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StoryCraft Software FAQ

1. Are you the originator of StoryCraft? [click here for ANSWER]

2. Your site is a treasure-trove of information. What's the best way to navigate through it? [ANSWER]

3. I'm new to writing. I'm told StoryCraft is based on something called the "Jarvis Method." Is that some kind of new-fangled approach, or has it been around for awhile? [ANSWER]

4. Why does StoryCraft Story-Development Software cost so little? [ANSWER]

5. Are there other "story-development programs" on the market? And if so, how do they all compare? [ANSWER]

6. How long has the program been around? Has it recently been updated? And how do I get upgrades? [ANSWER]

7. I've seen some outstanding reviews. Has it been reviewed very much? [ANSWER]

8. I know there are a lot of programs out there that just list a bunch of questions, and then you have to fill in the blanks. This isn't one of those, is it? [ANSWER]

9. Will StoryCraft help me get rid of my writer's block? [ANSWER]

10. Will this be useful for writing novels as well as screenplays? Also, I have some old stories that need to be revised; will StoryCraft help me improve those stories too? [ANSWER]

11. Is this best for beginners? or professionals? or both? [ANSWER]

12. I have a pretty old computer. Suppose StoryCraft doesn't work on my computer. Can I return it? [ANSWER]

13. If I don't want it mailed to me, what is the procedure for downloading the software? [ANSWER]

14. If I order it to be mailed to me, is there a way that I could also download it so that I won't have to wait for the mailed version to arrive before I can use it? [ANSWER]

15. I teach creative-writing. Would this software be good for my students? [ANSWER]

16. If I have tech support questions, or if I just need some advice about a story I'm writing, will you be able to help me? [ANSWER]


QUESTION: Are you the originator of StoryCraft?

ANSWER: Yes. We are StoryCraft Corporation, and we sell our original software program, StoryCraft Story-Development Software, the program that we created and that has grown to be the most popular program of its type since we released its first version in 1994. Now called StoryCraftPro Version 4.3, the software remains our basic engine for all our products.

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QUESTION: Your site is a treasure-trove of information. What's the best way to navigate through it?

ANSWER: Use the navigation links along the top of each page. When the link turns yellow, it means you're on that page or on a page related to that link -- and the link remains active.

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QUESTION: I'm new to writing. I'm told StoryCraft is based on something called the "Jarvis Method." Is that some kind of new-fangled approach, or has it been around for awhile?

ANSWER: Actually the approach has been around since before recorded history. It's what all civilization's great myths -- as well as literary classics -- have in common. The Jarvis Method pulls it all together, and the software presents it in a form that allows you to systematically create well-structured, well-plotted stories.

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QUESTION: Why does StoryCraft Story-Development Software cost so little?

ANSWER: The reason we've kept the price low is simply that we want it to be low enough for anyone who wants to learn to write quality fiction to be able to afford it -- and not just professionals. In short, StoryCraft is professional-quality software, but at a "mainstream" price.

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QUESTION: Are there other "story-development programs" on the market? And if so, how do they all compare?

ANSWER: There is NO other complete story-development program on the market today like StoryCraft. And those that claim to be are either highly complex or difficult to use or both. (This is evidenced, for instance, by the large number of their customers that return their products to the stores. Conversely, StoryCraft has had only a handful of returns in its entire history.) And those programs that are self-described as "story-development" programs are invariably limited in their scope of coverage. For StoryCraft is the only program that is not only a splendid fiction-learning tool but also a life-long writing tool. In other words, those who buy StoryCraft not only use it to learn to write well but they use it to write their stories -- and they continue to use it throughout their writing lives. (It's not just coincidental that StoryCraft actually coined the terms "story processor" and "story-creation software" -- that's what we are.)

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QUESTION: How long has the program been around? Has it recently been updated? And how do I get upgrades?

ANSWER: The software first appeared in 1994, and by 1996 it had already gone through a few updates. Since that time, there have been a few more updates, which included numerous enhancements and even some changes to the theory itself. Through the years it has grown into one of the most respected writing programs anywhere, in no small part due to an unending interest in making it "more perfect." Upgrades normally happen no more often than once a year. The upgrade, which can only operate if you have purchased an earlier program, is available to users at a significantly reduced price.

