There.  That’ll show the Google-bot where the writing things are at.  Hehe.  Sorry, I just had to get that out of my system.

A surprising amount of writers use longhand to put their thoughts to paper.  Software for these folks is no more complicated or expensive than a legal pad, or maybe a moleskin journal and a fine writing instrument.  To you folks I heartily say, “Good on ya, mate!”

Me?  Well, my handwriting is darn near un-readable.  I remember looking at some recent interview notes and thinking, “Man, did he really say THAT?”  Thank goodness I had taken my own advice and used a digital recorder as well!

For those of us that are tied to a keyboard there are literally dozens and dozens of software programs designed to make our writing lives just a little easier.  Some folks will find this list helpful, others – not so much.  That’s ok though.  I would encourage at least a peek.  Maybe one of these is exactly what you’ve been looking for in order to organize your project or move forward in your writing.

Here we go! (In no particular order of importance)

• Dramatica Pro – From their website: ” Dramatica Pro software is your creative writing partner. Create great characters. Plan your plot from start to finish. Dramatica Pro blasts away those writer’s blocks. Dramatica Pro is the only story development software to receive four stars from Writer’s Digest magazine. Answer Dramatica’s questions about your characters and plot. This narrows down the possible ways of telling your story to the one that best expresses your vision.  Use your story to write specific examples of character arc, story goal, plot points, theme, and conflict. At the click of a button, see how your story’s scenes compare to examples of history’s greatest writers. 
  Weave together all the parts of your story. Determine how elements of character, plot, and theme will be revealed to your audience. Place your examples into specific Acts, Scenes, or Chapters. Use this plot outline to write a killer first draft. Dramatica Pro works equally well on PC and Macs”A scosch under $220
• Dragon Naturallyspeaking – Speech recognition software that could be a real time saver.  This technology has come a long way, so if you’re thinking a tinny,error laden software package is here, you’ be wrong! Just under $110, delivered
• Stylewriter – This works within your word processor to help with style, grammar and spelling.  It can help to address a lot of weak writing issues.  Costs 150 US Dollars
• Sonar – Helps you keep track of what submissions you sent to who and… it’s FREE!
• Final Draft – The industry standard for writing films, tv shows and stage plays. $229

So there are some titles to kind of get you started.  Remember there are many programs out there to help you in your craft.

Are there any software programs that you are using right now that are helping you in your writing?  Comment and let the world know!