In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there, and writing software has become an essential tool for authors and writers. With a plethora of options available in both free and paid categories, selecting the right program can significantly impact your productivity while crafting fiction stories. They range from dedicated novel-writing apps to full-fledged word processors, with each one promising to help you write your best work yet.

But, which one is right for you?

In this post, we’ll explore various aspects to consider when choosing writing software that best suits your needs as you embark on creating captivating stories and novels.

Some things to consider.

1. User interface (UI) and experience: The first step in selecting a suitable writing program is evaluating its user interface and overall experience. A well-designed UI should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing for writers of all skill levels. Some popular fiction writing software with excellent UIs include Scrivener (paid), Flipkart Write (free) and Ulysses (both free and paid).
2. Organisational features: Writing a fictional story often involves managing multiple characters, plotlines, settings, and timelines. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose software that offers robust organisational features such as character creation tools, scene management systems, outliners or project templates for easy planning and structuring of your narrative elements. Scrivener (paid) is a prime example with its built-in corkboard view, chapter organisation system, and metadata tagging capabilities to help you keep track of all the story components effectively.
3. Integration with other tools: As an author or writer, it’s essential that your chosen writing software integrates seamlessly with other tools like grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly), reference management systems (such as Zotero and Mendeley) for research purposes, cloud storage services to save drafts online, and social media platforms if you plan on sharing snippets of your work or engaging in discussions about it with fellow writers. Scrivener offers built-in integration options like importing files from Microsoft Word (for those who prefer using this software), while Ulysses provides easy exporting to popular eBook formats such as EPUB and PDF, allowing you to share your stories on various platforms effortlessly.
4. Collaboration features: Collaborating with other writers or editors is a common practice in the writing process for fiction authors who may be working together on shared projects like co-authored novels or anthologies. Thus, it’s essential to choose software that offers collaboration features such as real-time editing and commenting capabilities. Flipkart Write (free) allows multiple users to work simultaneously with a simple note system for feedback exchange between collaborators while maintaining the integrity of your writing project in one place.
5. Customisability: Every writer has unique preferences when it comes to their workflow and organisational methods, so selecting software that offers customisation options is crucial. This includes adjustable font sizes, line spacing settings, text formatting tools (e.g., bullet points), as well as the ability to create personalised templates or project folders for easy accessibility of your work-in-progress files. Ulysses provides extensive customisability features like setting up a unique writing environment with different themes and layouts that cater specifically to each writer’ elements, making it an excellent choice if you prefer working in a tailored atmosphere while crafting fiction stories.
6. Support for multiple document formats: Fiction writers often work on various document formats such as plain text files (e.g., .txt), rich-text documents (.rtf or .docx) and markup languages like Markdown, which are commonly used in writing tools that support content management systems (CMS). Therefore, choosing a software program with compatibility for multiple file types will ensure you can work seamlessly across different platforms without worrying about losing your progress. Scrivener offers the ability to import files from popular word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs while also supporting Markdown formatting natively within its interface (paid).
7. Mobile accessibility: In today’s fast-paced world, many writers prefer working on their fiction stories using mobile devices for convenience or during traveling breaks from the desk job. Thus, it is essential to choose a writing software that offers cross-platform compatibility and access through smartphones and tablets via dedicated apps (either free/paid) such as Ulysses’ iOS app with its unique features like reading in dark mode or using handwriting recognition for note taking while on the go.

The programs

Finding the perfect writing software can be as crucial to your creative process as selecting the right pen or paper. With numerous options available in today’s digital age, it is essential to choose one that suits your needs and preferences best. In this blog post, we will explore various fiction writing software programs, their features, and how they can help you bring your stories to life efficiently and effectively.

