A Little About Scrivener

There are a lot of software programs out there for writers. I selected Scrivener because I'd heard nothing but raves about the program. In fact, one of the primary reasons I stepped over to the dark side and became a Mac user was to get Scrivener. There is now a beta program available for Windows.

I use Scrivener to write novels, but it includes all kinds of writing assistance, including screenwriting.

I am hardly an expert on Scrivener, but here's a snapshot of what I work with:

On the left, the Binder reflects each scene, and the POV of that character's scene is color coded. I give each scene a description so I know what it's about.

Below the color-coded scenes, I have each of my character studies, and several other folders, including Places, Research (where you can import Internet pages with your information—but I'm old school enough I still print it out), and whatever other folder you want to create. I have three for this manuscript: NOTES/BLURB/PLOT; SOC (Stream of Consciousness) Plot Concept; and STEP OUTLINE which is more of a scene by scene synopsis I work with to get more detailed. By the way, the program also has a synopsis piece that can help.

The center area is where the magic happens, and all of the hard work to make sure it does.

On the right is what Scrivener calls Inspector. It's where I create cards for my cork board, and make any notes I want to make for that scene, or the project.

Scrivener has many more facets than I've figure out how to use. In fact, I have two books that supposedly will enlighten me and provide an even greater experience. As anal as I am, I don't have the patience (at least not yet) to work through them. BUT, their support team has been magnificent.

One thing I love is the easy way it works with Dropbox, so I can seamlessly transfer my work from my iMac to my MacBook Pro.

Here are the links:

For Mac Users: http://www.literatureandlatte.com/index.php

For PC Users (remember, this is beta): http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivenerforwindows/

CR: The Halo Effect by M.J. Rose

It's all better with friends.

Three Reasons to Cut the Chapter Cords That Bind You

I used to write chapter by chapter, scene by scene. A sequential recording of events. Chapter One was always followed by Chapter Two, followed by Chapter Three. It was unimaginable for me to write Chapter Eighteen because I wouldn't even know for sure it was Chapter Eighteen, and what about everything else?

And heaven help my mental state when I decided that Chapter Four and Chapter Twenty-Two needed to be switched.

I now write using Scrivener, and love it beyond reason. But the first manuscript I wrote using Scrivener, I wrote the same old way. Chapter by chapter, scene by scene. Scrivener makes it easy to move scenes around, but they still needed to be renumbered and it was tedious.

By not writing chapter by chapter, I am finally free!

• I can moves scenes around and when they're moved, I'm done;
• I can add scenes in between scenes, and when I do, I'm done;
• When I'm not quite sure what comes next, I can write what comes later.

If you have a plot concept, you are wildly ahead of most other writers, and can fill the story in as you go. I have found it immensely freeing.

Today, I'm writing a scene and the only thing I know is that it's important to the story. Where it finally gets placed is irrelevant, and I love it.

What about you? Have you tried this?

CR: The Halo Effect by M.J. Rose.

It's all better with friends.

Writing Software

We've discussed this before, here. It's a topic that comes and goes, but never quite disappears. I don't think it ever will.

Frankly, when I first heard about writing software, I was appalled. It sounded like the supreme cheat. Talk about formulaic . . . blah, blah, blah. Convinced it would trample my creative side, I formed a cross with my fingers and backed away whenever the subject came up.

Then a writer I respect started talking about something called Scrivener and how much she loved it. Say what? I decided the fact that Scrivener was only available for Mac was a clear sign I was to stay away. Protect my honor. Save my soul.

Balderdash.

Many think I crossed over to the dark side when I became a Mac user. And guess what? I became a Mac user so I could get Scrivener. One of the best decisions I've made for my writing career.

A good writing program, like Scrivener, doesn't quell creativity. In fact, it gives you more freedom to make changes easily, store research, have notes accessible, see visually what's happening and has options for just about anything you can imagine.

There's another program I have that is available for both PC and Mac users. It's Snowflake Pro and one that I think will be invaluable in the initial aspects of developing my next project. Even though I had it in time for this current one, I experienced a total brain-freeze and didn't utilize it when I think it would have been the most useful. Sheesh.

Do you use writing software? If so, which one and what do you like most about it?



CR: The Fourth Watcher by Timothy Hallinan.

It's all better with friends.

Writing Software

Stop the presses!!!!!!!


My favorite (to date) software program for writers is Scrivener. I acquired a Mac because I wanted Scriv. I've never regretted it and am now a solid Mac convert.


Scrivener is now actually contemplating coming up with a program for PCs. So, if you don't have a Mac, but have a high desire for Scrivener, let them know you support their effort.


Today, I bought something else. To be honest, I haven't cracked it open yet beyond making sure it loaded. But I can sense potential. And anything from Randy Ingermanson (the Snowflake Guy) is gonna be backed by integrity and value.


This software program will be for sale at a $100 price point. And I think Randy will get that price. But between now and Friday, he's selling it for $20. Yep, that's right. An 80% discount. Randy is a marketing guru, so I'm thinking he's betting on word of mouth from people who give it a try.


By the way, it will work on either Mac or PC. 


Disclosure: I don't get squat if you buy this. But if it ends up being of value to you? I get a warm fuzzy. I collect those.




CR: Urgent Care by CJ Lyons.


It's all better with friends.