Writing Software for Windows: Scrivener Beta

I have tried a couple of writing software packages, and so far haven't really felt at home with any.

Too much time trying to figure them out, rather than getting on with content. But I don't intend that as a criticism, just an aside:

• yWriter5 is freeware from SpaceJock Software
• The Snowflake Method from Randy Ingermanson might interest you - his Snowflake Pro software will cost you $100, though.

So I like the idea that Scrivener (so long only available to Mac users) will soon be released in a version for Windows.
Indeed, if you like early-uptake, and don't mind beta-testing (i.e. finding bugs and not complaining about them to the manufacturer - just reporting them as feedback) then you can already download it and get going. Beta Test Download here

As software goes, it has always seemed really cheap (£30-40) and (even better) if you 'won' on NaNoWriMo this year you get a 50% off coupon, too!

It ain't easy

I did finish the rather bad book for NaNoWriMo, and it would take a lot of work to really shape it up, as this year I struggled. Every year seems different with this challenge (I have done it four times now).

As it happens, serendipity helped motivate me to catch up and cross the line in the last few days, in spite of having a cold and all that. What helped? Going to a gig in London and meeting Robert Rankin (without even knowing it was him, until he was already off at the bar buying another round) and chatting all evening.

While he was gone, my friend Michael and I had let our hair down, so when Robert came back with the drinks, he let his hair down, too, and Per took this picture! Heh heh. Robert and I later left that room where the volunteers were letting their hair down, and found a quieter bar, where we could hang out with Mr Kenny Baker (R2D2 for those who don't know these things).

I have gone off and joined The Order of the Golden Sprout, as I have enjoyed Robert's books in the past, although I am not a completist (yet!)

So although I could despair of my own writing after reading his latest, it remains helpful to remember that these magical things called 'books' are actually written by real people!

It was also a delight to meet his partner Rachel Haward. I hope they got away on their cruise...