I recently started a Scrivener Q&A column for my newsletter subscribers. One reader, Avril, asked how to determine which features you really need and which ones are distractions.
For example, she’d color coded her scene documents with Labels at one point because she learned how and it looked cool, but it didn’t really serve her process other than to make the Binder (list of scenes/chapters) look pretty.
Obviously, which of Scrivener’s tools are useful—or only useful for procrastination—depends on what and how you write. And it may change from project to project.
To help you figure out what’s right for you, I’ve developed a Writer Unboxed-exclusive, not-so-scientific, three-stage plan for getting the most out of Scrivener without getting overwhelmed. It’s what I preach to my private students and in my workshops, and I hope you find it useful for learning anything new.
1. Start by learning the basics so you can at least use Scrivener to write.
This requires a little time and discomfort upfront, but you’ll be better able to judge Scrivener’s value if you can actually use it. To get started, check out the free tutorial that comes with the software, but don’t worry about memorizing everything or even finishing the tutorial right now. Think of it as a nice introduction to what Scrivener can do, not something you must commit to memory before you can start working.
2. Learn the features that got you excited to switch to Scrivener in the first place.
Maybe it was the Corkboard for storyboarding, maybe it was tracking your progress, or maybe it was just being able to see the structure of your story in the Binder as you build it. Whatever it was, learn those functions as soon as possible so you’ll be able to get what you wanted out of Scrivener in the first place and be happy with your choice to switch .
3. Add more tools to your repertoire as your comfort level builds, or as needs dictate.
It’s good to focus only on what you need so Scrivener doesn’t become a distraction from what really matters: writing. But, it’s also helpful to know what Scrivener can do so that when you want a capability, you already know there’s a solution. Honestly, if you think it should exist, there’s a 91% chance (totally made up number that reflects my anecdotal experience) that it does exist.
In my blog posts, workshops, and classes, I try to highlight what I think are the most useful features. Not so you feel like you have to know/use all of them—I sure don’t—but so you know they exist in case you ever want them.
Avril didn’t find color coding helpful in her past projects, but what if her next one requires her to submit and then edit portions of the manuscript while she’s still writing other chapters? A quick visual aid for the status of each section might save her sanity. (I speak from experience.)
So, stage 3 is for those who say, “I’ve been using Scrivener for months/years, and I like it, but I know I’m not using it to its full potential.” (I hear this a lot.)
Now What?
Hopefully, my oh-so-official-looking three-stage approach provides you with a recipe for avoiding the overwhelm that comes with learning anything new.
As far as Scrivener goes, those at any stage can benefit from the free tutorial that comes with the software (Help>Interactive Tutorial), as well as the video tutorials on Literature & Latte’s website (Help>Video Tutorials). Their forum (Help>User Forums) is also good place to get help with specific scenarios or to check if certain behavior is a bug.
In addition, you can find a comprehensive list of my Scrivener blog posts on my website.
So, hit me with your Scrivener questions. How can I help?
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About Gwen Hernandez
Gwen Hernandez is the author of Scrivener For Dummies, Productivity Tools for Writers, and the “Men of Steele” series (military romantic suspense). She teaches Scrivener to writers all over the world through online classes, in-person workshops, and private sessions. Learn more about Gwen at gwenhernandez.com.
Thanks Gwen…these points are excellent. I’m still playing with a few features, and for the time being, set aside others. I’ve written five books in my middle-grade series on it and love it! Your words are so true as I found myself playing with it too much, trying to puzzle through steps I realized I’d probably never use, pouring through the help guide…it can get overwhelming! Or not…I’ve learned to chill and enjoy 😂
Thanks, Brenda! Sounds like you have a great approach. So glad to hear you’re loving writing with Scrivener. Stay chill! 😄
This is a timely blog post, Gwen. I’ve been using Scrivener since I took your online classes years ago. And I’m very comfortable using the Windows version that I use now. It does what I need Scrivener to do. I’ve been wondering if I can skip the Windows 3 upgrade when it releases. I truly don’t want to have to learn a new way of doing things. I don’t use the corkboard. I use the outliner. It gives me the breakdown I need and the word counts. Very helpful for my process.
Great, Barbara! I do recommend eventually upgrading to version 3. It’ll be half price since you’re a current user, and the core of the new version is the same, with the exception of Compile. I have a free mini course that points out the changes for Mac, and I’ll do one for Windows when it comes out. You’ve had a preview of what’s in store with some of my posts last year.
Anyway, I’m partial to the Outliner too, especially for viewing and changing metadata across many files at once. I’m glad you’ve found what works for you!
I’m cheering you on! Your approach is the one I took when I started using Scrivener years ago and it worked better than I could have hoped. Over time I’ve added one feature after another as the need arose. Scrivener gets a bad rap for being too complicated (don’t get me started on comparing it to Word). Unfortunately, I become tongue-tied with excitement when trying to describe what I love about Scrivener. Thankfully, there are people like you.
Glad to hear it, Christina! I totally understand the tongue-tied feeling when I get excited. I’m much better in revision. ;-) Thanks!
I use Scrivener in outline mode so I can see the pieces/parts of my manuscript and my progress. The templates are wonderful too, including the ones I’ve built myself.
I don’t use the corkboard at all and rarely use split screen. Since I’m using a PC and we still don’t have Scrivener 3 available, I find the compile feature quite clunky. I typically export to Word and then I use other software and D2D to do my conversions. Hopefully Scrivener 3 will make creating great looking, well formatted .mobi and .epub files much easier.
Thanks for sharing, Anne! I always enjoy learning how others use Scrivener. It’s best feature is its flexibility.
Compile in Scrivener 3 still has a lot going on, but I think once you understand it, it’s pretty slick. Fingers crossed for the Windows upgrade soon!
I have your book, Scrivener for Dummies, in e-format. Because I don’t reference it often enough on my computer, I’d like a paper copy. You may have answered above. Though I’m using S3, does most of the book still apply? Is Scriverner 3 for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez coming next week lol? Thank you.
Hi, J.D. The main concepts of the book still apply, but of course the new stuff is missing and some things have moved or look slightly different. The compile section is the biggest change. There’s no S3 for Dummies in the works though.
You might check out my free class for those transitioning from S2 to S3. It discusses what’s new and where things moved to, and includes a downloadable cheat sheet that shows old menu items and their new location. You can find it at ScrivenerClasses.com. Thanks!