StoryCraft

StoryCraft, based on the Jarvis Method, is yet another story development/writing tutor program. It, along with Dramatica, is probably the most well known writing program of this type. I put some time into testing StoryCraft. I found it interesting at first, but I soon tired of constrained. I wouldn't use StoryCraft because it works strictly on a question and answer basis. If you like developing your stories based on a series of questions, StoryCraft will probably please you.

Here's a bit about how the program works. StoryCraft opens and takes you through a series of windows that ask questions about various aspects of your story. Each window focuses on a specific element of your story that will (in theory) help you determine your story concept, story category, and story type, after which you are treated to several essays that will (again, in theory) help you design your story. At this phase of the program, you are allowed to compile everything into a single design-note file that acts as a blueprint for your story.

First off, let me say that I fully agree a story should be well designed. What I don't like is being forced to design in an environment that allows no room for a writer to do what a writer is supposed to do, which is create. StoryCraft is restrictive. It's okay as an instructional aid, and I'd venture to say it wouldn't hurt writers of any level to give it a try just to get a feel for this sort of rigid structure, but I don't recommend the program unless you need strict discipline and have little concept of creating your own story designs. StoryCraft stifles the imagination. Too much theory and not enough heart.

If you'd like a detailed view of the software, check out the StoryCraft web site. There isn't a demo available for download, but you can view a walk-through. I'm not crazy about StoryCraft, but you make up your own mind.