[jdcfsu]

Please request a simple writing app that can handle .rtf. I need to be able to write stories, talks, and on occasion, screenplays and utilize all the formating options that all of those different forms require. Though, I don't need anything full featured like MS or Neo Office, but I also need something a little more then TextEdit. I played with the demo of Pages that came with my Mac but that has long expired and I don't really feel like spending the money. TextMate is ok, but pretty much on a different path then what I'm looking for. I know there is the perfect little app out there, I just haven't found it yet. Thanks everyone.

[chucker]

Perhaps you could clarify what TextEdit is lacking?

[Mac+]

Hmmm - this might sound like an odd suggestion, but have you tried Omni Outliner? If it came with your Mac, then you have a good (and free) program there waiting to be explored. It is primarily an outliner, but it can also be used as a writing tool for stories and screenplays as well.

Or - if collaborating, have you tried the last (free) version of Sub Etha Edit?

[cosus]

Have you considered google docs? Just can't run in safari.

[scratt]

If you want to write (referring to the applications you specify in your original post), then Write Room is the way to go IMHO.

[jdcfsu]

Originally Posted by scratt If you want to write (referring to the applications you specify in your original post), then Write Room is the way to go IMHO.

I looked up this WriteRoom and I have to say, I'm impressed they included links to their competitors. That is pretty cool in my opinion. While WriteRoom isn't exactly what I was looking for, this Scrivener app looks like it will clearly get the job done. I really like the outline/corkboard options and the full screen is a nice distraction free method. Thanks guys.

[scratt]

Glad you found something.. It's the 'full screen no frills' feature which I like in Write Room, so I'll take a look at Scrivener too.

[justG]

You might also consider Journler. It's a donationware app that can be used as a writing tool and/or personal information manager. It's sort of in between apps like Yojimbo/SOHO Notes and WriteRoom/Scrivener/Mellel/Ulysses.

[Wyatt]

Originally Posted by justG You might also consider Journler. It's a donationware app that can be used as a writing tool and/or personal information manager. It's sort of in between apps like Yojimbo/SOHO Notes and WriteRoom/Scrivener/Mellel/Ulysses.

Wow, I've never seen that before. I think I might have just found my new note-taking app. Thanks!

[Gizzer]

CopyWrite is a good (and cheap) book/scriptwriting app.

There is also Montage which looks good, although I've not had time to give it a real play with. It also has pre-formatted script templates that different movie studio's/tv companies prefer them in.

[Mac+]

I'm really impressed by Scrivener - great thread jdcfsu.

Just want to add that the developer seems very meticulous and has created a bonafide cocoa app (not some port) which really makes excellent use of Tiger (10.4 based) technologies. His code seems pretty watertight too, as it should be for an app of this nature.

Oh yeah, it reminds me of Coda in some ways ... but for writers.

[jdcfsu]

Originally Posted by Mac+ I'm really impressed by Scrivener - great thread jdcfsu.

I am to. I just wrote a 1000 word talk on it and it's great. The note card idea is perfect for collecting thought and ordering them into an outline and then the full screen writing idea (again what Write Room seems to do) is wonderful. Thanks again for the suggestions guys.

[Mac+]

I don't want to offend you jdcfsu, but after having spent the better part of today checking out various writing packages, I feel compelled to ask you to please fix the typos in your post.

[hmurchison]

I use Journler which is great.

I'm going to try Scrivener which looks fantastic for layout and possibly Avenir as well.

I'm interested in Montage for screenwriting. Perhaps there's a 2.0 program coming. It seems to have improved a lot since it's debut.

[jdcfsu]

Originally Posted by hmurchison I'm interested in Montage for screenwriting. Perhaps there's a 2.0 program coming. It seems to have improved a lot since it's debut.

I tried that, and it's great, especially all the built in format templates, but it's a little expensive when compared to something like Scrivener which has simple screenwriting built in. It's a nice app though.