Novel Writing Software: Help or Hype?

What is novel writing software?

Well, I can't vouch for any particular program, but what they say they
do is anything from help you organize your book to help you plot your novel.

Pretty big boast for something that can't hold a candle to the human mind.

That's not to say some of these programs don't help some authors. Nor that the same programs don't help plenty of other authors.

So what, exactly, can such software do? What can't it do?


What They (Say They) Can Do

Some novel writing software claims to be able to guide you in creating your characters, planning your plot beginning to end, and overcome writers block. Wow. Those are big claims!

More likely, you have to have some basic ideas about your characters and plot to start the process, and the software only nudges you along from there. That sounds great, doesn't it? Who couldn't use another mind to help when yours is befuddled?

Other programs claim they can help you do everything. Everything? Create characters, plan your plot, your scenes, your chapters. Manage the novel's scenes through use of index cards you can shuffle about.

That may be. But those claims are pretty huge for something that can't think. Try to find software you can try (with a free demo) before you buy. To be sure it'll do what it says it'll do.

My favorite claim to read is that you can "write your scenes in any order!" Well, yes I can. And do. If the idea or image for a scene that occurs late in my novel pops into my head in the middle of writing chapter five, believe me, I'm going to write that late scene while it's hot.

And I don't need software to drop it into order. I can merely label it for the approximate chapter it falls in, then go back to where I was (or finish those late scenes now that I know what happens in them!).

So yes, this type of software may tout "write any scene anytime" as a benefit, but I can't imagine not doing that with or without software to
help me.


What They Can't Do

Let's face it. No one's invented any novel writing software in the most basic definition of the phrase. A computer and software can't write your novel. Only you can.

So don't expect miracles if you want to try one of these programs. Do expect what the particular software says it will do - and if it doesn't do it, send it back and get your money returned. (And please don't buy anything that doesn't have a money back guarantee!)

None of the fiction writing software out there can choose all the words it takes to create your story. Yes, it may be able to organize those words (with your help, again), but it can't choose them, or write them.

It can't help you if you don't have the beginnings of a plot and some main characters already in your head. This software is not a crutch or do-it-for-you tool. It's an aid (maybe).

I haven't seen any that claim they offer complete character databases, story timelines or creation of style sheets as you go, or anything fancy like that. You're still going to have to do those things to keep track of your details. In a separate program or (heaven forbid) written out by hand and filed so you can find it again.

So if you're curious, or desperate, try to keep in mind that fiction software will only go so far before you have to continue on your own.


To Use it Or Not to Use It, That's the Question

So, how do you decide if this novel writing software is something useful
to you?

My best recommendation is to download a couple of the free demos that sound good to you (Dramatica Pro and Power Structure both offer these), try them out, then decide if it's the next best thing to a captive muse.
Or not.

If it works for you, wonderful! Buy the full version and have at it!

If not? You haven't spent big bucks finding out, only to be stuck with a program you may not be able to return.

If you still think you need help, look to writer's groups, organizations or a writing mentor to help guide you and prod you when you need it. After all, there are all sorts of resources out there for you to make use of when learning how to write a novel.