Writers are lucky – we don’t require a lot of tools for the job. We can use a simple notebook or an app like Word, Google docs, or Evernote.
Yet there are more complex systems out there for writing. I have avoided things like Scrivener. Most people I know who use it are fairly savvy when it comes to using complex apps. The trouble comes when people spend more time learning how to use the system than doing the writing. I have seen this happen, and it’s a shame to waste so much time setting up the ops. I get suspicious that the helpful app is functioning more as a procrastination ally.
But with my current novel in progress, this time I needed to lay out the scenes in a different way than index cards. I leaned toward Scrivener. Then the learning curve loomed. What do I already have that could work, I thought?
Notion! I have Notion, and have invested considerable time and energy into using it to run my business. I poked around and found a template online ($10). It took less than 3 hours to set up my scenes and chapters. Scriborg is simple yet has everything you would need to organize your novel. It has a lot of features I don’t use for productivity. But seeing the three acts of my novel laid out, with each scene having its own card, is so useful.
Do you use an app or program other than basic word processing for your novel? Leave a comment below!
I agree about Scrivener. I fell in love with the idea of using it and, while I’m quite tech savvy, found it was actually an obstacle for my writing. I have been using Google drive which feels more like Word but it’s in the cloud so I don’t have to worry about using my work.
Once I really thought about what would make it easier for me to work on my novel, that was the answer (but I am curious about Scriborg). I use Notion but can’t see it working for me for writing, but that’s why there are so many options for everyone.
Page,
I love how easy it is to write and organized files in Google drive. It’s been great for me.
I wouldn’t use Notion to write the book – I have found writing in Notion doesn’t work for me. But for organizing the structure it was really helpful.
Glad to know you have found what works for you!
I purchased Scrivener some years ago, but the learning curve was so high. I studied, and I got to the point where I could use about 20% of its capacity. But you’re right, all that takes away from actual writing.
Then I got a new laptop and had issues transferring data and already-written stories. Now, a third laptop down, I have neither access to Scrivener nor my stories. A major loss. Thank god for Submittable.
When I have time, I transcribe other stuff from printed copies, onto a new Google doc, but I’m not even sure what I lost from the Scrivener debacle.
Douglas,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your stories! Ouch!
I guess to look on the bright side, we can assume/hope/pretend that the stuff you’ve had to rewrite is better than the original.
I am glad to hear I am not the only one for whom Scrivener is over the top.
Good luck with your writing and with keeping those files safe!