Are creative writing computer programs such as Dramatica Pro worth the cost?

Question

I saw an ad on the back of writer's digest for a writing program called Dramatica Pro. It claims to help people write novels, stories, screenplays, etc.

But does it really work? I'm a beginning writer and I am curious to give the free demo a "test drive," so to speak. Should I go ahead or go on my own (not knowing how to go about constructing a novel)?

I'm having trouble trying to decide a good answer for this question so I'm putting it to vote.

Be sure to vote for the answer that closely matches your own opinion.

Answer 1

I tried the demo for a while, and was never impressed by it. I can't imagine that the full version is worth the money.

In my opinion, all you need is a good word processor. My favorite is actually a free one called Rough Draft. It's interface is similar to word, but with some extra helpful features:
http://www.richardsalsbury.com/

I think the money is best spent to improve your library, if you really have extra to burn! I would recommend reading as many books as possible in the genres that you like to write, as well as about the craft of writing. When you are reading other fiction books, pay attention to how the authors structure their work. Look at the pacing, character development, and dialogue. How do these authors make their books work?

Here are some of my favorites about writing:
1) "Writing Down The Bones" by Natalie Goldberg
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card
5) "On Writing" by Stephen King
6) "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty
7) "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss
8) "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White

Also, take a look at a few websites where authors gather. Some of them have very helpful articles and forums. Holly Lisle has a fantastic website that has articles on both the business and writing aspects, including an excellent article on worldbuilding that I highly suggest for any fantasy writer:
http://hollylisle.com/fm/

Forward Motion is a wonderful, helpful community:
http://www.fmwriters.com/

Absolute Write is one of my favorite author communities, with a vast pool of resources and helpful people:
http://www.absolutewrite.com

Write every single day. Set a target for yourself. For instance, my goal right now is to write 1,000 words a day. I get this done before I go on the internet, read, watch TV, or goof around. To begin, maybe set an easier goal for yourself-- try 250 words each day. Write in a journal as well, if you feel so inclined!

Also, never forget how important it is to edit and rewrite! When you finish a short story or novel, I suggest setting it aside for a month. Don't look at it or think about it (if you can help it). Work on another project. Once that time has passed, go back and read what you wrote. Try to be objective-- are there parts that need to be expanded? Cut out? Rewritten? How is the grammar and spelling? Editing could (and should) take more time than the original draft!

The ideas really have to come from within you. We can give you all the ideas in the world, but if you aren't passionate about it then the novel won't end up being any good IF you even finish it. Write about what you love. The rest will come!

Answer 2

I dont think so. I would never use anything like that. Then it becomes like a "novel lite". I think that kind of is an oxymoron - a computer program to help you be creative. As far as Im concerned the only thing you need to write are your imagination, a thesaurus and dictionary window opened, another window open to Google for research, Word and your own imagination. You could always try the free demo, but make sure that they dont hook you into buying something. I hear they are really expensive. Pax - C.

Answer 3

Obi_San gave you the best advice you'll get. I'm a writer too and I can't agree more about building a good library. Besides the books in your genre you'll want basic ones on grammar, spelling, style, etc. When you are ready to publish you'll want books on writers' guidelines, how to write query letters and proposals to agents and publishers. You'll definitely want to get Writer's Market for the current year. They also have market books for novels/short stories, poetry, romance, etc. If you don't want to go to the bookstore and get them, look in Writer's Digest magazine to join their bookclub. You can get the same books at a discounted price. The only problem is you can't preview them beforehand like you can in a bookstore to see if it's exactly what you want. They do give a blurb about it, but sometimes that's not enough.

Writer's Digest also has an online workshop. They give 4-28 wk. workshops to help with basics, start writing poetry, or help with your novel. You can log on to
www.WritersOnlineWorkshops.com
to preview the classes available and get more information.

Good luck to you. Don't stop writing when you get discouraged--and you will--it just means you're working hard at saying what you want in the best way.

Answer 4

Are you a freelance author who would like to learn a lot more about how to earn excellent income doing what you appreciate? If you want to advance your creating profession

Answer 5

I've tried similiar programs in the past and most are a total waste of time. :)

Answer 6

I haven't checked those programs out, much, but to me that seems like cheating.