Feature Set:  

StoryView has many helpful features, including a four-level outline, brainstorming features and two different novel modes.

The first novel mode allows you to write in chapters or sections, while the second enables you to write in parts, episodes and sections. There is also a user-defined mode if you already have a structure.

Aside from the novel-writing features, the program also includes screenplay, commercial, teleplay and two-act play options—you can even turn a book you have previously written into a screenplay.

The brainstorming feature helps you organize your thoughts, characters, plot twists and major story events; however, we didn't find it very useful in generating new ideas.

Ease of Use:  

With the exception of the timeline feature, we found StoryView especially user-friendly. The toolbar and shortcut keys are very similar to most word processing programs

This program makes it easy to switch between modes and to navigate within the program and if a question does arise, you can easily find the answer in the help menu.

Ease of Installation:  

Installation of this program is quick and simple. Plan about twenty minutes to download and install with a 56K modem and only minutes with a DSL or cable connection.

We didn't encounter any errors during installation.

Help/Support:  

The outline tutorial was very helpful with its easy-to-follow tips. StoryView also includes a help topics section, a search box and an index and contents, so you can find the answers you need to take full advantage of the program.

Most of the support is available online. The website is simple to navigate and provides information on how to reach the creators of StoryView, as well as a FAQs section and tech support.

Story Writer is the ideal creative writing software package for beginning and intermediate writers; its ease of use and familiar look make it a great choice. StoryView could also assist students of all ages in writing research papers. The only let down of this product is the timeline feature—it's a great innovation, but too complicated to be user friendly.