Writers Write is a writing resource. In this post, our guest bloggers shares five online tools to help you outline your novel.

Plottr is a downloadable software available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android – this includes iPhone, iPad, and all Android tablets, including select Chromebook devices. You can also sync files across devices using a 3rd-party storage service (e.g. Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive). We are aiming to release both a Linux and web app over the next year. ZipBooks is free accounting software for Mac that allows you to create and send an invoice in seconds. Just log in, create a new invoice, select a client, and opt to add unbilled time to that invoice. When including that time, you’ll have the option to bill by month or by project. Slugline is a wonderful free script writing software for Mac which enables you to write for video procedures, screenplays and scripts for movies etc. This software or platform makes use of fountain which is a scriptwriting markup language. It adds GUI to separate itself from a plain text editor. Offline Scriptwriting Software for Mac 6. Highland Software. Highland software works with the Fountain file format, a text-based file compatible with several of the best screenwriting software options. Fountain documents are plain text, so when you write one you don’t fiddle with formatting, and can write it anywhere (GoogleDocs, NotePad, etc).

Guest Post

The novel can seem like an insurmountable challenge to many aspiring writers. Due to the complexity and attention to detail that the novel takes to write, many fail because of their inability to bring everything together. If you find the proper tools and techniques, which you can think of as your ‘gear’ to help you conquer Mt. Story, you will be well on your way to finishing a story.

Here are five online tools for writers:

Trello is a cool browser-based organisational board that uses a simple process of building lists and adding cards to those lists. You can find a useful tutorial here on YouTube. You will require some organisational skills beforehand but it is highly multi-functional and super easy to re-arrange things.

You can create a board for each new chapter with different lists to micromanage your novel all the way through. You can create a board for a group of chapters. You can have a board specifically for your characters with cards that represent their different qualities such as object/desire, conflict, identifying quality, and other character connections.

This is preferable to Microsoft Excel or Google Spread sheet because of the functionality of the different cards and boards. You can add labels to each list or to individual cards. You can include checklists, due dates and even attachments to individual cards. They even have a phone app so you can always have your novel outline at your fingertips.

What good is a tool if the person using it does not have the proper technique and skill to maximise the effectiveness of the tool? No use at all. If you want to master the Snowflake Method, read this article by Randy Ingermanson first. Again, organisation is the key element.

You’ll start by describing your book in a 15-word sentence, much like the summary you find on the backs of novels. Ingermanson describes this sentence as your hook, which you will use to persuade publishers to buy your novel later.

Then you’ll progress to a God’s Eye view of the circumstances facing your protagonist in just one paragraph. He tells you what each particular sentence in that paragraph should explain. Next comes character development. Ingermanson suggests for you to write a one-page summary for each character. After you have completed these three steps, which we will call ‘the base’, you simply expand it.

You develop the one-paragraph synopsis of the book that you create in step two, and then elaborate on the one-page summary of each character to a four-page synopsis of each character.

Scrivener is an outstanding stand-alone software programme that is available for a small fee for both Mac and PC here. The key idea behind Scrivener is to be able to complete your large texts by breaking it down into smaller chunks.

When you first open Scrivener, it prompts you to choose a blank project or use a template. Once you’ve chosen, the main editor opens. On the left hand side, you’ll see a navigational pane called the binder. There are three sections of the binder: draft, research, trash. The draft section is where all the various components of your manuscript will go. Research is used for images, .pdfs, etc. The default corkboard layout really does justice for giving that “I’m a bestselling novelist” feel to the sources or inspirations you’ve found and want to store for reference. Trash is self-explanatory. Scrivener supports exporting and importing documents, horizontal or vertical split screen editing and more.

(Buy your copy here: Scrivener)

If you would like to know more about Scrivener, you can find a video tutorial here.

4. MindManager Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is great if you’re in the brainstorming or idea phase. If you’re not already familiar with it, it is the process of building upon an idea in the same way the brain thinks. Your novel idea will go in the centre and then you’ll build upon it through adding different spokes or sub-topics.

Fortunately, there is a tool that can help writers called MindManager from MindJet Software Company. It displays information in mind maps using words, colours, images and spatial relationships to manage different information. MindManager has 30 days free trial version that you can find here. (click ‘Try MindManager Free’).

Don’t limit yourself to just words! Any central topic or spoke can be a phrase or a picture. Be creative.

XMind is a powerful Mind Mapping software tool that you can download free here. It works for all three major operating systems: Windows, Mac and Linux. It’s free and the free version does not limit you to a certain amount of mind maps like other free software out there.

There are other stylistic features. You can use colour codes for different aspects of your novel, marker symbols for different topics, a simple text editor, and much more. You can also watch a great video tutorial of the video here to learn more about XMind.

There you have it. These are the best online tools and techniques to outline your novel. Do not forget that organisation is the key when using the tools. No matter which technique or tool you choose, remember to write a little bit each day. If you do, you will have a novel in no time at all.

Top Tip: If you want to learn how to write a book, join our Writers Write course in Johannesburg or sign up for our online course.

by Jessica Millis. Jessica is an aspiring writer, editor and teacher.

Mind-mapping has seen a significant rise in usage ever since its introduction a few years back. These days, individuals and large groups alike practices using mindmaps to significantly increase their productivity. On that note, both Windows and Mac users enjoy the benefits of mindmapping due to the existence of map and chart makers. However, mind map software for Mac are still limited in number compared to Windows. That is why we listed down some of the best tools that you can use for Mac.

Top Mind Mapping Tools for Mac

GitMind

GitMind is a free and online mind map maker that you can use from your Mac browser. It has a lot of free templates for project timelines, flowcharts and even has the options that let you create your own chart. Unlike the usual free mind map makers that you can use, GitMind provides more features. You can incorporate files like images, and hyperlinks into your chart for more variation. On that note, it’s no wonder why it is included in this list of the best mind mapping software for Mac.

