Writing Software

I heard a rumor that Scrivener for Windows is releasing in July. I've waited anxiously for this release since I found out about the software during National Novel Writing Month. But... I don't seem to see any concrete evidence of a release date. All I see is the Windows beta version expires June 30. I signed up for their email updates and I suppose I'll have to be patient until then.

So, why am I excited for Scrivener? I am a visual person and the writing process further proves this. I frequently "zoom out" to view my Word text in different ways (reading layout, print format etc.) to get a better grasp on layout and scene transitions. Ideally I would have a space plastered with photos, snippet text of scenes and a giant outline hung map-style in front of my face. But I also don't like clutter. The idea of having this style of work formatted into a writing program, all condensed onto my laptop appeals to me.

Also, the software is unbelievably cheap, which also appeals to me. Word, you are great, but you are basic. I'm ready for the next step.

My family has this thing we call "typical Scott style," in which we work with the lowest form of technology for so long, once we upgrade it's virtually a miracle. In typical Scott style, my husband learned to program entire songs on ancient software meant for playing short sound clips. In typical Scott style, he made all his own sound samples (he made a drum beat and turned into a loop and turned into a song) rather than using pre-programed samples from a software program. We are not early adopters of new technology, but when we get it, we grab on and hold for dear life.


photo: nuttakit freedigitalphotos.net



Do you use any writing software other than a standard word processing program? Which do you use and why do you like it?

Book Review: Jane by April Lindner

Title: Jane
Author: April Lindner
Category: Young Adult*
Published: 2010

I DEVOURED this book. Jane is a perfect beach read (or a stay-up-late-in-your-house read). I admit, I have not read Jane Eyre, which this is a modern retelling of, so the story was new to me. Based on the plotting, I could tell it mirrored another book, since with any spin on a classic, sometimes the details don't totally come together without feeling a bit awkward or forced. The pacing in the second half of the book seemed rushed, with a lot of time passing within a few later chapters compared to the timeline of the first half. This pulled me out of the story a few times, but not enough to make me put the book down.

I always mention covers: this one manages a modern feel with a hint of a throwback. The Jane of the cover is more stylishly dressed than the character in the book, but to entice a reader, I think the look is perfect.

Jane is a character to root for. She is frustratingly bland at times, but her internal reflections reveal the depth of her character. She was not a cookie-cutter type personality, which I appreciated. All of the characters are nuanced and flawed, and Jane recognizes this as well, which gives weight to the decisions she makes.

I look forward to reading the original Jane Eyre.

*I found this in Young Adult, but the protagonist is 19 and in college when the book starts. I'm GLAD to see a YA book about an older character, but I know the industry can get picky about what YA is and where to shelf the book.