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.

Questions Writers Ask Themselves

What kind of questions do writers ask themselves? One that I have been debating for a while now is whether I want to have a separate site for my published books. For a long time now I have felt that I could combine it with my Tarot work and other writing into one site.

Up until now, that has worked for me. However, things change. I am at the point where I want to make a living from my writing. I have a blog (this one!), and a newsletter. Good start, I think. What do I want my author site to do for me? To attract readers, to keep them interested in my work, and to get them to buy my books. That site needs to be very specific, so yes, I need a separate site.

I immediately thought about the cost. Two sites doubles the cost. A no brainer, if I can get my author site to bring in book sales. My Tarot books will remain on my original site, but all other writing can easily be transferred to my new site. Then there is the issue of a theme - am I going to be willing to pay for a theme? In a word, yes. My site theme, and my newsletter, are ways of branding myself. 

I have also been looking at writing software. That is a must do, and Scrivner is my choice. Before I buy it, I need a new laptop. And a new printer. Okay, I can buy Scrivner and use my current printer, but I still need a new printer.

I am also looking at ways to promote my site and my books. Not looking forward to that. I also need to grow my newsletter, to support getting my writing out there. Lots of questions on how to do this. Very few answers, yet.   

(c) September 2018 Bonnie Cehovet

Reproduction prohibited