yWriter It Is

So I tried out a few other writing programs (Liquid Story Binder and Page Four to be exact). I did not use them for long. Just played around with them a bit. But I decided that I already knew I would go with either yWriter or Scrivener.

As you can tell by the title of this blog post - I have decided to go with yWriter. And here is why:

1. I like the layout and the user interface
2. I like being able to have multiple documents open at the same time
3. I like that it will read my work to me - right there
4. I like that I can highlight character names in a chapter
5. I like that I can see instantly the word count for each chapter as well as the over all document (without any extra clicks)
6. I like that it is free. (Of course I plan to donate to the project with the some of the money I make from my first book).

The things I didn't like (or liked better in Scrivener):
1. No spell check suggestions
2. Formatting (aka "Compile") options

I think I can live without. So on to writing using yWriter! You should check it out.

What program(s) do you use when you write?

yWriter, a Writing Software Review

So, as some of you may know - I have been trying out different writing software. I started with StoryBook (see my review). Then I tried yWriter. If you recall I liked yWriter better. After I finished the first draft of my WIP I downloaded the trial version of Scrivener to give it a try. As I always do better with reviews when I can compare two things, I will compare yWriter to my first impressions of Scrivener. Stay tuned for my full review of Scrivener.

I really enjoyed using yWriter. It has some great features. And from what I have seen so far, it has similar functionality to Scrivener. Although it does not have many cool exporting functions, which I personally don't mind.

My Favorite Features

• It's Free
• With the click of a button it will read your writing to you. Great for revising. (By the way, Scrivener does not have this feature.
• Did I mention it is free?

What it is Lacking

• Embedded spell checking. It tells you when a word is wrong but does not offer suggestions. I am a terrible speller so this was an issue for me. (Scrivener does).
• You have to have a Chapter-Scene structure. I got around this by just having one scene per chapter. No big deal. But Scrivener has more flexibility in this area.

The Verdict

yWriter is on the list for my top 5. But since Scrivener is not to terribly expensive I may end up going with it. The big reason? I plan to self publish and Scrivener has some great export options for that. However, I do have a few more I would like to try before I decided for sure.

An Interesting Thoughts on Piracy

I writer friend shared this with me today. I found it very interesting and wanted to share. I would add my thoughts but I think the link speaks for itself.

What do you think?

The Truth about Prologues

(Yes, I had a typo in the title *blush*)

I don't really like debates or flaming wars. So I am usually cautious about the 'hot' topics that I post about. But I found one that I just could help but commenting on.

Prologues.

So I have heard that 50% or readers don't read prologues. Here is the thing though. I did an internet search and have talk to several people. In all the polls that I have scene the ratio seems much lower. More like 10%. I asked myself where did this statistic come from? I can find no evidence of any study or poll that has been done that matches this number. 

Please, if I am mistaken point me to the source of such an elusive statement.

I have also heard that agents don't like prologues. So I did some internet research on that topic as well.

I found that it is not prologues that are bad - but that poorly written prologues (like anything that is poorly written) are bad. 

And here are some references to support my claims:

http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2010/10/great-prologue-debate.html

http://carlywatters.com/2011/08/15/the-dreaded-prologue/ (mentions not to include a prologue - but then look at this post! http://carlywatters.com/tag/prologue/)

http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-prologues-often-dont-work.html

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/7-deadly-sins-of-prologues-great-novel-beginnings-part-2/

http://davidpowersking.blogspot.com/2012/02/aspiring-advice-problems-with-prologues.html - Loved this post by the way!

If you have other information/personal experience please share. As for me, I am going to believe that prologues are just like any other part of a book. Good if done right. Unless of course there is someone that can show me proof to the contrary.

Take away truth. Just because prologues are hard to do right - does not mean you should avoid them. If you believe that - then why are you writing? Writing is hard to do right too.