using yWriter – novel writing software

Tags

Creative Writing, novel writing software, scrivener, simon haynes, snowflake method, spacejock, writing, writing a novel, yWriter

I have never used novel writing software before but began thinking about it when I found that my notes, in spite of meticulous organisation, were difficult to locate when I needed, for example, information about a particular character. As my ideas grew, so did my notes and information on one character would be scattered throughout numerous journals.

Enter yWriter. I had heard of Scrivener but I don’t own a Mac and I didn’t want to use the current beta version for wndows. Trawling the internet, I found yWriter, a novel writing software programme by Simon Haynes, an experienced programmer and published author. Not only did it sound appealing, but it was free to download. Yes, free! So I downloaded the software and checked it out. It was just what I was looking for.

yWriter is a database in which you collate information about your characters, locations, chapters, scenes….(view screenshot here). Once you have entered the basics, you start writing your novel into it. Using the snowflake method, I entered my novel outline into the project notes tab. I am using the three act structure, so I used act 1, act 2 and act 3 as my chapter headings, then added my scenes to each chapter. Each scene can be assigned as an action/reaction scene, assigned a point of view (selected from the character drop down list) and you can drag and drop your characters and locations in to each scene – fantastic for complicate story lines!

I had assumed that I would use yWriter solely for writing my drafts, but its outlining functionality has been extremely helpful. I can print off reports on characters, scenes, chapters, location, which characters are in which scene and much more. Also, if you have any difficulties using yWriter, there is a well utilised forum where you can post your questions and suggestions. I do not know Simon Haynes or have any affiliation with Spacejock Software, I just wanted to let share how great it is! Try it for yourself and if you find it useful, maybe donate a few £/$’s as I did.

Starting with the Snowflake Method

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beginning a novel, novel structure, novel writing, of figs and bougainvillea, pantser, randy ingermanson, snowflake method

Okay. So I have had the idea of a novel in my head for some years now. I have done the research and started the story so many times I can’t remember. But it is wasn’t working. Something wasn’t right. On numerous occasions I have decided against writing the damn thing but the story has always been there loitering in my head. Something had to be done. And that something was The Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson.

I had looked at this a few times and decided it was too basic. I didn’t need structure or organisation, I was a pantser: the novel would write itself because that’s how I wrote my first novel. But then my first novel is unpublished, and for good reason too – it is plot driven and the characters are flat. So, on the verge of giving up my novel altogether, I decided to give The Snowflake method a go.

I won’t explain how the method works, click on this link and read it from the creator, Randy Ingermanson. Writing my ideas down around a structural theme has worked. I have written my draft story synopsis, examined my characters, begun setting out my scenes, and suddenly everything I have had swirling around my brain the last few years is concrete. I know where to start and where I am going. Writing my first novel, I loved the thrill of discovery, when characters did things I wasn’t expecting, but I don’t think this method will destroy that. In fact, if anything, it may add more depth to the story as any discoveries about my characters will be at a deeper level. So why have I failed so far? Perhaps it’s because I spent too long thinking about the story that I couldn’t move forward. Perhaps it’s because I would edit every scene once I had finished it. My new philosophy is to write and not edit until the novel is finished and when I get stuck, to work on another scene rather than sit for days wondering how to change things. How about you? Are you a pantser or do you need structure?

‘Of Figs and Bougainvillea’ – start of a new novel

Tags

apartheid, new novel, of figs and bougainvillea, south africa, writing

I have finally begun writing my new novel, ‘Of Figs and Bougainvillea’. It is a literary story set in apartheid South Africa and will be the fruition of extensive research and thinking!

This blog will be dedicated to the process from beginning to end of writing the story. I hope you will follow me on my journey and also share your experiences by commenting below the posts. You can also follow me on twitter and facebook – just click on the links to the left of your screen.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing with you….

Sophie Whitley Flavell