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QUESTION: I've seen some outstanding reviews. Has it been reviewed very much?

ANSWER: Yes. It has received excellent reviews from PC Magazine, Writer's Digest, Script Magazine, Writer's Journal, National Writer's Association, New York Screenwriter, and a host of other respected publications (see some review summaries). Easy to use, this "story processor" is found in thousands of homes as well as in creative-writing classes, writers' workshops, production studios, and publishing companies world-wide. So probably our greatest "reviews" come from the people who use StoryCraft every day, both through word of mouth and indirectly through the stories that they produce.

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QUESTION: I know there are a lot of programs out there that just list a bunch of questions, and then you have to fill in the blanks. This isn't one of those, is it?

ANSWER: StoryCraft does not list things. Nor is it a "fill-in-the-blank" program. Nor is it a program that forces you to learn some entirely new "system" or theory. Our theory is built on the traditional techniques that have been common to all civilizations' great myths and literary classics. It's not a program of gimmicks filled with fluff. Read more about it in the online demo-brochure. And if you're interested in the theory behind it, you can read about that too (but fear not -- you don't have to know all the nuances of the theory and be skilled in literary criticism in order to use the software).

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QUESTION: Will StoryCraft help me get rid of my writer's block?

ANSWER: Certainly. Our customers frequently tell us how StoryCraft has simplified the task of structuring and plotting their stories and has really made writing fun for them.

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QUESTION: Will this be useful for writing novels as well as screenplays? Also, I have some old stories that need to be revised; will StoryCraft help me improve those stories too?

ANSWER: Absolutely. The basic elements of fiction, be they for screenwriting or novel-writing, are essentially the same. The formats are different. And novels require far more exposition than screenplays. But the essential elements, which this program addresses, are identical not only for all novels and screenplays but also for all myths and legends -- and for story-telling itself. (See also the theory behind the software.)
    As for revising stories that you wrote without StoryCraft, yes, StoryCraft is designed to allow you to import any story into it, even stories that are only half-complete or otherwise need work. With StoryCraft, your old story will, in effect, be split up into parts that will each be re-evaluated, revised, and, in some cases, re-arranged.


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QUESTION: Is this best for beginners? or professionals? or both?

ANSWER: Both, without a doubt! With StoryCraft Story-Development Software, whether you're a published author or have only dreamt of becoming one, you'll create complete, well-developed stories, patterned after actual literary classics and civilization's great myths.

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QUESTION: I have a pretty old computer. Suppose StoryCraft doesn't work on my computer. Can I return it?

ANSWER: By all means, if it doesn't work, for any reason, you can return it. Our tech support is one of the best in the business, and if they're not able to get it up and running for you, probably no one can -- we'll gladly refund it.

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QUESTION: If I don't want it mailed to me, what is the procedure for downloading the software?

ANSWER: When you order the software (see the ordering information), you receive an email confirmation, which also tells you what webpage address to go to in order to download the software. Then just follow the instructions, click on the product file, and save it to your hard drive. It's that simple.

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QUESTION: If I order it to be mailed to me, is there a way that I could also download it so that I won't have to wait for the mailed version to arrive before I can use it?

ANSWER: Yes. In fact, there's no extra charge if you want to download it as well as have it mailed.

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QUESTION: I teach creative-writing. Would this software be good for my students?

ANSWER: Yes. Since StoryCraft Story-Development Software is designed to teach the craft of fiction-writing AS YOU WRITE, it makes an excellent learning tool. And because the software divides the writing process into very clearly delineated stages, it is easy to adapt it to the classroom.

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QUESTION: If I have tech support questions, or if I just need some advice about a story I'm writing, will you be able to help me?

ANSWER: Absolutely. We never desert our customers. In addition, to the extensive Help files built right into the software, we offer a 24-hour tech support service.

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Also, please visit another of our websites, NorfolkHistory.com, featuring The History of Norfolk, Virginia:
An Encyclopedia of Norfolk History, Geography, Neighborhoods, Railroads, Roads, Creeks, Cemeteries, Parks, and More