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Day 7 - Software


Day 7 -Thursday 7th November 2019 – Software

Now the world has moved into the technological age we’ve largely abandoned the pen for the keyboard.  I do still have one story which I love writing by hand, but by and large my writing is now done on a computer – usually my laptop.



It’s taken me a long time to settle into any form of writing software, but these days I tend to gravitate towards Scrivener for my writing.  I (mostly) like the layout, and I find its sensible approach understandable enough so that even I know what’s going on!  The use of the binder and corkboard approach is really easy to use and keep tabs on.  But I’ve got to be honest, I have no idea how most of it works!  Ultimately, my books make their way into Word, are shaped and formatted, and then converted to .pdf files.  In this way, I feel like I’m using the best aspect of all the software I have!

Here are a few considerations about choosing the best software for you:
  1. What do you want it to do?  If you’re after a word processor document, you really can’t beat Word, but it’s much more difficult to cross-reference research than in writing software like Scrivener.  For a professional level, .pdf files are the most reliable, but when you’re converting them, remember to embed your fonts, or some of your characters can be distorted or lost.
  2. Software doesn’t feel loyalty.  Don’t feel restricted to only one programme, you can get the best of all worlds software!
  3. There’s no right and wrong.  If you decide you’re happier writing your story on a different programme, on a typewriter, or by hand, that’s fine!  Just find a willing volunteer who will copy it up for you at a later date.  BUT always keep copies of your writing.  You may not like it now, but I guarantee you will be disappointed if you lose it!


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