My first novel, slated for publication with David C. Cook in early 2014, involved hours and reams of research. I researched everything from fossils, to barbeque restaurants, the history of Haiti, pecan recipes, and more. I organized text and web links and photos into dozens of Word documents, which I then had to flip open and closed while writing and editing each chapter. Sometimes, I didn’t have enough research on a topic, so in addition to all the Word documents, I opened three or four internet screens, and flipped back and forth between those and my chapters, too.
At the time, I didn’t know any better, so I never lamented the process. However, I marvel at how I ever kept my sanity now that I’ve found Scrivener, a software program for writers of any genre.
Now, I will warn you. What you’re about to read may sound like an infomercial, but it’s not. I downloaded the trial version, quite skeptical about how much easier this could really make my writing life. But after just two days, I bought the software outright. First of all, this little slice of computer engineering GENIUS only cost $45—a small price to pay for sanity. An even smaller price to pay for the time it’s saved me, and the fun it brings to the novel writing process.
What’s so great about Scrivener? Click here to read the whole review over at The Writer’s Alley today, where they graciously offered to have me guest post!
