A question I often get asked is: What software do you use to write your books?

For me, the answer is novelWriter—an open-source writing tool developed by Veronica Berglyd Olsen. I wrote The Corpse Door using this software, and it has been an absolute game-changer for my writing process.

Unlike traditional word processors, novelWriter is designed specifically for novelists. It keeps things lightweight, structured, and distraction-free while offering some incredibly useful features that help with both drafting and editing.

Key Features That Make a Difference

1. Syntax Highlighting (A Must for My Word Blindness)

One of my biggest struggles when writing is distinguishing between descriptive text and dialogue. novelWriter’s syntax highlighting feature makes this effortless by visually separating the two. This has been a huge help for my word blindness, making it much easier to navigate my manuscript without getting lost in walls of text.

2. Follow Links & References (Perfect for Story Structure)

When writing something as layered as The Corpse Door, keeping track of story threads, character arcs, and plot points is critical. The Follow Links & References feature in novelWriter allows me to cross-reference scenes, character notes, and research, ensuring that everything stays consistent and easy to access.

3. Runs on All Major Platforms

Another major advantage is that novelWriter runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, meaning it’s accessible no matter which system you prefer. As someone who works across multiple devices, this flexibility is invaluable.

Why I Recommend novelWriter

If you’re a novelist, especially one who prefers an organised, distraction-free approach to writing, I highly recommend giving novelWriter a try. It’s designed with long-form writing in mind, making it far more intuitive for novelists than standard word processors.

You can learn more about novelWriter and download it from the official website: https://novelwriter.io

Let me know in the comments—what writing tools do you use?