If you've always wanted to write a screenplay, you can find some great software programs that help you. Most of the software is very easy to use. Some of these programs offer free trial downloads so you can check them out. Most work for both PCs and Macs. Some of these programs are a little pricey, but the organization you'll gain from the software will save you time and trouble in the long run.

• Story View tracks your story with charts, cards, and color-coding, and literally creates a map of your story that you can stand back and study. Currently Story View works only with a PC (a Mac version is in the planning stages). The program retails for $100.
• Writing Partner helps you design your story by asking you questions, giving examples, and guiding you through the creative process of writing a screenplay. It makes you think about your story from every angle. It's also a lot of fun to use. Writing Partner retails for $270.
• Truby's Blockbuster, priced at $295, makes for a great writing companion. The program lets you interact with actual examples from many well-known films. It includes Truby's Story Structure Course along with a list of the 22 building blocks of every great story. Add-ons are available that help you write for specific genres such as romance, sci-fi, thriller, action, and so on.

You can also find the preceding software programs and others by visiting The Writer's Store.