MSword – Jean's Writing

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.

ducklings-305563_640

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.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Online Learning is Growing

I use Scrivener and MS Word for my writing.

Don’t ask why, I’m just weird that way. However, Sometimes my writing flow is interrupted when I can’t remember the shortcut key for a specific symbol.

Searching through the Insert Symbol tab is like coming to a stop sign.

To ease my irritation a little, I made a cheat sheet and thought I’d share.

So if you are tired of searching for just the right symbol as if you’re looking for a matching pair of socks in a drawer that won’t close. Hope this helps.

Shortcut keys for symbols

Ctrl+Alt	em dash
Ctrl+W	Close the active window / document.
Ctrl+Z	Undo an action.
Ctrl+Y	Redo the last action or repeat an action.
Ctrl+S	Save a document.
Ctrl+P	Print a document.
Ctrl+K	Insert a hyperlink.
Alt+Left	Arrow Go back one page.
Alt+Right	Arrow Go forward one page.
Ctrl+C	Copy selected text or graphics to the Office Clipboard.
Ctrl+V	Paste the most recent addition to the Office Clipboard.
Ctrl+Shift+A	Format all letters as capitals.
Ctrl+B	Applies or removes bold formatting.
Ctrl+I	Applies or removes italic formatting.
Ctrl+=	Apply subscript formatting (automatic spacing).
Alt, F, A	Save As.
Alt, S, T, I	Insert Table of Contents.
Alt, S, T, R	Remove Table of Contents.
Alt, W, F	Full Screen Reading – View > Document Views > Full Screen Reading.
Alt, W, R	Ruler. View > Show/Hide > Ruler.
Alt, F, X	Exit Word.