Balancing family life, work, and personal aspirations can be a challenge, especially for busy parents who dream of writing a novel. Between managing schedules, household tasks, and caring for children, it’s easy for creative goals to get pushed aside. However, with the right tools, it’s possible to turn that dream of writing a novel into a reality. Software to help you plan a novel is a great way for busy parents to organize their ideas, outline their stories, and find the motivation to keep writing—even on the busiest of days.
For parents who find themselves with limited time, writing software offers an efficient and structured approach to novel writing, making the process easier to manage.
Why Writing Software is Ideal for Parents
Parents are no strangers to juggling multiple tasks at once. Writing software helps ease the burden of organizing a novel, allowing you to focus more on the creative aspects of storytelling rather than worrying about the structure. Whether you have 15 minutes between school drop-offs or a quiet evening after the kids are in bed, novel planning software lets you work on your project whenever time allows.
Some platforms even offer mobile or cloud-based access, so you can work on your novel from any device, whether it’s a laptop in your home office or a tablet on the go. Whether you’re an aspiring author, or looking to write for recreation, these tools can guide you and help you take your writing from good to great.
Best Software for Planning and Writing a Novel
Several tools offer busy parents the structure they need to plan, organize, and complete their novel. Here are a few that can help you get started:
- Reedsy Book Editor: Designed for long-form projects, Reedsy’s novel planning software is perfect for writers looking to organize chapters, set writing goals, and format their manuscripts. It’s a straightforward tool that’s easy to use for writers at any stage, and it provides professional-grade features like manuscript formatting, which can save time in the later stages of writing.
- Plottr: Plottr is ideal for visual thinkers. With drag-and-drop timelines and scene organization, this software allows writers to outline their novels visually. This is especially helpful for parents who may have to stop and start their writing sessions—Plottr makes it easy to pick up where you left off.
- Scrivener: Known for its robust features, Scrivener lets you break your novel into manageable parts, organize research, and take notes within the same platform. Its project management capabilities are great for writers who need flexibility, allowing parents to write their novel in short bursts or focus on a few sections at a time.
- Evernote: While not traditionally a novel writing software, Evernote is an excellent tool for gathering ideas, jotting down character notes, or outlining plot points. Its cross-device synchronization ensures that no matter where you are, you can always capture your ideas.
Overcoming Writing Challenges as a Parent
For many parents, the hardest part about writing is finding the time and energy to sit down and focus. With novel planning software, even small blocks of time can be productive. Setting realistic writing goals, breaking your story into smaller pieces, and using templates provided by the software can help you stay organized and motivated. Using software to help you plan a novel can really simplify this process.
Another benefit of these tools is that they can track your progress. Many platforms allow you to set word count goals or deadlines, which is particularly useful for busy parents who thrive on structure. By keeping you on track, these tools ensure that your writing project moves forward, even when life is chaotic.
Writing as a Form of Self-Care for Parents
In addition to helping you achieve your creative goals, writing can also serve as an important form of self-care. Having a personal project, like writing a novel, provides a mental break from the responsibilities of parenting and work. It gives you the chance to express yourself, process your thoughts, and engage in something that’s entirely yours. Many mums report that writing helped them get to a healthier place again postpartum.
These tools make it easier to stay consistent and maintain momentum, even when life is busy. And the satisfaction of working on something creative can positively impact your well-being, making you feel more fulfilled and balanced.
Conclusion: Achieving Your Writing Goals with the Right Software
For busy parents, finding time to write a novel may seem impossible, but the right planning software can turn that dream into a reality. Whether it’s breaking down the writing process into manageable chunks or keeping you organized and motivated, these tools offer the structure needed to fit creative pursuits into your busy schedule. With novel planning software, it’s never been easier to start and finish your book, no matter how hectic life gets.