I started my Dear Jane when my daughter got me the software for Christmas. With the software ($39) the book is not necessary. But I have found a lot of assistance with the web site mentioned above "that quilt" and
http://www.susangatewood.net/mypatterns.html . Susan Gatewood has great tips also and several times I've used her patterns for paper piecing rather than the EQ Dear Jane Software.
I have about 80% of my blocks completed and have enjoyed this journey very very much. I plan to hand quilt it which will be another learning curve.