (Vellum is my software of choice to format my books for publication, and Word files import there almost seamlessly.) Scrivener is too structured to suit my writing style (disorganized chaos!), but I like to use another, much simpler writing aid produced by Literature and Latte, Scrivener’s makers. It’s called Scapple, and it lets me keep up with character information and timeline events in a simple, straightforward way.
Scapple is sort of an outline assistant, where I can jot down information I’ll otherwise forget and have to go back and fix AFTER I’ve built inconsistencies of events and/or characters into my story. It starts off with a blank screen, where I can put down basic traits for multiple characters, plan character interactions, and place them as they appear in the story progression. (I can also move information around, kill off a character, or alter the timeline as my plotting goes on.)
The beauty of Scapple is that an author can use as much or as little of its capability as fits the author’s writing style. From a simple outline, one can go on from creating simple character sketches and interactions to defining the traits and actions using copious notes. The software allows for using horizontal and vertical alignment, boxes, shapes, colors, font variables, and more to indicate various actions and interactions among the characters. SCAPPLE IS INFINITELY ADAPTABLE TO THE AUTHOR’S NEEDS.
I find Scapple helpful, especially since I write books that are largely character driven, only marginally dependent on outside events to drive stories. It’s inherently flexible, which is important to me as it allows me to create characters, get a visual picture of their interactions, and fit them into a semi-logical framework of outside events that affect their lives.
Cheap to buy ($14.00), this simple software is worth every cent to me–and more. I’ve used it to “plot” series as well as individual books, and it suits me in that it lets me organize my stories my way, without a lot of formally prescribed initial legwork. Get it here: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scapple/overview
– Website – http://annjacobs.net
– Twitter – @authrannjacobs
More than Lust (Courthouse Connections #1)
[ Contemporary Romance, MF ]
A chance sighting, immediate chemistry, but only a few days for lovers to find out if they’ve discovered MORE THAN LUST . . .
Andi Young and Gray Syzmanski have a lot in common. Both are attorneys, even though Gray uses his legal training as a DEA operative. Both grew up in Tampa, and both are champions of justice. The immediate attraction between them is too strong to be denied.
Beyond that, they’re as different as night and day. She’s from a happy but modest home, while he hails from old Florida aristocracy but has a controlling, widowed mother determined to run—and ruin—his life.
Andi doubts their weekend fling can grow into a relationship that’s real, while Gray is determined to explore a real relationship—as soon as he returns from an undercover assignment outside the country.
Join them for this carefree, lusty but emotionally charged contemporary romance, about two young lovers who will capture your hearts.
Available in Ebook:
– Kindle Unlimited – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y26BGS8/
More Authors Dish about their writing software of choice.
Read them all: https://coffeethoughts.coffeetimeromance.com/authors-dish-april-writing-software/
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