Scrivener

Posted byp.s.Posted inWriting Itself

Tips & Tricks

  • Apparently it’s pronounced ‘skriv-nr’
  • Scrivener Basics (sources: Intro, Alexa Donne, Vivien Reis, & Michael La Ronn)
    • Basics of the Program are Binder, which includes FrontMatter (title page, copyright, etc.) the Manuscript, any Research, & Trash, and the Inspector, which includes a chapter/scene Synopsis, Tagging/Labeling options, & Notes
      • Any Synopsis will be shown via the Corkboard; which can also be seen via Outline mode (which provides some more detail and allows you to see scenes underneath chapters, something Corkboard can’t show)
        • Can use Corkboard to view StoryCore’s Cymbal/Crash for each
      • The 3rd option beside Corkboard and Outline is Scrivener mode, which shows you the entire Manuscript divided by the sections you’ve created
    • Full Screen obliterates everything but Writing
    • Editor
      • I’ve been struggling changing the seemingly default width of the Editor from 15.5″ (like, what?) to the traditional 8.5″
      • Here’s a potential solution that I need to explore when I buy the license
    • Split Screen Function allows you to, e.g., write a chapter/scene alongside research, images, or even other chapters/scenes
    • Compile allows you to compile all text files contained in the manuscript section (regardless of the selection of any research document) into another doc type (.doc or PDF) for viewing/editing or if you’re ready to publish
    • Backing up
      • Automatically backup to Dropbox via Tools>Options>Backup and choose the Backup file location
    • Chapters are automatically numbered for you; so Compiling with Chapters manually numbered will appear twice
    • Add Chapters, Scenes, etc. via the green add button
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Find & Replace for an entire Manuscript by Edit>Find>Project Replace
    • Use labels to help distinguish scenes/chapters while writing/revising
    • Setting Goals/Targets for both the project and daily sessions
      • Project>Project Targets (also Ctrl + ‘,’)
      • Can always click ‘reset’ for session goals
    • Can us Project>Test Statistics (also Ctrl + ”) to determine overused words
    • Can also find Project>Project Statistics (also Ctrl + ‘.’) to get a general idea of stats (not super accurate for pages estimated); stats can be seen for a specific selection
    • Fun tip (only in paid version?) using Corkboard view as a timeline
    • Tools>Writing Tools>Name Generator (kinda fun)
      • Can store names
      • Paste & Match Style to clear formatting
    • Can create a collection (great for series) Michael La Vonn
    • Custom Meta-Data Michael La Vonn
    • Custom Templates Michael La Vonn
  • How to use Scrivener for Outlines (source: Video by Vivien Reis)
    • Links in Scrivener
      • internal links for research can be used by highlighting a word and then clicking Edit>Scrivener Link (at the bottom of the menu) and then selecting what you want to link to. (source)
        • can also use Bookmarks, which consolidates Notes, Favorites, & References (may be outdated; verify – source)
      • internal links can also be put into the manuscript itself but must be removed before compiling/publication; thus can be used to create a ToC (more here)
    • Create a Note Document above ‘Manuscript’ for Brainstorming
      • can create a hashtag from certain setting/character ideas (maybe)
      • work through these notes to slowly delete all of it (maintain initial document, maybe?)
    • Can organize via keywords
      • in scenes or chapters, can add setting, character, or whatever keywords you want to include (via Inspector pane)
      • An example would be to include a character’s name as a keyword for each scene they appear in
      • can then search for those keyword via the search pane (and selecting “Keyword”)
    • Can use labels on scenes to highlight items that need more work, aren’t for sure to be included, and other labels
  • Specific Thoughts on Starting a Project (Abbie Emmons: source & source)

Leave a comment

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started