Seize The Book: THE MARSHALL PLAN® NOVEL WRITING SOFTWARE by Evan Marshall and Martha Jewett
Posted By Amber Scott on December 9, 2009
Amber Scott, Author and Reviewer
by Amber Scott
1st Turning Point Staff Reviewer
Copyright © 2009 Amber Scott
4.5 out of 5 Parrots
The National Novel Writing Month 50k November 30th finish line is in my rearview mirror and, thanks to The Marshall Plan® Novel Writing Software, I crossed this year limp free. While the software did not ease the pain of getting my butt in the seat and typing every day, it did keep me on track. Not once did I face a single page, staring, dry-mouthed, and wondering, now what?
“Now what?” is the question that plagues me on every first draft. Nothing is scarier than getting stuck, particularly when a deadline and a whole lot of bragging rights are on the line. Thanks to this software, I already had an answer.
The week before beginning NaNoWriMo, I outlined my characters’ motivations, flaws, and histories in the template system and began tinkering with my scene ideas. I knew them better than any characters I’d begun with before. Once I’d played around, I implemented action/reaction sequences, focused on conflict and complications, and made point of view decisions. Each day I write, I follow my road map, adjusting if I’ve made any new plot turns, and stay about three template sections ahead of my typing. As a result, my first draft is much cleaner and tighter than previous years with not a single ninja gambler in view. (That’s a little NaNoWriMo joke about desperate times calling for desperate plot turns.)
All the plotters out there are wiping at drool right now, but don’t worry pantsers, you can use this tool as well (without developing a facial tick). While a plotter would fill the whole template in and then some, a pantser can fill the template along the way thereby relieving the pain of revision. Yes, the other “R” word. Finishing draft one with a map to reflect on will show the parts and the whole, revealing plot and pacing issues. The real beauty of the software is its on hand index filled with explanations, tips and tricks.
I recommend this user friendly software to writers at all levels and, particularly, to new writers. It’s been saving me time and stress. I should warn, however, it completely failed to watch my children, answer emails, or entertain my husband so I could write.
| Jessie’s Girl by Amber Scott ISBN: 978-1-59578-391-2 Liquid Silver Books Her life was exactly on the path she wanted. The right man, the right career, even the right wedding dress. But, Sabrina’s perfectly laid plans unravel in one heartbeat when she sees the only person whose very memory could always tingle her toes. Jessica Hayes. Those bee-stung lips, those soft curves. Jessie. Like an addict, Sabrina finds herself fighting for a reason to be near her, to see her, to touch her one more time. Six years ago she’d been too scared, but today, despite all that she would put at risk, she craved being Jessie’s Girl.
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Wow. I’ve been eyeing this software for a while, but haven’t tried it or any other. I might just have to give this one a whirl. Thanks for the thorough evaluation–it really helps.
I would have liked a bit more detail about the “Marshall Plan Novel Writing Software. For example how does it compare with the system called “The Snowflake System” by author Randy Ingermanson? He’s just come out with a book Writing for Dummies.
Thought provoking article. I had an interesting exchange with Brenna Lyons a couple of months ago* on this site about outlining one’s novel, or at least knowing in your mind where it was going. Brenna was of the opinion that wasn’t a good idea, I think, because it stifles creativity. My opinion was the opposite. I wonder what she would think of this software, which, it seems, might take some of the difficulty out of the process without stunting her whatever-it-was that was being stunted. I think I’ll ask her.
best,
j.
[...] Amber Scott chronicles her NaNoWriMo experience using The Marshall Plan® Novel Writing Software on 1st Turning Point: The National Novel Writing Month 50k November 30th finish line is in my rearview mirror and, [...]
I can’t wait to see when/if they come out with this on Mac. Yes I am a die hard Mac user!
” I should warn, however, it completely failed to watch my children, answer emails, or entertain my husband so I could write”
Ha! Darn, I was so hoping it would cover these bases, too. I could really use Rosie, the maid from the Jetsons, in my life.
Amber, thanks for another great review. I’m a pantser who runs from such help books, but you have me curious now.
Ann Charles
Tami, I hear you! I love my Mac though I use my PC laptop a lot, too. My Mac is just so much less moody.
Ann, for a pantser like yourself, I think in revisions it can really help. If you locate Rosie, can I borrow her from time to time?
Norman, I’d be happy to offer you more details. What questions can I answer? I hadn’t heard of “The Snowflake System”. I’ll check it out.
John, This sounds like a pantser perspective. I myself fall in the middle of both. I’m a plotting pantser. Isn’t it interesting how we each develop our own unique process?
