FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 1998

ASHLEY SOFTWARE RELEASES UPGRADE TO WRITER'S BLOCKS
SOFTWARE FOR WRITERS 
 
MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA -- Ashley Software announced today that
it has released version 2.0 of Writer's Blocks, the popular story
development tool for writers.  Writer's Blocks is a unique program
that provides writers with a fast and easy way to capture, edit,
arrange, and organize their ideas.  The new version of Writer's
Blocks promises to boost the productivity of writers throughout
the creative process, from brainstorming to the final rewrite.

Many types of writers have come to depend on Writer's Blocks as an
aide for story development including novelists, screenwriters, 
authors, and journalists.  Its proven flexibility makes it adaptable
to all writing styles.  A large number of the enhancements in 
version 2.0 came as a result of working with professional writers in
various disciplines to insure that the program met their requirements.

"We solicited feedback from hundreds of our existing users and
compiled a huge customer wish list,"  said Tony Ashley, President,
Ashley Software.  "We were able to add over 100 new features without
compromising Writer's Blocks ease of use and intuitive interface.
The initial response to version 2.0 has been extremely positive." 

"Tony Ashley has listened to writers and made remarkable additions 
and changes to the original program.  [Writer's Blocks] has become
as necessary a part of my daily writing routine as my word processing
program," says William Diehl, author of Primal Fear.  Laurence 
Dworet, screenwriter of Outbreak, states that Writer's Blocks is 
"a truly visual way to map out any story.  Version 1.0 was great.  
Version 2.0 is 100 times better!"

Additional information about Writer's Blocks can be found on the
Writer's Blocks web site at http://www.writersblocks.com.  
A free 30-day trial version of Writer's Blocks 2.0 can be downloaded
from the  web site.  The trial version is a complete working copy of
the program with all program features enabled.  Writer's Blocks 2.0 is
a 32-bit application and runs under Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 (sp2). 

Ashley Software is located in Mission Viejo, California and has been
in business since 1994.  For further information contact: 

Cindy Ashley
27758 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Suite 302,
Mission Viejo, Ca 92691
(949) 583-9153 Voice
(949) 583-9333 Fax
info@writersblocks.com
http://www.writersblocks.com

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JUST A FEW OF THE 100 NEW FEATURES:

· Open several files simultaneously.

· Create an unlimited number of blocks and up to 100 columns
  for maximum organization.

· Cut, copy, and paste blocks between open documents.

· The Power Panel can be relocated and re-sized. Optionally
  float the Power Panel above all Windows applications to 
  reference your blocks while in another program such as a
  word processor. 

· AutoSize option expands each block to display all block text.

· New printing capabilities including: printing on index cards, 
  printing in outline mode, headers, footers, selected block
  printing, font overrides, and print scaling.

· New Standard and Formatting toolbar with frequently used 
  functions are dockable.

· New Preferences allow you set program defaults to customize
  Writer's Blocks to fit your writing style.

· Block Properties dialog allows you to view and edit block text
  and titles and change all block properties in one location.

· Enhanced Linking:  Choose different colors, arrow head styles,
  and line types for links.

· Assign Block Styles to establish visual relationships between
  your story elements with a few clicks of your mouse.

· Copy block attributes from one block to another block or group
  of blocks.

· Specify the size of your blocks using the Block Zoom feature.
  Enter any zoom percentage between 50% and 999%.  

· Hide or display blocks based on their title or style.  
  You may also hide a group of selected blocks.

· Individual block titles can be locked to prevent them from 
  being renumbered by the AutoNumber option.

· Assign bookmarks to blocks and instantly jump to specific 
  points in your document.

· Format individual column headings using fonts and colors.

· Import and export text between Writer's Blocks and your 
  favorite word processor.

· Apply formatting to a group of selected blocks.

· New spell checker contains a 100,000 word dictionary.  Add
  words to your own custom dictionaries.

· Undo and Redo most functions such as edit, arrange, renumber, 
  and format.
 
· Sort blocks by block title, text, font, color, and/or style.

· Assign frequently used names, words, or phases to function keys
  for instant block input.

· Color printer support with printer ink conserving options