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68 of 69 found the following review helpful:
It Does What It Claims - And Very WellNov 09, 2007
By Patrick McHugh
I have found Dramatic Pro to be an excellent tool in helping formulate and organize novel-length suspense stories. It's comprehensive and it makes you thoroughly think through the structure and flow of your story. The software does what it claims to do and it is based on successful story components. I've read other individual's reviews that were less than complimentary and I would have to say that their expectations of this software were probably beyond what the software said it could do. No writing software that I know of will lead a writer through the writing process. It's not like greeting card software that lets you pick and choose every element of the creative process and then you just print the result. But what this software does do is challenge you to not forget, and to properly develop, those key ingredients and components in any story that make the difference between one that other people like to see or read or one that gets ho-hum responses. Just learning the importance of having an Impact Character is enough to turn a mediocre story into a much better one. When you analyze successful and unsuccessful books or movies, more than half the time the difference can be traced to the development, or lack of development, of one or more Impact Characters. Dramatica Pro forces you to pay attention to through-lines, problem creation and resolution, and every element that could possibly be part of a story. But this software does require patience and the personal desire to get things properly organized. If you lack patience, then don't buy this software. If you don't like the fact that almost all successful stories have predictable elements, then you will not like this software because it will lead you down a path that you probably don't want to follow. If you have no tolerance for a jargon learning curve, then don't buy it. And if you are looking for a muse to stimulate your creative juices, then you shouldn't even be looking at any computer software - go find a pen pal. In my opinion, Dramatica Pro does what it says it can do and I really like the way it does it.
19 of 19 found the following review helpful:
 Dramatic Pro: A Superb Writing CoachMar 14, 2009
By Joy Higgins
"Wordweaver"
Most authors employ both a creative and an analytical process in structuring a final story--one to write with and one to edit with. Dramatica Pro is the perfect tool to guide you through both processes. Be aware, however, that the program makes you work. Hard. When used correctly, Dramatica pushes you into forming characters with depth; you'll never hear a reader say "he/she would never do or say that." Dramatica forces you to focus on developing a story rich with plot tension and thematic development; there will be no "holes" to trip you up. Dramatica's main desktop is the gateway for all story-building. Take the time to explore each tile and the wealth of information at your fingertips. Start with the query system and answer each question. You'll be surprised at how much you don't know about the story in your mind when you begin and how much you do know when you're finished. If, like me, you are a "seat of the pants" writer, don't pass on this superb advisor assuming you don't need it. Write your story, input the information into the appropriate tiles and find out how much you've missed that would make your story much, much stronger.
Caveat: if you are looking for a program that will write your story for you, this is not it. If you're looking for a program that will correct poor prose, poor spelling, bad dialogue, point of view errors, etc--this is not the program for you. If you want a writing partner that will nag you into producing a strong plot structure, a well developed theme, and a rock solid foundation, then Dramatica is your choice.
The program is not easy, but it is "user friendly." If you spend some time understanding the terminology and the plethora of tools available to keep you focused on the story you want to tell, Dramatica Pro will repay you with stories others will want to read/watch.
28 of 30 found the following review helpful:
Expensive but Helps With PlottingSep 21, 2007
By Bea Shalla
"Abenteurerin"
This has helped me organize the scenes in my novel.
It's helped me decide which characters I needed to develop my story better.
You not only need a Protagonist, you need (of course) an Antagonist (the Main character, the Impact character) and a Consider Character, Reconsider, Logic, Conscience, etc.
It also makes sense that a good novel has more than one thoroughline, more than one areas of conflict.
I'd give this 5 stars for me, but for others, it may be too bothersome to figure out how it works. I had to read about 500 pages on how to use it, why certain characters are essential, what thoroughlines will work with what, etc. and I still don't feel I know how to use everything this program offers.
I see that there's a book on Amazon, Dramatica: A New Theory of Story (Paperback), that may explain more of how to use this software. You may instead like to write your novel and use books like the Plot Doctor or Scene and Structure and others.
Good luck!
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Simply the best story development software out there.Mar 11, 2009
By Bryan Cloninger
"Producer, Cinematographer, Digital Acquisition Specialist"
For developing story Dramatica is the best system I have found. Some reviews have complained about complexity, but I think they have not understood some of the basics. If you can answer multiple choice questions then you can use Dramatica. If that is too hard - then you should not be a writer. All the theory is in each step of the program and any terms used are defined - all while you view and consider the question. The Dramatica theory book comes with the program in .pdf form so you do not need to buy that unless you want a hard copy.
Also there is a lot of excellent support on the website and companion forums. Every new writer I have worked with (I am a professional cinematographer) I have always recommended Dramatica theory as a way to find the weak elements and improve them. One might think that using a system of formulas and theory could kill inspiration or annoy your muse - but in fact it liberates you from having to worry about them. You know that you have at least thought and consciously chosen which rules you incorporate, which you don't, and which you break. The worst choice a person can make is not to make a choice. Sometimes you get lucky - but not for a whole story.
If you work in screenplays then I think the book "Dramatica for Screenwriters" by Armando Saldana is very helpful. I know plenty of selling, published, and award winning authors who have used it and continue to use it. I have been using this for over 10 years now and feel I learn and grow from it still. You can pass this over or try another Hollywood guru of the month (even though you will find all there technique and craft in Dramatica already) - but why pass over what could be the best writing partner you could have. That being you and a toolbox of excellent resources and practical theory to find, build, clarify, and distill your inspiration into something solid and clear on paper (and in the people who receive it). Did I mention that one of the authors of the software won an academy award for technical achievement?
My point is that this investment in software is, (for once), one that is well worth it and never gets outdated....
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
InvaluableMar 11, 2009
By A Serious Writer
I am a successful writer of nonfiction who had a lot of difficulty making the transition to writing fiction.
The first drafts of my novel were awful -- boring characters, confused themes, vague storylines.
Then I got Dramatica Pro. It was the breakthrough I needed.
It asked me all the important structural questions, and in struggling to find the best answers I brainstormed various ways to improve my book (please excuse the pun) dramatically.
I happily set Dramatica aside and kept writing additional drafts of my novel. Because I was basically on the right track, the remaining structural problems with it grew smaller and smaller and smaller. Whenever I got stumped, though, as to exactly how to solve a remaining problem, I went back to Dramatica and found, sometimes uncannily, just the right questions to point me in just the right direction for seeing an appropriate solution.
I am now in the final stages of completing my novel. I am also beginning another . . . with the help, of course, of Dramatica Pro.
I highly recommend it to others who are committed to improving their writing of fiction.
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