Jacquie, I’m glad it helps. I love this gig most of all because it might help other writers. I’ve had so much help from my peers over the years. Like I’ve heard Ann Charles say, “It takes a village to raise a book.” (Did I get that right, Ann?)
Thanks to Amber mentioning it on her blog, I started using this software a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I am a recovering pantser and found it has helped me avoid those “oh, no, how do I get out of this?!” moments when I realize I’d written myself into a corner.
I was concerned the structure might stifle creativity as well, but found out to my delight that it actually released some for me. Once I started mapping things out, I got lots of ideas that would fit right in and that made things better. Thanks, Amber!
Amber - I’ve emailed the authors to see when they are going to come out with the Mac version. Believe it or not we don’t have a PC in the house.
What was the learning curve on the program for you?
I’m a left-brained plotter so this software sounds right up my alley–especially with Kate’s comment about it helping in the creativity department. So, Santa, if you’re listening (and you will get some big time hints about this!), the Marshall Plan is on my wish list.
I don’t have any kids I’d like it to watch, but if it could do the dishes so I could have more time to write, that would be great.
— Thanks, Amber!
Tami, Let me know if they are, will you? It’s very easy to use. If you can fill in blanks and read tips, you’ll master it fast. Imagine all those post it’s and notecards and notebooks in one vehicle rather than scattered throughout your domain…or is that just my house?
Wendy, I hear you on those dishes.
Thanks for the review, Amber. It’s going on my gift list now!
Wow, that sounds great. I’ve heard of software like that before, but I was always skeptical.
I’ve seriously considered ordering software like this before but have always stopped myself before doing it. I’ve downloaded a couple of trial ones that I didn’t like.
This one that ya’ll are talking about sounds good but it is $140. That’s pretty steep for me right now as I have a lot going on. Do you really think it is worth it, Amber?
Amber, I’m so glad you reviewed this software, because I’ve been eyeballing it for a long time, myself. I’m a pantsing-plotter trying to reform into a plotting-pantser, or even a straight plotter, since my fast beginnings tend to wimp out long before the finish line. This sounds like just the ticket.
Unfortunately, I’m also on a Mac, BUT I can answer the “When’s it coming out on a Mac???” question, because I emailed Evan Marshall with that very query a few months ago. His response was that it IS in the works, but definitely will not be available until next year, probably later into the year.
Norman, for a comparison to the Snowflake Method that was asked above… I bought that download, since he had a Mac-friendly version. My main motivation for buying it was that he offers four examples from popular novels, and one of them was Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone. Since I’m a complete Harry Potter freak, that was enough for me.
It was interesting to see parts of Harry Potter mapped out using his system, but I would say his program is probably most useful for really new writers. The Marshall Plan strikes me as one that is a tad more beneficial across the board, newbie to experienced writer, is that what you found, Amber? Of course, the lack of childcare is a serious negative…
Amber - I got an email this morning and the Mac version will be out this SPRING! Doing the Snoopy Dance over here!
Woo hoo!
Tami
An update from Kristie - I ordered The Marshall Plan Software yesterday. I had a couple of small problems with it being compatible with my Windows 7 but Mr. Marshall walked me through converting the compatibility of it and it now is working fine. He was very prompt and helpful in answering my cry for help emails about the software.
I am in the process of “filling in the blanks” in the program for my current WIP that I seemed to be somewhat stalled on. Maybe this will help me move forward with it and make my work even better.
Kristie
I’ve read you’re review of the software and all the comments associated with it. I even did a tiny check about the snowflake system (can’t find anything). I’m taking the plunge as I’m an extreme newbie to writing and have always failed getting off my first chapter. I have a very good idea for a novel and want to do it and want to do it fast. So here goes….I hope to keep in touch and maybe I will be printing off my manuscript in 30 days….OMG….I’m shivering thinking about it
Okay, I think you sold me on this software. I too have been eyeing it for ages thinking, “Is this going to be just like the Ab Roller I needed to buy or the Power Rider that was going to give me goddess thighs? Maybe I should just do it the age old way, which usually means staring blankly at the screen of my laptop.” Like Chassily, I’m trying to reform to a plotting-pantser and this might be the ticket. Thanks for reviewing this. It’s nice to have somebody perspective on it.
Boone Brux
I tripped over the Marshall Plan as a book several years ago & only recently became aware of the software version.
I can vouch for the usability of the system (at least in print) & I suspect the software only overcomes some of the niggly issues of endless printed pages with notes (so that has to be good).
I’ll be waiting for the MAC version too before I invest in the software.
As for stifling creativity, plotting via the system only brought me closer to my characters. Rather than wrapping them in chains, it tended to result in them “going off script” even more often when I actually sat down to write. So be prepared to tweak sections as you go as your characters personalities “insist” on alternate story paths as you write.