Bookwrite (http://code.google.com/p/bookwrite/)

Say goodbye to expensive novel writing software, screenwriting software, and expensive word processing programs. Bookwrite is a program that...You guessed it- allows you to write a book. You can skip around from chapter to chapter similar to NewNovelist software. Bookwrite has a very clean layout without the distractions other programs have, and it's free. You can export your created work to various text formats to save your work outside of the program. This allows you to open the text file in what editor you choose. The program takes very little space and yet it's super efficient.

Celtx (celtx.com)

The number one media pre-production software is Celtx. Celtx allows you to create a screenplay, teleplay, create story boards, text documents, and more. This program is the best organized program of any screenplay software that I've seen. Celtx allows you to typeset (export to pdf), use notes, index cards, organize character data, and so much more. Forget the idea of handwriting on index cards, then spreading them all out on a giant board or the floor. Writing a screenplay with Celtx is so easy because it format's your screenplay for you, allowing you to concentrate on the creative process and not on formatting. One trick I've learned is to export my screenplay to pdf, then upload to my Google Docs account. This gives me protection in case my computer harddrive ever crashes. It's a great habit to get in to.

Abiword (http://www.abisource.com/)

Open Office is large like Microfsoft Office and unnecessary for basic documents. Abiword is a lightweight word processor that's able to fill most needs in document creation. You can change file types just like you can with Open Office or Microsoft Office. This program is super lightweight and easy to use, with a cleaner look that's customizable.

Open Office (http://www.openoffice.org/)

Microsoft Word is expensive and unnecessary. Open Office is compatible with Word, Excel, and other Microsoft products, yet doesn't have the vulnerabilities that Office has, like a macro virus for example. If you've ever used Office or Corel Word Perfect, you'll find your way around OO quickly, and save your pocketbook.

Each of the software titles above are available for Windows, Mac, or Linux. See more free software at FreeUbuntuNow.com.

Copyright @ AJ Dowell