Other features of GitMind:

• It offers different layout styles for each mind map.
• Provides collaboration features to those working as a team.
• It provides cloud storage for your mind map and flowcharts.

Try it here: https://gitmind.com/

Coggle

Coggle is another online application that supports Mac devices. The tool works just like any other mind and concept map makers, with its essential features and options. However, what sets it apart from other tools is the easy color-coding of nodes and paths. Aside from that, it supports Markdown, which lets you create hyperlinks from simple text. Overall, it is safe to say that you can rely on this tool as it is one of the best free mind mapping software for Mac.

Other features of Coggle:

• Create secret diagram links
• Can create multiple starting points for each mind maps
• Export mind maps into PDF file and save them on your local drive

Try it here:https://coggle.it

Mindnode

Mindnode should be a go-to mind mapping tool for Mac users. The tool is one of the easiest to operate in the Mac system line because of its features like “Quick Entry” and “Outline View.” Mindnode also has a “Focus Mode” that provides a spotlight to important ideas while working extensively. There are other details about this free mind mapping software Mac version below.

Other features of Mindnode:

• iOS compatible
• Provides different stickers that can be used on every mind map
• Easy node organization with the “Smart Layout” feature
• Transform a mind map into a to-do list easily
• Supports iCloud and Dropbox

Download Link: Mindnode

FreeMind

FreeMind is an open-source mind mapping software that works on Mac devices. As an open-source tool, users are free to modify the software as it is allowed by the developers. FreeMind provides various options like full link following, which works on both links from the internet, and local directories. Apart from that, it has a quick one-click navigation option for faster browsing. You can also export your mind map as an HTML and share it with your friends online. Read below if you want to know more about why it is one of the best mind mapping software for Mac.

Other features of FreeMind: Nba league pass cracked apk site.

• Smart Drag N’ Drop that lets you select and move multiple nodes at once
• Saves mind maps in XML format by default
• Can view your local files directory in mind map form

Download Link: FreeMind

XMind

XMind is one of the few free to install tools that supports mobile devices. Apart from that, it works perfectly on Mac and iOS. It provides different perspectives to its users to enhance user-experience. One example is the option that lets you create logic charts, and the “Gantt View” option. It also allows users to add clipart to their mind maps. There are also premium features such as the “Audio recording” option that you can unlock if you decide to go for the PRO version. In general, if you are looking for a great and free mind mapping software Mac version, then check XMind.

Keygen asc timetables v2004 lucid. Other features of XMind:

• Tons of available preset templates free to use for free
• Can copy entire tabs of mind maps, and paste them to Word or vice-versa
• You can share your mind map via local network
• Supports mobile devices

Download Link:XMind

Zenkit

Zenkit is a popular online collaboration tool. It also includes a mind map creator. Among the things that it can do includes easy task labeling, priority settings, and others. Apart from that, it can also create and analyze formulas just like an Excel spreadsheet. This feature is not available on other tools, making Zenkit one of the best mind mapping software for Mac.

Other features of Zenkit:

• Turn mind maps into Kanban list using Zenkit
• Supports Markdown of plain text into HTML
• Can be used offline

Free Outline Software Mac Os

Download Link:Zenkit

MindMeister

MindMeister made it on the list since it provides free and ready-made templates to its users. You can use the different layout options within MindMeister and create your own personalized template. You can then share it on the tool library and let other users use it. Additionally, you can import ready-made mind map templates directly from your PC. Mindmeister is web-based which makes it compatible with Mac. Below are the other features of MindMeister, and you will see why it is one of the best free mind mapping software for Mac.

Other features of MindMeister:

• Supports Cloud storage for added file security
• Customizable mind map styles
• Supports online collaboration
• Easy Project Management options

Try it here:https://www.mindmeister.com/

MindManager

MindManager is the last one to make it on our list of mind map tools for Mac devices. This tool provides solid templates that you can use for free. Apart from that, you can create your own template and turn it into a URL. The best thing about the tool is that it works with MS Office tools and Apple productivity tools, which adds even more functions. Overall, you cannot go wrong with this free mind mapping software Mac version.

Other features of MindManager:

• Supports Android and iOS devices
• Customizable layouts
• Knowledge management options

Download Link:MindManager

SimpleMind

SimpleMind is a versatile cross-platform mind map maker that is very suitable for Mac use. It provides various home-grown layouts, color-schemes and chart elements for free. Aside from that, it lets you make your own mind map and diagrams the way paid tools do, and that is for free. Ads are also scarce while using Simplemind for free, which means less distraction. You can also take this free mind map software for Mac anywhere you go via its mobile app.

Other features of SimpleMind:

• Intuitive editing panel
• Undo and Redo shortcut keys
• Extensive amount of layouts and templates

Download Link:SimpleMind

Mydea

Last tool that we have is Mydea. You can download and install this software for free. Use-time of the free version is also unlimited which is a great feature. Another great thing about this software, is that it integrates well with web-browsers, so that you can view linked web-pages fast and easily. Here are some other features of this great mind map software for Mac.

Other features of Mydea:

• Rich editing and mindmapping options and elements
• Full retina-display
• iCloud supported

Download Link:Mydea

Free Outline Software Mac Download

Conclusion

Outline Macos

Mind mapping was invented for everyone to use. It should not be limited to what operating system you use. That is why it is important to know which tools you can use that is supported by your system. Mac is especially known to support few applications compared to Windows. However, that is not always the case as you read some information about the best mind map software for Mac that is readily-available for you.

Free Outline Software Mac Version