Our Verdict
Anyone who has sit down to try and publish a story can tell you that the actual writing is the most daunting matter about the writing process . One of the best ways to overcome writer ’s block is to plan your tale and your fictional character . Subplotis plan to aid you do just that , so you have more time to focalize on writing .
Subplot is n’t a tidings processor - type computer programme . It ’s designed to be used with your choice of writing software system , be itWord ( ) , Pages ( ) , Scrivener ( ) , or some other program . Subplot is one writing program in which you do n’t actually write your story . Instead , Subplot act as a sort of outline , a dot of reference for your narrative .
Subplot honour deliberate planning by forcing you to outline each role , their bow throughout the story , and even their locations in each chapter . While it may sound scare , Subplot score comply your own account much easy , thus allowing you to drop a line within the structure you ’ve created yourself .
One of the first matter I did while examine Subplot was heel all my characters , the emplacement in my story , several fundamental props , and my require word count . As I update my watchword count each hebdomad , Subplot told me whether I would run into or miss my defined deadline . Subplot also tracks when characters first inscribe your history or meet each other , an especially useful tool given how hard it can be to outline a story while you write it .
I find oneself that Subplot make machinate my account easier the more time I spent with the program . Users can just adumbrate out a basic outline or character biography , but Subplot lends itself to go more in - depth with persona and plot points .
While Subplot offer a smorgasbord of options for author , it does leave something to be desired in a few minor areas . One of the most frustrative facial expression of Subplot is that , while it devote users a variety of option , the included templates can not be edited . For exercise , when you impart a newfangled character , you assign a templet for that lineament ( i.e. , protagonist , antagonist , sidekick , etc ) . It would be overnice if users could add their own templates to the list , particularly given that each template is essentially nothing more than a name for an pilot . Also , while expectant sections of Subplot are editable , many are editable only as wide-eyed text loge . Again , it would be preferable if user could do more than simply write on these screen .
Macworld’s buying advice
Subplot can be a writer ’s best friend . It offers an easy way to machinate your stories and provide a valuable dick for any writer . Subplot is unlike most writing applications , but that is largely what wee it abide out .
[ Brendan Wilhide is a frequent Macworld contributor . He completedNaNoWriMo2008 , albeit not well . ]