I’ve tried a lot of writing software. I was happy using Microsoft Word until they discontinued the version of Microsoft office I was using. Unfortunately, that left me in a lurch to not only find a document writer replacement, but I needed to replace my spread sheet stuff and basically my office suite. I didn’t want to go to a subscription program as I already pay for a sub with Photoshop, but more on that later. I’ve also tried OpenOffice and OfficeLibre, but I found I liked WPS the best. There are Google docs but I don’t like the idea of having everything on the internet because if the net goes out… there goes my access.

I looked at what was available for free or a reasonable yearly fee. I found WPS office. They offer a free version that was fine. Basic word processor, excel sheets and presentation. I used it for about 6 months before I realized I wanted some of their other functionality. The premium can make pdfs from word, jpegs and other formats it also has a pdf editor and more backup cloud storage. 

In addition, its available ad free on all your devices (although I don’t have a need for that function). Since I went to a digital planner, it’s been great to make my planner pages in Photoshop and then convert the jpegs to pdf and upload into Metamoji. However, if you don’t need that functionality the free version will work great for you. 

Novel Writing Software

I realized though that I needed something specific for writing my stories. I was filling folders with notes and pictures for inspiration when writing a story. I wanted something that would pull all the parts of my story together. I found the TypingChimp Suite and tried that out along with Persona and Contour, and Dramatica and Character Writer 4. These programs had some interesting uses and I do use them occasionally before I start writing to kick-start some ideas or character quirks but ultimately if I do use them I don’t write the story in them.

I tried Scrivener just after I dropped my Microsoft office and thought perhaps it was too complicated. I was in the middle of writing a long fan-fiction at the time. Once that story was finished I thought perhaps I was too hasty and went back for another free trial. This time I could take the time to learn what all Scrivener offered. I was too hasty Scrivener has become my writing program of choice I can put my research and inspiration ideas into it. And it compiles into a lot of different formats. It’s not as beautiful as some other formatters, but it does what I need. There are newer programs that have come out and I definitely have to check them out. LivingWriter has some promise although I’m a bit leery about it being web-based. I often lose internet in wilds of rural Maine and honestly if we are traveling sometimes getting reliable web service can be problematic and I’m not the person to write an entire novel on my phone… I’m looking at you Kongmeng Lo. 

Editing software

Editing software I like to use Pro-writing Aid. Similar to Grammerly but the ability to use the desktop app so I don’t have to be connected was important to me.

Graphic Software

Over the years, I’ve tried Gimp and Photoshop. I find Photoshop easier to work with than Gimp. I use it almost constantly because if I’m not writing, I’m doing something in Photoshop. Graphics are fun. I make my cover art, digital planner pages, and even mod a video game here and there. I’ll let it slip and that friend of mine and I are joining forces to try making a VN. No set release date yet though.

I got spoiled by my free subscription when I was getting my Software Engineering degree. My biggest drawback to Photoshop is the monthly sub fee. I still have an older version (elements 11) to fall back on if I decided they decide to push up the price but for as often as I use the program I can justify the cost at least for now.

Hourglass is a great little app for you desktop. Basically, it’s a timer that keeps me on track. 

Metamoji Note a virtual white board with great functionality. I think Goodnotes is similar but haven’t tried it. I love that Metamoji works across all my platforms, even my amazon fire tablet (without having to change anything). My planner lives in it. I even make a grocery list every week and upload it so I can access on my phone at the store. 

Disclaimer: There is a free version but I bought the version for windows and my amazon fire tablet. I use the free version for my phone. You will have to download at each respective store.

Mailbird is similar to Thunderbird or Outlook. I just appreciate the functionality of it better. It has the ability and split window to add other applications like Twitter or Facebook. The split screen allows you to access your mail and have a conversation without having to minimize a thing. Some other apps available in this are FormSwift, WhatsApp, Google Docs, plus many more. 

There is myriad of other programs I use for my website and social media. I will add those in another post at a later time.