Novel writing resources?

[AllRadioisDead]

I've recently purchased a netbook and I take it everywher with me. I think it would be cool to start writing in my spare time (during my spare, on the bus, etc). I'm trying to find some software to help me organize my ideas, and also provide a basic workspace for writing. I've been searching for a while but I can't find anything. Does anyone else here write? I know this is kind of random, and I may not get anywhere with this but I think it might be a neat thing to try. Thanks in advance.

[JDShu]

Something like this?

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1162632

[AllRadioisDead]

Uh, yeah. Exactly like that. Thanks a lot :)

[1roxtar]

Another great tool (that I'm personally using btw) is BookWrite.

http://code.google.com/p/bookwrite/

[AllRadioisDead]

Hmm, thanks. To be honest, I like Kabikaboo.
The only thing I find lacking is text formatting. It would be nice to create lists and format text to help with some of my rough work.

[oldfred]

http://www.jerrypournelle.com/slowchange/myjob.html

[handy]

There exists a great piece of software that is written specifically for creative writing, by a creative writer:

http://www.writerscafe.co.uk/

It costs a little though.

[Warpnow]

I use kabikaboo. The developer seems cool, too. I requested document stats via launchpad and he put it in in like...a couple days.

[koshatnik]

Scrivener is the best writers tool available, but its mac only unfortunately.

Writers cafe looks good too.

Good luck with your writing. My novel is nearly complete and will be off to the agent end of the summer, fingers crossed. Scrivener was a huge part of getting it done, I have to say. The right tools really do matter.

[handy]

Someone might find this page helpful:

http://kristlechester.com/2009/05/01/scrivener-for-linux

[tica vun]

I write notes and drafts in semi-xml in vim, and the actual thing in LyX.

[Fourcultures]

I think Scrivener is really very good for novel writing or any long-form writing project. It stands out from other software by allowing you to manipulate 'chunks' of text and reorganise them easily and flexibly. You don't have to stick with a 'continuous roll of paper' metaphor (most word processors) or a hierarchical outline (most outliners). Writing in chunks then repositioning the chunks seems to be a key aspect of the writing process. I have seen writers literally cut up their manuscript into sections with scissors and then re-paste the sections onto new sheets of paper. I've also seen writers working with 200 or so 3x5 cards on the floor. Scrivener allows you to do both of these things on the screen quite easily, as well as having lots of other features.
The good news is it's now, finally, available in beta for Windows which also works with Linux. You can read the forum thread (http://www.literatureandlatte.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=9154) for details.

The down side is it's not free software, but there's an emerging free software solution with LyX-outline (https://launchpad.net/lyx-outline) (this makes more sense if you read the blog (http://blog.oak-tree.us/index.php/science-and-technology/lyx-outline)). It's is an extension to the LyX (http://www.lyx.org/) document processor, which aims to clone the usability of Scrivener.

Both Scrivener for Linux and LyX-outline are in development rather than fully finished, but they're both really worthwhile. Take a look.