Author Cliff Notes- Finding the Writing Program that works for you

If you’re going to be a writer, you’re going to have to get those words out of your head and onto paper. You could write it all out in longhand but if you plan to publish your work, you’re going to have to eventual get it into a writing program that can be shared. No doubt, there are many other programs out there but here is a list to get you headed in the right direction.

Programs for everyone

Microsoft Word- Listed first because it’s the most popular with writers and publishers alike.

Pages- Apple/Mac alternative to Microsoft Word

Apache OpenOffice- Like Word and Pages, but FREE

Programs specifically designed for writers.

Scrivener- Helps with outlining your story, allows you to write scenes separately and shift them around to where they belong, organize characters, and more. Downside- big learning curve.

Living Writer- Like Scrivener. Cloud-driven so you can work from different devices.

Dabble Writer- Like Scrivener -Cloud-driven

yWriter- Like Scrivener but FREE

Ulysses- Apple/ Mac

Papyrus Author- Mac -FREE

Final Draft- Screen Writing Program

Barebones writing apps.

Google Docs- online only -FREE

Fast Pencil- Cloud-driven FREE

Evernote- Cloud-driven -best for writing notes or scenes on the go -FREE