Software For Writers

The software that I am going to talk about here is new to me - it is called StoryShop. It is advertised as an all inclusive writing platform, where we can build the world of our books, plan them, and collaborate with others. (My preference is to write as sole author, but I have collaborated on two books, and it did work out very well.) 

I have downloaded the free version, and am going use it to fine tune my current WIP. There is a lot to keep track of in the storyline - having software like StoryShop will help me keep things straight, and errors to a minimum. This will be a three part series, and any errors will be quite obvious to my readers, so keeping everything in line is a must! 

Some of the things that StoryShop does includes the ability to add images that will help to visualize relationships between characters and places, the ability to organize (and reorganize!) ideas into the best possible flow, outline to the level that you want to (I am a pantser - I use a bare bones outline), and the ability to use available templates. I also love the fact that I can be anywhere and access what I have written through cloud - so if I want to take my laptop to Starbucks and write, I can do so without a problem!

The site includes an FAQ (which includes video tutorials), availability of forums (I did see that there are no forums currently available for mystery writing), writing courses, and a blog.

You can find out more about StoryShop here. 

(c) July 2019 Bonnie Cehovet

Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the author.

The Process of Writing

This has been quite a month for me. My editor is in the process of editing my second Tarot book, and has asked that I resubmit the graphic that I am using in a larger size and higher resolution. The good thing here is that she did suggest a site for stock photo’s, which I will have to visit tomorrow, and I told her that I would have this to her by Monday. I may also look for images to use with each chapter, although that was never my intention. I am really very happy that my e-books will be done through Smashwords, and that the genre is cozy mystery, so I don’t have to worry about images throughout the book. I can hire someone to do the cover, which to this non-techie, non-artist sounds like a plan!

The other thing that I am working on this month is fine tuning the outline for my first mystery, and finishing the character profiles. I was very pleased that another writer shared on her site a template for doing character profiles that includes all of the things that I had included when I attempted to write this book for NaNoWriMo two years ago. I created a bible then, and will do the same this time.

I am also looking at the locations where my story will unfold. Basically, it will be in a major city. I plan to use the name of that city, but the locations within the city will be, for the most part, places that I have been, with their names changed. I need to make sure if using a created name for a restaurant or bar within a major hotel/casino, while using the real name of the hotel/casino, is the thing to do, or if I need to change the name of the casino too.

As I am writing this book, I am looking at ways to promote it. I am going to have a video trailer made to go on my site, and on You Tube. I will have a Face Book page for it, and will promote it through my Google + business page, personal page, and Twitter page. Beyond that, I am still thinking. Zero plans for a blog marathon (visiting other writers blogs), as to me that is too time intensive.

Then there is the thought – how do I create characters and a storyline that will form the foundation of a series, and not just a stand alone book? More research!

© August 2012 Bonnie Cehovet