Word works just as well
Filed under Soapbox on April 15, 2004
Tagged: writing aids
When I see things like this, I involuntarily shudder and wonder what suckers are willing to shell out $50 in hopes that this new product will turn them into a successful novelist. Such software offers nothing that can’t be gained by first writing a good outline. It doesn’t suddenly improve your prose. They themselves say that it doesn’t write any of the text for you. Sure it provides some “suggestions” on structure, but you can get those for free (or a nominal annual due) from most writing clubs.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge proponent of writing “aids.” Workshops and how-to books often become crutches for struggling writers. They spend more time attending or reading than just writing because they’re worried they’re missing some key ingredient that will make them a bestseller. I took a creative writing course in high school and a workshop in college. That’s it.
The only thing that will really improve your writing is more writing.
