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