Writer's Software Companion

Maybe you're looking for a writing course, but can't find the time to take a class. Or you'd like to have a a personal mentor and tutor, but can't afford the hourly fees. Writer's Software Companion is an inexpensive alternative that combines aspects of teaching and mentoring in an interactive format. It allows you to work at your own pace, and jump to the topics you need to work on.

In October, I reviewed Storyline Interactive, a limited demo of the Writer's Software Companion. While I liked the demo, it lacked breadth. The Companion adds both depth and breadth, making it a versatile tool for both beginner and intermediate writers. In the introduction to the program, author Nancy Kress suggests there are "three primary motivational events for a writer:"

1. You're writing and suddenly need help with the next step.
2. Your work has been critiqued by a teacher, reader or peer and you need help resolving the problems noted by your critic.
3. You're curious and want to discover more about the writing process.

All these motivations lend themselves to the non-linear nature of this program. You can instantly find answers to specific questions, or do exercises to improve your skills then read answers or suggested solutions. You can follow the program from Beginnings to Publishing, or jump around to suit your own needs.

Before you even get started, answer a few questions about your writing habits, what you'd like to write, what you've written so far, and how much you read. You'll get personalized advice based on your answers, with suggestions for how the program can help you improve.

Then you'll move into the move into the meat of the program. It's divided into various sections:

1. Beginnings, Middles and Ends
2. Characters
3. Dialogue and Plotting
4. Drama, Tension, Suspense
5. Exposition and Background
6. Getting Better
7. Literary Issues
8. Point of View
9. Prose
10. Publishing
11. Setting and Detail
12. Style and Tone

Envision Writer's Software Companion as a 12-lecture seminar on writing. Literary Issues, for example, includes naming your story, theme, generating story ideas, using flashbacks and motifs, and when to break the rules. Each article provides an in-depth discussion of the problem and the process.

The advantage over a continuing education or college course should be obvious. First, you can study only the topics you need, in any order. Second, you can find quick answers to specific questions. And finally, you can get targeted advice for resolving problems in your work.

Each section has Quick Studies, Examples, Exercises, Questions and Answers, and room to write your own notes.

Go To Page: 1 2