This is the first in a series of posts that will detail how I use the Scrivener application (by Literature and Latte), to develop, research, write, revise, edit, finalize, and export my books, novels, and blogs. This post addresses the development and research arrangement.
I have been using Scrivener for the Mac since it was first appeared. To that point, I had reluctantly used Word, and had designed a database using FileMaker Pro for tracking submissions and doing research. I had looked at some other writing programs: I had tried Ulysses as well as some of the notebook-type apps: Journler, MacJournal, Circus Ponies’ NoteBook, Yojimbo, and DevonThinkPro. None of those were really designed for what I needed to do. (I use Day One for journaling now, which is wonderful.)
When I discovered Scrivener (while it was in beta), I was intrigued because it was being written by a guy who was a writer and was looking for a program to do much the same as I had been. I have used it since them.
I must admit from the outset that, like many users of Scrivener, that I am pretty sure I am not using the program to its fullest. There are features I do not need, but there are features which I would use if I knew more about them (and some I am probably not aware of). Periodically I search the internet and save tutorials or ideas from other users. When I can find the time away from writing or editing, I go back and read them and often find a feature which I incorporate into my workflow.
At this moment, however, here is I use Scrivener.
I use it for all books (fiction and non-fiction), lengthy articles, and blog posts. I sometimes use it for short stories, or shorter articles, but only if I think it might be part of a larger collection or series later. I find it i overkill for short works. A word processor is plenty.
If there is a lot of research involved, I use a layout for inputting notes, and will often use the document list on the left making an outline, the corkboard for re-arranging scenes, sections, or chapters.
Below is the research layout for my current novel, tentatively entitled To and Fro Upon the Earth, a novel based on the literary structural and thematic concepts in the book of Job. Since I have written most of the first draft, there is more actual text in it than would be if I were at the development and research stage.
On the left, top to bottom:
- Snippets. These are documents or folders of documents that may eventually end up in the novel. I might have an idea for a scene, or a phrase, or a description—I stick in in here, at the top where I can find it quickly. I also use this for parts that I have taken out of the novel, but might use later.
- Outline of Novel. I use the “iTunes”-like panel here for basic outlining as I first develop the book or novel. Folders are chapters, documents within are scenes/sections. It is easy to name them right there, change them, move them around, and add or delete scene as I develop and research. Selecting one of the folders (chapters) while having the cork board selected puts every scene or a “3×5” card (as shown). I can make notes on each card, name the scene, rearrange them by dragging, assign each a status or a color stamp, etc.) The “Current Scene” pane is where the actual writing will be shown (if any). By selected that pane, then clicking on any scene, it will show that scene. Here, I have the first draft of the current scene written, but in organizing or research mode, it would be blank.
- Character studies, locations studies, research notes. These are documents, or folders with documents in it, where I can write up character studies, put maps, pictures, or descriptions of locations, and add notes and graphics about research. For example, here, there is a list of my characters, each with descriptions, back-stories, and even a picture to give me a visual representation (usually a random picture from the internet that I think fits my character—it will never be used in print, it is just for me as I write.) In this novel, there is a folder labelled: “Fishing Research.” Some of the novel takes place on a fishing boat, so here are my research notes about the technical aspects of commercial fishing, boat mechanics and layout, ocean navigation, and marine weather.
- Current Scene. As noted above in #2, this pane will show the text for the current scene selected in the outline to the left. (or, if I select a chapter (folder) it will show all scenes in that chapter, one right after the other. Normally, in this layout, there would probably not be any text in that pane yet.
- Cards for Each Scene. As noted above in #2, this will show all the scenes as digital representations of 3×5 cards. If, having clicking in this pane, I select “Chapter 1” folder in the outline, it will show all scenes as cards. The card face is where I can place notes, snippets, assign a status, color code, etc. I can also rearrange them by dragging. (If I select multiple folders in the outline, it will show all of those scenes and chapter as cards.)
- Chapter Synopsis or Notes. This will show a note card for whatever is selected in the outline. It is the same as what would show on the card on the cork board, provides a way to look at any card from anywhere, not just what is showing on the cork board.
- Document Notes. This is a place to write notes, synopsis, descriptions, etc. of the currently selected scene in the outline. More room than a card face, I often put scene ideas, plot outlines, research notes that are specific to the scene or chapter here. (I have assigned it a yellow background to remind me it is like a yellow notepad for scribbling ideas and notes and outlines.)
- Project Notes. This is a freeform window that allows was many notes as needed to be added. They are not connected to any particular chapter or scene or folder. Note that I have added “General Notes” and “Chapter 1” notes (plus a “New Note” which is unused at the moment). I use this primarily for tasks that need to be done on the overall project or chapter or whatever. For example, I considered trying to write the entire novel in present tense, so I made of note of that in the General note. I also knew that I needed to research two towns and a fishing boat, so I made a note of it. Later, as I was reviewing my outline, I noted that I had left out a crucial motivation or reason for why the main character had headed to a specific town. I made a note that I needed to explain that in one of the scenes.
This arrangement (which is saved as a Layout and can be called up immediately) gives me quick and easy access to macro and micro views and notes: from the overall project, to the research notes and sketches, to the chapters, to the scenes, to adding snippets to remember, to tasks and to-dos. It allows me to quickly add items to the outline, make some notes for chapter or scenes, add some ideas to the scenes folder, the character folder, or general notes about the project or chapters.
Next week, I will explain how I use Scrivener for the actual writing of the first draft of a book or novel, with a graphic of that layout.
Feel free to leave comments or questions below. All the best in your writing!
All articles in this series:
