Someone had posted in the Nanowrimo forums about an expensive piece of novel writing software, seemingly convinced that it was essential for writing the Great American novel. Without even trying this piece of software, I can say with absolute conviction that it is not necessary for writing any novel let alone a great one. I'm pretty sure John Steinbeck didn't use it.
This isn't to say that you can't use fancy software to write a novel. Everyone has different writing styles and there's bound to be someone who will find it extremely useful. Personally, I cannot plan obsessively on the computer. I need something physical to scribble on. And in the end, all that planning might not matter at all. Because writing, especially fiction writing, is not an analytical art. You can get the writing technically perfect and still write a terrible story because there's no spark or soul*.
In that case, I'll just call the planning backup and do the whole thing by the seat of my pants.
As for current planning, I've finally started the prep work page. Right now, I'm completely rethinking the plot, setting, and characters. The hot dog stand may not make it into the final outline.
*I don't know about toaster oven manuals though. If anyone could manage to bring spark and soul to one, he or she should be nominated for the Pulitzer.
