Scrivener – for the writer in you

by Captain Walker

Categories: Technology

As ‘some’ may have realised, something is happening in the background. So, I’m sharing Scrivener which is a nifty piece of software – or an ‘app’ for those who like the new terminology. This post is not a software review. Before anyone goes there, I derive no pecuniary or other advantages (in the past, present or future) by presenting this information. This post does not mean that anyone has to become a writer?

What is

Scrivener is a powerful writing tool designed specifically for authors, offering an extensive suite of features to facilitate the process of writing, structuring, and compiling large and complex documents. Unlike standard word processors, Scrivener is tailored to the needs of novelists, researchers, screenwriters, and other long-form writers who require more organisational capabilities and control over their work.

Key Features of Scrivener:

  • Document Management: Scrivener allows writers to manage their work in a flexible and dynamic manner, supporting everything from the drafting and outlining phase to the final formatting. Writers can organise their work into manageable chunks, such as chapters or scenes, which can be easily rearranged.
  • Corkboard: This feature provides a virtual pinboard where each section of the text is represented as an index card. This visual tool enables authors to outline and structure their projects by moving cards around to experiment with different narrative structures.
  • Scrivenings Mode: This mode allows writers to view and edit multiple documents as a single continuous document, which is particularly useful for viewing a whole chapter or manuscript in one go.
  • Research Storage: Scrivener isn’t just for writing. It also acts as a repository for research, allowing users to store notes, images, PDFs, and web pages right alongside their drafts. This integration keeps all necessary materials in one place, easily accessible while writing.
  • Compile Feature: One of Scrivener’s standout features is its comprehensive compile function, which allows writers to export their work to various formats (e.g., DOCX, PDF, EPUB) while finely controlling the formatting and layout to meet specific publishing guidelines or personal preferences.
  • Templates and Formatting: Scrivener comes with various templates for different types of writing projects, such as novels, scripts, academic papers, and more. These templates provide a structured start, ensuring that formatting and setup are tailored to the specific needs of each project type.

Learn more

Learning more means spending time learning. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.

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Good video on how to get started with Scrivener.

Ideal For:

Scrivener is ideal for anyone engaged in a substantial writing project. Whether you’re drafting a novel, writing a blog post, scripting a film, crafting a research paper, or even organising complex information for business projects, Scrivener’s tools are designed to offer unparallelled support through every phase of writing and editing.

Why Writers Choose Scrivener:

Writers often choose Scrivener for its ability to handle complex writing projects that go beyond the capabilities of typical word processors. The ability to see parts of the manuscript in isolation or as a whole, the flexibility in organisation, and the powerful compilation tools make it a preferred choice for professionals who want to focus on crafting detailed and structured written work.

By providing a more focused and structured working environment, Scrivener helps writers maintain organisation and efficiency, significantly easing the writing process for projects that involve extensive drafting and revising.

What’s next?

It’s not for me to tell people what to do. If ‘some’ want to download and try the software for free then go and find it on the net. Obviously, the full unlimited version costs money. What you expect everything to be free?