Check out the internet for "urban exploration" or just "urban" photography and look at some of those shots. The idea of urban is that you shoot photos at abandoned or closed down buildings. In the category you might get some ideas of interesting shooting angles and styles.

As for software, don't buy before you try. A lot of programs offer unlimited use of the program for a small period of time(30 days or so). Use that time. Silver Efx might work, yesterday when downloading DxO I saw that they also have a similar program for B&W and personally I use Alien Skin Exposure 3. Enough choices

Have fun!