1. Scrivener: A Comprehensive Writing Environment: Scrivener has been a favourite among writers for years due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. This software allows you to organise your project into individual chapters or scenes, making it easy to manage the structure of your story. Scrivener also offers research tools, corkboard view, and a full-screen mode that helps minimise distractions while writing.
2. Microsoft Word: The Office Standard: As part of Microsoft’s suite of office applications, Word is widely used for its compatibility with other Office programs and ease of use. With features like track changes, commenting tools, and collaboration options, it can be an excellent choice for writers working on projects that require input from multiple parties or need to adhere to specific formatting guidelines.
3. Google Docs: Collaboration at Its Finest: For those who prefer cloud-based solutions, Google Docs is a powerful option. It allows real-time collaboration with others and automatic saving of your work, ensuring you never lose progress. With its commenting system and revision history feature, it’s an excellent choice for writers working on projects that require input from multiple parties or need to be accessed across various devices.
4. Ulysses: Minimalist Writing Environment: If you prefer a distraction-free writing environment, Ulysses might be the perfect fit. This software offers a clean and simple interface with focus mode, which highlights only the text you’re currently typing. With features like word count tracking, iCloud syncing, and export options for various file formats, it can help streamline your writing process.
5. Evernote: Note-taking Meets Writing Software: While primarily known as a note-taking app, Evernote also offers a writing mode that allows you to focus on crafting your story without distraction. Its tagging and search capabilities make organising research notes and brainstorming ideas effortless. Additionally, its web clipping feature can help gather inspiration from the internet with ease.
6. Fictionate.me: A Comprehensive Writing Platform: Fictionate.me is a cloud-based writing platform designed specifically for fiction writers. It offers tools like character profiles, worldbuilding features, and outlining capabilities to help you organise your story’s elements effectively. With its collaboration options and progress tracking features, it can be an excellent choice for both individual writers and writing groups.
7. yWriter: Designed specifically for writing novels, this software helps you break your story into manageable sections called “chapters” or “scenes.” It also provides tools to track character development and maintain consistency throughout your manuscript.
8. Final Draft: This professional screenwriting software is widely used in the film industry. If you’re planning on adapting your fiction story for a screenplay, this program offers features like automatic formatting, scene numbering, and collaboration tools that make it easier to work with other writers or directors.
9. Storyist: This all-in-one writing environment combines word processing, project management, and research tools into one package. It allows you to create outlines, track characters and settings, and manage your ideas in a centralised location for easy access while writing.

And for all us Linux users, there’s:

1. Bibisco: Desktop application for novel structuring, offering chapter and scene management, distraction-free text editing, detailed timeline, character interviews, multilingual support, export to publishing formats, revision history, relationship diagrams, and writing goal tracking. [Community and supporter versions].
2. Abiword: A popular open-source word processor that’s lightweight and easy to use. It has many features similar to Microsoft Word.
3. LibreOffice Writer: While not specifically designed for fiction writers, LibreOffice is an excellent open-source office suite with a word processor that can handle writing tasks.
4. Gedit: A simple yet powerful text editor developed by the GNOME project, which is widely used on Linux systems.
5. Typora: Another minimalist writing app that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It has a Linux version (Windows and macOS versions also available). [Free trial]
6. Quoll Writer: A free, open-source writing software designed for fiction writers, with features like scene management, character tracking, and word count.
7. Manuskript: Open-source tool for writers. With outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.
8. Ostorybook: A free, open source novel-writing software for creative writers, novelists and authors which will help you to keep an overview of multiple plot-lines while writing texts.
9. Novelwriter: novelWriter is a Markdown-like text editor designed for writing novels and larger projects of many smaller plain text documents. It uses its own flavour of Markdown that supports a meta data syntax for comments, synopsis and cross-referencing between files. (This deserves a five star rating, I’ve used it before and its very good and easy to use.)
10. Lore Forge: The only app you’ll need to write your novels and build your worlds. Organize your thoughts and cross-reference anything at any time. (I‘ve used this and its pretty good but not quite as good as novelWriter.)
11. kWrite: A simple text editor included in the KDE desktop environment for Linux. It’s great for quick writing sessions or those who prefer a minimalist interface.
12. Vim or Nano: These are command-line text editors often used by developers but can also be useful for writing fiction, especially if you prefer working in the terminal environment.
13. Emacs: A text editor to write your code in, or your next book in! Using org-mode and minimal knowledge of latex you can very easily write a novel in it, I’ve written two and am writing my third in it. Plus, I use it for email, and to keep my finances in order. And all of the articles to date, written on this blog, are written in emacs! To me this is the easiest of all to use, but not everyone agrees with me there

Remember that some of these programs have extensions and plugins available to enhance their functionality further, so it’s worth exploring what options are available for each program.

