What is Scrivener:
Scrivener is a software that allows you to effectively write your novel by keeping everything in one place including your notes, drafts, characters and settings. This is not a free tool, but rather a low-cost one-time investment that will dramatically improve your productivity (once you learn how to use it).
Scrivener can be purchased here for download on your laptop, computer or iPad. You will not be able to switch between them, the software is downloaded as an application on whatever device you choose. They also have a free 30-day trial so you can try before you buy.
How I Use Scrivener:
I had already written my first draft in Google Docs. Actually, two Google Docs because there were so many chapters and so many words that the webpage was always so slow, which was extremely frustrating. That's the first benefit of Scrivener because it’s not online, it’s not slow to load!
Once I downloaded Scrivener I went in and chapter by chapter added my book to my novel document. This was a slow process, but otherwise, you would just write your first draft chapter by chapter if you start off in there.
The revision part is where Scrivener shows off. My favorite feature of this program is the side by side view feature. It splits your writing screen between whichever two pages in your document you want to look at. So, I can be revising chapter 13 while looking at my old chapter 13. Or, I could be reading my outline as I’m typing my first draft. Or, if I forgot what color eyes my main character’s mom has, I can leave the spot I’m working on and open a split screen into my character files right there in the tool!
Seriously, it’s a game changer.
My other favorite part is the word count tracker. I can set goals for each chapter and the novel itself. I can see visually where I’m at and where I might need to come back in and add some more words. You can also set a due date for yourself and see how many words you need to write that day to hit it. You can track writing sessions daily so you know how much you’re writing. We all love feeling like we’re making progress.
If you get Scrivener, you should 100% go through their tutorial. It’s invaluable, but it can be daunting. It’s a lot. I'm planning on having some Scrivner tutorial blog posts that will break down the key features I find myself using the most so be n the lookout for that! It's such an impressive and powerful writing tool that I want anybody new to using it to succeed and see the value right away!
Ready to jump into Scrivner already?! Get it here.
Happy Writing Friends!
Please be aware I am an affiliate of Scrivner and if you purchase the tool from any of the links on my website I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would never recommend a product I don't already use and love.
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