Difference between revisions of "Software for writers"

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[http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Freemind] is a very nifty open source software that does mind-mapping. Written in Java, it runs on multiple platforms and is extremely useful for brainstorming and organizing information.  
 
[http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Freemind] is a very nifty open source software that does mind-mapping. Written in Java, it runs on multiple platforms and is extremely useful for brainstorming and organizing information.  
  
Earlier this fall, I used Freemind to create a handy [http://naperwrimo.org/2007/09/27/using-emotional-response-for-plot-points/ chart mapping the emotional response in readers to plot points]. I am also using it to organize all of the background information for my novel. [[User:NewMexicoKid|Tim]] 18:51, 15 October 2007 (PDT)  
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Earlier this fall, I used Freemind to create a handy [http://naperwrimo.org/2007/09/27/using-emotional-response-for-plot-points/ chart mapping the emotional response in readers to plot points]. I am also using it to organize all of the background information for my novel. [[User:NewMexicoKid|Tim]] 18:51, 15 October 2007 (PDT)
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== XMind (mindmapping) ==
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[http://www.xmind.net/ XMind] is another open source mind-mapping software package. It has more features than Freemind--it supports multiple free-floating topics, the ability to create spreadsheets or logic diagrams or org charts, and the ability to attach files to nodes (including through the use of drag-and-drop). This last ability sounds like it could be used to assemble a novel...
  
 
== gvim/vim  ==
 
== gvim/vim  ==

Revision as of 03:43, 30 October 2009

A lot of this information came from Kathy B's helpful post. Add your favorites here or comments to them. Other software reviews:

Dark Room

Dark Room (free) is a full screen, distraction free, writing environment. Unlike standard word processors that focus on features, Dark Room is just about you and your text. Basically, Dark Room is a clone of the original WriteRoom that is an OS X (tiger) exclusive application.

Freemind (mindmapping)

Freemind is a very nifty open source software that does mind-mapping. Written in Java, it runs on multiple platforms and is extremely useful for brainstorming and organizing information.

Earlier this fall, I used Freemind to create a handy chart mapping the emotional response in readers to plot points. I am also using it to organize all of the background information for my novel. Tim 18:51, 15 October 2007 (PDT)

XMind (mindmapping)

XMind is another open source mind-mapping software package. It has more features than Freemind--it supports multiple free-floating topics, the ability to create spreadsheets or logic diagrams or org charts, and the ability to attach files to nodes (including through the use of drag-and-drop). This last ability sounds like it could be used to assemble a novel...

gvim/vim

This is the free multiplatform text editor that uses vi keybindings but adds syntax highlighting, multiple windows, infinite undo/redo and block cut/paste. This is one of the most powerful text editors ever. Supports multiple platforms. See http://www.vim.org

the Inspirator

This is a neat free package that does idea generation by genre. See The Inspirator. Available for Linux and Windows (appears to be written in Python, so maybe also would work on OSX?).

Papel

Papel is a free (abandonware) package for Windows (also works under Wine on Linux). It uses ASCII text files as its underlying data storage so you can use your favorite text editor on them (though sadly this is not automatically linked through Papel). Its strength is in how you can drag and drop "papels" (scenes, chapters, etc) anywhere on a desktop window and link them together to form your story. The resulting novel can then be exported to RTF or text. You can find it at [1].

yWriter

It's free, portable, makes backups, has a storyboard/index card feature and stores characters separately from the novel. It also does word counts because it was developed with NaNo writers in mind. yWriter can be found here.

Other references