Some common mistakes people make when choosing and deciding what they’re going to write in

1. Ignoring your needs and preferences: Make sure you choose a program that caters to your specific requirements as a writer. Consider factors like user interface, organisation tools, collaboration features, export options, and compatibility with other devices or platforms.
2. Overlooking free trials or demos: Always try before you buy by taking advantage of free trials or demos offered by writing software programs. This will help you determine if the program suits your needs and preferences without any financial commitment.
3. Failing to consider future growth: As a writer, you may have plans for publishing, collaborating with others, or exploring different genres in the future. Choose a program that can grow with you and accommodate these potential changes.
4. Getting stuck on price alone: While cost is an important factor, don’t let it be the sole deciding element when choosing your writing software. Consider the value for money and whether the features offered justify the price tag.
5. Not considering customer support or community resources: A good writing program should have reliable customer support and a helpful user community to assist you with any issues that may arise during your writing process. Make sure to research these aspects before making your choice.
6. Choosing the wrong software: It’s essential to select a writing software that suits your needs and preferences, as changing mid-novel can be disruptive and play merry hell with your word-count! (Been there, got the tee-shirt!).
7. Overly focusing on bells and whistles: While some advanced features may enhance your workflow, don’t let them distract you from the actual writing process. Stick with what works best for you.
8. Not utilising cloud storage or backup features: Regularly save your progress to avoid losing work due to technical issues or hardware failure.
9. Ignoring updates and technical support: Keep your software updated, as it may introduce new features that can improve your writing experience. Also, take advantage of available support resources for any issues you encounter.
10. Relying too heavily on templates and formatting: While these tools can be helpful, they shouldn’t dictate the entire creative process. Be open to experimentation with different formats and styles as needed.
11. Not setting realistic expectations about usage frequency: Not all writers can write every day due to various commitments and responsibilities, but aiming to write most days is reasonable. Choose a software that aligns with your writing habits without setting unrealistic expectations about daily usage.
12. Being afraid of changing the chosen software mid-novel: Do not let your novel’s progress be hindered by an inadequate writing program, so be prepared to switch if necessary. While it is essential to choose a reliable software initially, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives when you find that the current one isn’t meeting your needs or preferences during different stages of your work (e.g., drafting vs. finalising).

Key takeaways

1. Understand your needs: Identify the specific features and tools you require in a writing program based on your preferences, writing style, and habits. Consider factors like user interface, organisation tools, collaboration options, export formats, and compatibility with other devices or platforms.
2. Try before you buy: Always take advantage of free trials or demos offered by writing software programs to ensure the program meets your needs and preferences without any financial commitment.
3. Consider your future growth: Choose a program that can adapt to your evolving needs as a writer, accommodating potential changes in genre, publishing plans, or collaboration requirements.
4. Evaluate customer support and community resources: Look for writing software with reliable customer support and an active user community to assist you with any issues that may arise during the writing process. This can help ensure a smooth experience throughout your writing journey.
5. Balance price with value: While cost is an important factor, don’t let it be the sole deciding element when choosing your writing software. Consider whether the features offered justify the price tag and align with your overall budget for your writing projects.
6. Software can be helpful but not necessary: While modern software isn’t essential for writing a book, using tools like story planning software can help you accomplish tasks more efficiently.
7. Consider multiple options: When choosing a writing program or software, consider different options to find the one that best suits your needs and writing style.
8. Focus on the actual writing process: Do this rather than getting distracted by advanced features or tools.
9. Utilise cloud storage or backup options: These can help to prevent loss of work due to technical issues or hardware failure.
10. Keep your software updated: Both for security patching and access to new features, improvements, and support resources.
11. Experiment with different formats and styles: Do this and rely less on templates and formatting during the creative process.

Conclusion:

Selecting a writing software that best suits your needs when crafting fiction stories is crucial to maintain productivity, organisation and enjoyment throughout the creative process. By considering factors such as user interface design, organisational features, integration with other tools, collaboration capabilities, customisable options, support for multiple document formats, and mobile accessibility, you can find a program that helps bring your imaginations to life on paper or screen in an efficient manner while enjoying the writing journey.

Ultimately, the best fiction writing software depends on your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs as a writer. Whether you prefer a minimalist interface or a comprehensive suite of tools, there is undoubtedly a program out there that will help streamline your creative process. Take some time to explore these options and find the one that resonates with your writing style and goals. Happy writing!