Because I'm a klutz when it comes to software, I don't review it. However, a few months ago I saw an ad in "Scr(i)pt Magazine" for the TotallyWrite Development Suite. The ad showed the system's menu and it interested me. It contained a "Development Wizard," an "Idea Shoebox," a "Project Tracker," and a "Random Thoughts" segment. The rest of the ad explained a little about the structure paradigm contained in the system and used by working screenwriter/producer /director Jeff Schechter, developer of the software. I checked out the TotallyWrite web site and soon had the software in hand.
Once I downloaded the program I was a good girl and actually sat and read the instruction book. I don't do that very often. I like to start work immediately and learn as I go. I should mention that the instruction book is included in the software so you have to print t out. I tried to avoid that because I'm cheap and I hate three-ring binders taking up shelf space in my teensy office. I prefer small manuals that are easy to carry around, but I hate reading manuals on a computer screen more, so I broke down and printed it out.
The Development Wizard section of the software is a form that follows Jeff's writing structure system. It's pretty snazzy. Usually, when I outline I just jot down thoughts for scenes, plugging information in here and there, until I have something that resembles a story line. Eventually, whether I do it on paper or on the computer, it gets messy. I decided to give Jeff's structure system a real work out. For my first script I outlined a four-episode radio drama. Why this wacky testing? In addition to screenplays I write plays and radio drama. A system that only works for one medium is of no use to me. Yes, it worked beautifully.
Being as techno-challenged that I am, it took a little playing with the system to get used to it. Some programs are pretty overwhelming but not TotallyWrite, and I like that. You can view your outline as is, in a "beat" form, or a condensed "worldview form." I was afraid it would be one of those programs that would instruct you to place a joke here, or prompt you for a dramatic affect there, eventually creating something that resembles everyone else's work. But it didn't.
From the Development Wizard I skipped over to the Idea Shoebox. Yippee. Just pop in your idea and move on. You can put in ideas, notes and even feedback, if you're inclined to share your ideas with others and want to record their thoughts. Don't worry about forgetting what title you put the idea under; there are instructions on how to search for it. I'm particularly tickled about that aspect of the Idea Shoebox. I've lost a lot of ideas in the pile of notebooks I'm too lazy to go through.
Next is the Project Tracker. I've tried out a few tracking systems, and for the most part I've liked them all. There's nothing to not like on this tracker. My only problem is utilizing it. Like I said, I'm lazy and a tracker is only as good as you make it. This one allows plenty of room for many, many comments, which is great.
Now we come to the Random Thoughts Record. I don't know about you, but every now and then snips of conversations swim through my brain, or I find a great name for a character, or I think of a scene that would be terrific to use, some day. Inevitably when I write it down it gets lost. The Random Thoughts Record lets you compile those nits and picks. You can put them under: Action Beat, Character, Concept, Dialog, Joke, Location, Misc. and the ever present "Other" in addition to a few more sub-headings.
The TotallyWrite Development Suite's last segment is "Program Tools." This section lets you practice safety drills, like creating "safety copies" of your information, it helps you restore data – in case you dump it accidentally, like I've been known to do – and it helps you update your program.
Overall, I like this system, and I look forward to working with it. It gives you plenty of room to be creative, while helping you stay in some sort of order. Every writer – depending on his level of experience – will use it differently. The more practiced writer will appreciate the easy way to layout a quick outline, keep track of submissions and file little pieces of information. Newer writers will appreciate the help with structure. The system is, in no way, a substitute for good writing. Its main function, as I see it, is to act as a good guide.
There is one thing I'm not fond of, but I've been assured by Jeff that they're working on rectifying the situation. At the moment, the program doesn’t allow me to download a file to a disk and I'm a fanatic about putting everything on disk. As soon as it's altered to provide that ability, I'll be shipping Jeff a check for the upgrade. (NOTE: This feature is standard on Version 3!)
If you're looking for a comparison with the many other systems available, I can't give you one because I haven't tried other systems. But, if you're wondering if this could be the one you're looking for, I'm more than happy to say: I like it, and I'm pretty picky. Remember, I’m all for simplicity and TotallyWrite is simple to use, which is totally what I need.
(c) 2002 SCR(I)PT MAGAZINE - Used with permission.
