Software for writing?

[LukeSimm]

I'm trying to write comics using Microsoft Word and I'm finding it increasingly inadequate for this purpose.

Now, I'm not sure if the programming I'm looking for even exists, but still...

Basically, what I am looking for is a program which will allow for files/pages to be linked together and moved around, like electronic post it notes.

(And before the suggestion of 'just use post it notes' comes about, I can't handwrite; writing difficulties)

The closet I've been able to come to this is a giant page in word with text boxes and arrows, but this is just... clunky.

So, any suggestions out there? Hell, what do you use to write comic strips with?

--- Luke

Oh, and on the topic of software, if anyone is colbarating with someone (Like I'm going now) I'd like to recomend http://www.foldershare.com . There is something awsome about waking up and finding the work each other has done on in the night without any dialouge having to be taken place. It's certaintly helped save on the cost of starbucks coffee.

[LibertyCabbage]

PHOTOSHOP

[Smight]

I use a notebook

[FinbarReilly]

Any decent word processor will allow you to move text around...

Two Best Options:

Pagemaker: Allows you to do basic paneling, and then exportthe whole thing as a PDF. Also, by using text blocks, you can simulate Post-Its..

Final Draft: Besides the obvious advantages to scripts, it does have an actual Post-It system.

If it helps..

FR

[Jigglyman]

Keynote is pretty good, and it's free. It allows you to organize your ideas using a simple file system. Google it.

[Dutch!]

I write strips in paragraphs. One paragraph (or near enough) for each strip. I cut and paste paragraphs back and forth around the page to put them all in an appropriate order for a sequence or arc of story and then draw them up.

So yeah, paragraphs. Any word processor can do that for you.

[Mercury Hat]

Keynote is pretty good, and it's free. It allows you to organize your ideas using a simple file system. Google it.

I reallllllly like this program .

[Zuri]

Two peices of software come to mind.

Final Draft and Mind Map.

Final draft: http://www.finaldraft.com/

Mindmap: http://www.visual-mind.com/wv.htm?0016

You could also potentially use a bit of layout software like Adobe Indesgin or Quark Xpress.

However all these cost money. If you are broke and can't aquire it through other channels, I'd suggest a posterboard or big roll of newsprint, a sharpie and sticky notes.

[Jigglyman]

However all these cost money. If you are broke and can't aquire it through other channels, I'd suggest a posterboard or big roll of newsprint, a sharpie and sticky notes.

And just for the record... Keynote is free.

...



...

I already said that, but just in case your forgot after reading it five seconds ago.

[BeefotronX]

I just downloaded Keynote after reading this. It is nice!
Here's a link for ye lazy types: http://sourceforge.net/projects/keynote

Keynote lets you type a whole bunch of separate pages of stuff into a single file where you can organize them into whatever hierarchy you want. I must share the joy I have had in my first 45 minutes of using it!

For example, my webcomic planning file/series bible, the hierarchy looks sorta like this.

Code: Select all

* Characters
     -Steve-Bob  
     -Elisa
     -Dr. Frohawk
     -Max
     (et cetera)
* Places 
     -Burgville, PA 
        #Grommelech Tower
            **APT 802: Max and Steve-Bob's
            **APT 509: Elisa's
        #Frohawk's house
     (etc)
* Chapters (list of chapters planned so far in the story with 1 paragraph synopses)
      -Chapter I: The Two Androids
      -Chapter II: Enter the Quatrix
      -Chapter III: Espionage
      -Chapter IV: Metampsychosis
       (etc)
* TEH SCREENPLAY!

Each node in that tree can have its very own pile of word processage, and reorganizing stuff isn't too much of a hassle.
Using Places as an example, in the top level page (Places) I have a list of all the locations created so far with a 1 paragraph description. Each location on that list gets its own child page where I can put more detailed descripton of that location, and list the individual sites which may sometimes have their own subdivisions (as in Grommelech Tower) At the bottom level, I will eventually put stuff like maps and floor plans of frequently used spaces (so the couch is in the same place when the heroes return from an adventure)

[Zuri]

I already said that, but just in case your forgot after reading it five seconds ago.

I never read it in the first place. I just read the original post.

Personally it doesn't matter to me, I write a script in MS word. I have little need for anything more. (although I have both Final Draft and Mindmap) But I thought I'd throw it out there. I'm just as comfortable with sticky notes and a whiteboard as I am with a computer word processor.

The process of writing a good story isn't really dependant on how good your software is.

[Blackaby]

I use an online forum at the moment, although I'm not sure that will be helpful, but it's okay when you've got multiple storylines you have to do.

[Phact0rri]

There's also a notes program by Post-it I think *s*

hrrms the Keynote thing looks interesting I might have to check it out.

[Mercury Hat]

There's also a notes program by Post-it I think *s*

There is, but it's really only ideal for quick little notes unless you want your desktop full of them. If you want to get more indepth, you'd need something else.

[Deadbeats]

InDesign, since your artist most likely will use PhotoShop or Illustrator to create/edit the images. Adobe makes it easy to assemble individual pieces and import them between all its programs. Not too cheap unless you get student discounts or something like that, though.

[Townie]

Keynote is pretty good, and it's free. It allows you to organize your ideas using a simple file system. Google it.

I seldom script out my comics but Keynote is a godsend for writing story arcs. It's certainly one of the best free programs out there