Scrivener: Programmed for Writers

For desktop and laptop there are two top writing software. One is Word, the other is Scrivener. If you participated in Nanowrimo, chances are you have already heard of Scrivener. Great news, it’s not just for Mac now! Although the Windows version still has a bit of catching up to do, it still has some fantastic features to allow you to write how you want. This is probably the easiest to use program. At just $40 it’s one of the most affordable programs out there.

http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php

I think The Doctor’s explanation about time works well with writing too. Writing is not a linear progression as Word would have you work, but a wibbly wobbly ball of events… Well, you get my drift. Scrivener is like a companion’s first trip in the TARDIS, suddenly you see everything so much clearer! And yes, it’s bigger on the inside.

I hear from a lot of writers that the main reason they don’t use Scrivener is because it seems to complicated. It is so not complicated. Sure it has a lot of bells and whistles, but when you get right down to the basics of the program, it is easier than working with Word. Like any program, it takes a few days to get accustomed to, but after taking about 20 minutes to go through the tutorial, you will wonder why you never tried it sooner. Want Scrivener to do more than the tutorial shows? No problem! There is a fantastic Scrivener For Dummies book that has all of Scrivener’s best tricks.

Here are some of the goodies Scrivener has to offer:

The Binder

On the left hand side is a Binder holding all your folders and text pages. With just a click you can jump around your manuscript making changes as needed. Say you wrote a scene, but realize now it should be in another chapter. It’s an easy fix. Just drag the page to your desired location and drop it in. The Binder is fantastic at keeping your manuscript organized so you can just write.

The Corkboard

No more piles of index cards cluttering your writing space. Now they sit beautifully on your screen and can be arranged however you choose.

Duel Screen

Say you are writing, but need to refer to another part of your manuscript. Duel screen allows you to have two pages on screen.

Project Targets

This is a dandy for staying on track with your writing goals. Simply set up your word target and it keeps track of how close you are on you goals. Perfect for Nanowrimo!

Compile

The Compile feature allows you to export your writing to a variety of formats including Word, epub, kindle formats, RTF, PDF,and many more. This feature makes turning you manuscript into an ebook easy peasy! I use it to send my writing to my critique partners. They love being able to just drop the file onto their reading device and read anywhere.

Automatic Save

Oh yes, it saves! Every change you make to your document is automatically saved. Gone are the days of spazzing when your computer decides to shut down suddenly. Gone are the days of forgetting to save every few minutes so a random power outage wont eat your hard work. With scrivener, you don't have to worry about loosing your work to a button pushing toddler!

The list of features goes on and on! I highly suggest you head over to Literature and Latte and check out the features page. While there you can download the free trial and try Scrivener for yourself.

It’s a program for writers, by writers. Worth giving it a try.

P.S. I just read that the Nanowrimo trial version is available for download now. You can test Scrivener for free from now until December 7th. Also, anyone who completes 50,000 words for Nanowrimo will get 50% off the purchase price of Scrivener and all others participating in Nanowrimo that do not complete 50k will get 20% off purchase price.

Amy McBay is a proud military wife, a devoted mother of a beautiful daughter and adorable son, pack Alpha to two loving dog companions, and servant to an amorous cat. Her world is full of werewolves, pixies, dragons, angels, demons, ghosts, and vampires. 

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