Pretty intense, but a lot of NaNos swear by it. It offers a ‘punishment’ mode that will play horrible sounds and images, a ‘stimulus’ mode to woo you into writing for longer, and a ‘kamikaze’ mode that will actually start unwriting your words if you take a break or stop. Write or Die bribes, punishes or rewards you to write. Most programs rely on your innate sense of self-discipline to be effective. It features Mac keyboard shortcuts, word counters with live updates, and syncing across devices. Byword is a bit more fancy and supports Markdown. It is fairly basic full-screen/distraction-free writing software that allows for quicker and more focused drafting. WriteRoom is very similar to FocusWriter. These are Mac-specific ‘distraction-free’ writing tools. It’s also free, or you can donate to the program author.ĭownload FocusWriter here: WriteRoom (Mac) and Byword (Mac) You can easily customize font, background, formatting and text area width, as well as set word count or duration goals. It is an easy-to-use, reliable and attractive program which offers a full-screen/distraction-free writing environment. I do my first drafts by hand, and ‘type in’ with this program. Focuswriter (all platforms, including Linux)įocuswriter is my personal favorite digital drafting tool. However, there’s definitely contenders for those who don’t like handwriting. My opinion is that good old fashioned pen and paper is hard to beat for notes, sketching, and ideas.

The following is a list of my favorite writing software and software programs that come recommended by my writer mates from around the web. You probably don’t have a DOS machine from the 80’s, but fortunately, there are heaps of software programs for writers. Other writers, like Stephen King, often draft parts of their novels by hand. George R.R Martin famously uses the ancient DOS program WordStar. Individual preference is the biggest factor when it comes to drafting, refining, formatting and publishing a book. In my own opinion, there is no One Magic Program To Rule Them All. So, what is the best software to write a novel on? What writing software do published authors use? I’ve seen these questions asked by many of my peers over the years. With NaNoWriMo on the horizon, many bright-eyed, bushy-tailed young things are planning to write their books – as well as wondering how they’re going to write them.

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