No I don't mean Microsoft Word, of AppleWorks, which are both word processors. I'm talking about software designed for an author, and what it might mean to use it.
There are many programs out there designed to help the writer with his project, whether it be a novel, short story, play, screenplay, or anything else you can think of. They range from the complex which guide you every step of the way from character developing to the structure of each chapter. Others are simpler and are more of an elaborate organizer. Recently, I've stumbled upon Scrivener, a Mac only writing application. I plan on using it for my novel because of some of the features it has. You can easily separate chapters into their own document without having to create a bunch of files you have to sort through. When you look at your word count it will show you the total word count of every chapter combined, the word count of the chapter you have opened, and how many pages it would be if it were a paperback book. It also has a place for research, which would be useful.
No this isn't an advertisement. There are a lot of things I think of when I think of using writing software. What does this make me as a writer? Do the bestselling authors use software like this? Or do only amateurs use software? I'm sure Stephen King doesn't use writing software. He got his start on typewriters, but I sometimes think of myself as just another person who wants to write a novel if I use this, and if I'm jinxing myself into never getting published. It's a bunch of superstitious worry, but superstitious worry can sway outcomes. So if you want to use software, go for it, but I'm going to see if I get stuck in an amateur mindset and end up being less of a writer because of it.
Oh and Atonement sucks, but I plan on finishing it. I'm only thirty pages in, but it's hard to read quickly.
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