New and changing technology is oftentimes intimidating, especially to those of us who are comfortable with our old tools.
However, we can’t become sidelined because we are afraid of change. Even though I really do get tired of constant updates. I mean can’t Apple leave my iPhone alone. Oops, sorry veered off in the ditch for a minute.
Back to Scrivener.
Like an old dog learning a new trick, I’m finally getting the hang of Scrivener. I know many of y’all are light-years ahead of me. But maybe a few of you were like me and struggled to grasp the tools this software offers.
Want to know how I overcame my fear and uncertainty?
Planning!
I’m not talking about outlining, arcs or deciding what I’m going to write. Most of that is usually stuck in our heads somewhere bouncing around like a damned ping-pong ball.
No, I like to arrange my Scrivener file just like a desk. Everything in order, everything in its place and all my ducks in a row. Then I feel as if I’m in control and ready to unleash my thoughts.
For me, this works. Any project is less intimidating if I have all the tools at my fingertips.
Here is how I get organized with Scrivener.
- First, enter the appropriate number of blank chapters.
- Next, enter the number of blank character templates needed.
- Third, enter a blank settings sketch template.
- Go back and enter info into the character templates.
- Go back to the settings templates and enter information.
- Go back to chapter one and open the scene page.
Now I’m ready to start writing.
Maybe my little video will explain it better.
Want more tips on using Scrivener?
Keep reading.
UNTANGLE YOUR FINGERS & TRY SCRIVENER’S AUTO-COMPLETE LIST
10 Little Known Scrivener Tricks That Can Save You Time
Do you use Scrivener?
What is your favorite writing software?
Does new technology intimidate you or do you jump on the newest that pops up?
I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.
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Jean's Writing 
Thanks so much Jean. Your video was very helpful and simplistic. I purchased Scrivener 2 years ago, read Scrivener for dummies, watched webinars, and still couldn’t wrap my head around it. I may just give it a try again. 🙂
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I’m glad my amateur video helped a bit. Do let me know if you made progress with your next attempt. I’ve got more videos coming out. Watch for one Friday and another next week. Happy writing.
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Will do. I’m kind of swamped with life at the moment, but I plan on trying it out next week with one of my rough draft chapters. I will for sure let you know when I do. Perhaps if I keep watching your videos I may learn to tame the beast, lol. 🙂
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Know what you mean, life happens and throws a kink in my intentions too. LOL
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Somehow, we always manage to get ‘there’. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this, Jean.
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You’re welcome
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
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you have just succeeded where a ton of experts have failed. You have taken away some of the fear of scrivenor and made me want to try again! So thank you for this!
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I’m so glad this helped. I worried it was too elementary. But sometimes breaking things down helps me so I thought maybe it might help others too. Thanks for letting me know.
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
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Reblogged this on Retired? No one told me! and commented:
What an amazing instrucional video….It is awesome…And I think even me…Yes…me..Can do this Scrivener thing….Thank you so much Jean it will be the first time I have opened Scrivener with a positive feeling in my bones and not with the normal trepidation where if I didn’t need it so darn much this laptop would be launched! Yehhhhhh Scrivener here I come!
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Good luck. I felt the same way for over a year. Breaking it down and simplifying the way I use the program helped me a lot. My MSWord just got to be too cumbersome with long documents. So I had to figure out something. Do let me know how it goes. 🙂
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I certainly will it’s my plan for this afternoon…In fact I am looking forward to it and that for me is a first when Scrivener is mentioned 🙂
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🙂
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Thanks Jean…I have dipped in and out of scrivener for over a year and it scares me,I keep going back to Word so I am going to give it one last try after seeing your video the fog is clearing…ha ha….Wish me Luck!
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🙂
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Had to reblog, this post is well written and provides lots of information for new users of Scrivener!
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Thanks! And thanks for the reblogg!
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You are welcome!
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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I’m new to Scrivener and am working with it on my iPad. As the app is new for iOS quite a lot of the useful articles out there in blogland don’t relate directly to the iPad format. However I am slowly making more use of it each day and overcoming the stumbling blocks.
Already I am a dedicated covert, even though I am sure I am not using it to even a fraction of its capabilities. Still it is so much better than the huge WIP,that I used to scroll through trying to find particular scenes or dialogue. Just looking forward to getting to know more of the programme as I go!
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I agree, that’s why I decided to tackle Scrivener and succeed. MS Word was just becoming too cumbersome. I’ve never tried it on my IPad but glad to know it works for you. Thanks for the tip. I may give it a try.
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I love Scrivener. I’m sure I don’t use it as well as I could, but it does keep me organized. I love plotting out characters and places and storing it all right there. I’m not great with outlining or pre-planning, but Scrivener has helped.
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Me too, I’m terrible at outlines but Scrivener has helped me see the bigger picture.
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