Raymond Said:

Does anyone know any good, free and non virus getting novel writing software?

We Answered:

I've heard good things about yWriter, which was written by a novelist (Simon Haynes):

http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html

I've never used it myself. But any wordprocessor will do the job. I use OpenOffice (free download from www.openoffice.org). It can read and write MS Office documents, but can't run their macros. Therefore it's not vulnerable to viruses - or isn't vulnerable to the same viruses as MS Office, anyway. It doesn't have tools specifically for writing a novel, like tools for keeping track of your timeline and characters... but if you need that sort of hand-holding, maybe you're not ready to write a novel yet. Try starting with something shorter.

Incidentally, the most important single thing you can do to stop viruses getting into your computer is run Linux. If that's not viable (and I wouldn't recommend it for most people), ditch Internet Explorer and use Firefox for surfing the web instead.

Danielle Said:

What is the best novel writing software for Windows?

We Answered:

It's nice to meet somebody who writes by hand and then goes to Word! :)
I don't know the answer to your question, and I've never really thought about the possibility of novel writing software, but I got this from the internet... Though I figured you've probably already read it. I just want to try and help ya!

This makes Liquid Story Binder sound cool!
http://www.writerstechnology.com/2008/05…

And here is one for Page Four
http://download.cnet.com/PageFour/3000-1…


Personally, after reading both, I would choose Liquid Story Binder, in fact, I'm going to get it! :)

Timothy Said:

Who has the best/affordable novel writing software?

We Answered:

Doubt any software is much cheaper. Unless stolen. (that was bad... excuse me!)
What's wrong with pen and paper?

Marcus Said:

What is the best novel writing software for beginners?

We Answered:

I have been writing for many years. The only software I have ever used is Microsoft Word. Sorry but no software can make you a better writer. If you know how to use the advanced settings on Word, it does many things that will surprise you. Skip the software. It is the equivalent of buying a Humvee when all you need is a car. Instead invest in a couple good research books. A style book. A copy of The First Five Pages. A copy of On Writing. Writers Market. They will help you far more than any software ever will. Pax-C

Beatrice Said:

Where can I find free novel writing software?

We Answered:

Most of what you'll find is technically trial-only software, or even "share-ware" programs. Those can be found pretty much anywhere you look these days.

To get the full versions, you'll have to spend upwards to $200 getting the top-of-the-line writing software. (WritersDigestBooks.com has a lot of such programs which does a lot of you want, but is expensive.)

I still have a 10-year-old program called Storybook which does what you want, but was rather cheap back then. (About $30)

And since I no longer use it, I've been thinking of giving it to someone to may need it.