Here’s an answer to writer with a common problem of not seeing their saved work when they open StoryWeaver after saving a file.

Hi, Sue

This is Melanie, creator of StoryWeaver.

Here’s how it works. StoryWeaver saves in a proprietary compressed file format to save space on the hard drive. So, if you try to open it directly in another program like Word, all you’ll see are strange symbols because it is not a text document.

Every StoryWeaver saved file has all the questions and information, the question tree layout of the nested folders that show up on the left, and all the work you have entered. All these things are contained in every file, so when you save, you save everything, including the questions and the tree view. All a file needs is to be opened in StoryWeaver and all that material shows up.

When StoryWeaver opens, it is always with a blank file, just like Microsoft Word which opens to a blank page. In StoryWeaver’s case, a blank file has all the question text and the tree-view with all the folders and cards on the left, but no text of yours. Then, you enter your answers to the questions and save the file. If it is not working with the disc icon, try going to the File menu and selecting Save from there.

On the rare computer, the file won’t save because it things you are trying to save the actual template of questions that loads when StoryWeaver opens. It won’t allow saving changes to that template because you’ll need it pristine for future stories. So, you need to do a Save As, rather than just a Save the first time you want to save a file you are working on.

On most computers, you can just double click on the scroll file on your desktop or wherever you saved it and it will automatically open StoryWeaver and load that file. But on some computers, double-clicking directly on the file either doesn’t open StoryWeaver or in a few cases, tries to open another program instead.

That is why we suggested first opening StoryWeaver, then going to the File menu and choosing OPen to load the file from inside StoryWeaver, rather than directly by clicking on the file.

Now I had one fellow last week who had a similar problem, and out of the thousands of StoryWeavers we’ve sold, it was the first time I’d seen this particular problem. He could open files, but he couldn’t see the work he’d entered. He sent the file to me, but when I opened it, all his work was there. I sent him a screen shot so he could see for himself. He determined it was some setting on his computer.

He was running Windows 7 and so am I, so I don’t think it is the operating system in any way. Based on what you’ve said, I’m not sure if you are having the same kind of problem, but there is one thing another writer discovered. Sometimes, if you accidentally hold down the Control key or the Function key while typing, it can put an “illegal” but invisible character into the text you are writing, and that can prevent the text from being saved properly.

Other than that, I don’t know of anything that would solve your problem, but I hope this helps.

Melanie

A writer recently asked:

Just purchased the software. But am clueless how to use it and how to derive the maximum benefit out of it. Kindly mail me the links/articles which will help me understand the program and its concept better.

My reply:

The concept is simple. It is nothing more than a list of about 200 questions you answer in order. By the time you get through all 200 questions, you’ll have completely developed your story.

Here’s how it works. You go to the list of folders on the left hand side of the StoryWeaver window. You open the top folder by clicking on it. You click on the first item in the folder and follow the instructions. You then go to the second item down in the folder and follow the instructions. When you finish with the items in that folder, you open the next folder down and do the same. Just work from top to bottom of the question list and you’ll go through them all in the proper order.

What it does. As you answer questions, StoryWeaver from time to time will automatically show you your answers to previous questions as reference to help you answer the current question. in addition, every few questions StoryWeaver will present you with all the material you’ve most recently developed and ask you to blend it all into a synopsis of your story so far. As you go, you will keep blending new material into that ever growing synopsis, which eventually becomes your fully developed story.

Also, near the end, you will determine how you want to reveal your story to your readers/audience and it will help you outline all your chapters or acts and scenes.

In the end (or at any time) you can print out all your work or export it to a file you can open in your word processor for further polish.

That’s all there is to it.

Here’s a link to some articles about StoryWeaver:

http://dramaticapedia.com/category/storyweaver-software/

Here’s a link to some videos about StoryWeaver:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6C93E466CCA3BBE1

Melanie Anne Phillips
Creator, StoryWeaver

A writer recently asked:

Hello, I am new to the idea of writing software and have only watched a few youtube videos to aquatint myself. Storyweaver seems to be the right fit for me because I don’t have a hard time writing I just have a hard time driving the action forward in a consistent way to meet an end. I have been trying to write a novel for a while and find that the sheer magnitude of the story makes me feel confused about what to do next!

Storyweaver is a program that helps you develop an over all blue print which you then use as your guide when you actually sit down to compose your story, is that correct?

I have the demo version and I was a little unsure about how much to write in response to each question. My inclination is to just launch into the story full board. I wonder if there are any example stories that could be referenced for first time users of the program?

Does a short story work in the same way as a novel with this software?

Thank you for your time

My reply:

Howdy!

Yes, StoryWeaver is designed to help you create your story’s world, who’s in it, what happens to them and what it all means.

It does this by taking you through a step-by-step path of creative discovery through four stages: Inspiration, Development, Exposition, and Storytelling.

Each stage follows the creative process and focuses on what is needed to come up with ideas, rather than forcing the author to focus on what the story requires. In the end, the story gets all it needs, because the author creates an entire world.

We don’t supply any finished examples as that tends to move the author away from his or her own ideas. But, there are small examples from different stories in many of the 200+ “Story Cards” – each of which has you focus your creativity on a particlar step in the process.

While you can use StoryWeaver for short stories, you’ll want to skip some questions and answer others with less depth because that degree of detail simply won’t be called upon in a short story.

As for how much to write in response to each Story Card or in the regular “synopsis” breaks, there is no minimum nor upward limit. It just depends on how far your Muse takes you. Just remember, the process is idea generation – the actual writing will be done after that process by referring to what you have written about your story’s world.

Melanie

A StoryWeaver user asks:

I purchased storyweaver to help me write a screenplay.  I think it’s great.

I may try a novel.  Is the same software used to write novels?

Thanks, vin

Answer:

Hi, Vin

Sure.  StoryWeaver is about working out your story, regardless of your medium.  So it is equally useful for Novels, Stage Plays, Screenplays and any other type of “long-form” storytelling.

Melanie
Storymind