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Writer's Blocks Software: Worth the Money?

© Roxianne Moore

Software for the Perpetually Disorganized Writer

In my very first creative writing class many years ago, I learned that my most valuable tool, next to pen and paper, was the large economy-size package of index cards.

I used cards in both 3" by 5" and 4" by 6" sizes. They helped me to keep track of my plot and subplot, characters, setting, and the time I spent working on each story. Eventually, they would help me keep track of submissions and sales. Even better, I could carry a few of them with me to jot down new ideas.

What I liked best about index cards was the flexibility. They allowed me to create plot and subplot, map out scenes, and rearrange them over and over until I had a plot outline that looked like it would work. When I also began to do some freelance writing, I again turned to index cards to take research notes and organize my information. As I wrote, I could make changes, add cards, and keep going, without feeling like I was tied to a rigid outline in ABC order.

What I disliked about index cards was that it was all too easy to drop them and lose that hard-won order. Since I seldom numbered the cards -- too exacting for me -- I didn't always realize I'd lost or shuffled the cards until I sat down to write. Then I'd waste precious time re-organizing my cards, sometimes losing my impetus to write.

Those days are long over. Even back then, I had a computer: the very versatile Commodore 64 (no, I'm not joking!). What I lacked was software that would help me organize all my myriad bits of information. Through the years, I've tried many programs, and some have worked reasonably well for one task, but were useless for others. I liked Inklink for tracking submissions for sales, and tried the outline utility in WordPerfect and other word-processing programs for developing my storyline. In the end, I usually resorted to my old standby: low-tech index cards. What I wanted, though, was software that worked that way I think -- chaotically.

Enter Writer's Blocks from Ashley Software. This program is perfect for the writer who doesn't think in a nice, neat, linear fashion. With this program, you can sketch out the basics of your main storyline, then develop a subplot or two. Just like rearranging a stack of index card, you can shift each element until you find the proper place.