My Interview with Evan Marshall and Martha Jewett

I questioned Evan Marshall and Martha Jewett about The Marshall Plan Novel Writing Software. In this article, I share both the questions and answers with you.

1. Did you create this software as a companion to your book, The Marshall Plan® for Novel Writing?

Evan Marshall/Martha Jewett: Yes, they can be used side by side.

2. Is it necessary to read the book before using this software?

Evan Marshall/Martha Jewett: Absolutely not!

3. Can your writing software be used to write short stories? What about nonfiction stories?

Evan Marshall/Martha Jewett: It's easy to write short stories using our system. It involves using certain options with regard to word length and characters. I wrote about this recently on my blog; here's a There is a link to detailed information provided below. The system can also be used for writing narrative nonfiction, which must have all the elements of a good story to be successful.

4. There is extensive teaching on the software, teaching that at times alerts one to the fact that more drama is needed. Why did you not make it an option to copy and rearrange the order of the section sheets instead of enabling one to make additions, and possibly makes certain events happen just a bit later or earlier than originally planned?

Evan Marshall/Martha Jewett: We are often asked this question. The point of the software is to tell writers exactly where to place crucial developments in their story. To allow reordering of sections would completely defeat the purpose of the system.

5. There are already many different kinds of writing software available for writers. What made you decide to come out with yet another variation of software? What, if anything, makes your software different from the others available?

Evan Marshall/Martha Jewett: Actually, turning the book into software was kind of a no-brainer because fans wrote to us and said “your system should be software.” The software automates a process that can become quite complicated when done manually. Users of the software love allowing the computer to set up their stories so that they can get writing faster!

6. Mr. Marshall, what made you choose Martha Jewett to help you create this software?

Evan Marshall: In the spirit of full disclosure, Martha and I are married. We set out to trademark a brand which would take advantage of our complementary book publishing expertise (Martha’s in nonfiction, mine in fiction). Having worked as advocates for writers all our professional careers--first as New York editors, and then as literary agents--we wanted to create software tools to make writers’ lives easier. Everything we do reflects our passion for helping people find the joy of telling stories.

7. Ms. Jewett, had you ever created any software before? Did you enjoy working with Mr. Marshall?

Martha Jewett: No, I had never created software before and yes, it’s enjoyable working together because we complement each other in many ways. I am a big-picture person and Evan is extremely detail-oriented. Many people ask us how we don’t drive each other crazy, but we have developed a whole set of jokes about our differences.

8. Will there be any upgrades to this software in the future?

Evan Marshall/Martha Jewett: We plan to bring out a Mac version probably early next year. Look for announcements on our Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/themarshallplanet).

Thank you, Mr. Marshall and Ms. Jewett, for the interview.

Below you will find a link to purchase The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing from Amazon and a link to purchase the software from Mr. Marshall’s site.