Scriviner for Windows, a Review

So, I've been using Scrivener for Windows lately, and I have to say, it's pretty awesome. So, I've decided to dedicate this blog post to reviewing it.

The first thing to keep in mind is that Scrivener for Windows is still in beta, so not all of the bells and whistles that appear in it's Mac counterpart are available for this version. That said, so far, there is nothing I feel is truly missing from this program.

Let me start with the basics. It's a lot like any other word processor on the surface. It has a big white plan where you do the typing, it's got a spell checker, it does some basic editing. As for that part, it's really unimpressive. Not to say it's horrible, it does the job well, just as a word processor by itself, it doesn't do anything unique.

So, let's move onto the specifics that make this program worth while.

First, is the organizing features. This program allows multiple documents within one project, and this is a feature I love. Prior to using Scrivener, I would had at least five different documents dedicated to one WIP. Notes, character outlines, novel outline, the first draft, more notes. So, having one file to keep all of this is just amazing. But, beyond that, it's got a feature for keeping things organized in a way I never would have before.

For example, off to the left side is a series of folders with documents in it to help keep you straight. It keeps the Manuscript different from Research, which allows you to keep all the notes and extra documents you want without getting into the manuscript. Then, in the Manuscript area, you can keep each chapter in a different folder, and put each scene in it's own document. The best part about this, for me, is the ability to move scenes or chapters around without lots of editing. I don't know about you, but that feature blows me away.

Back to the Research folder for a moment. My favorite way of outlining novels is the Snowflake Method. Previously, I would have a whole folder dedicated to the three our four documents used in this method of outlining. Now, I can keep them all together in a Snowflake folder in the Research section of the project. And I can go back and edit and add new documents as needed without losing anything, or getting things lost. It's brilliant.

Another feature that Scrivener has that I really like is the cork board view. This is just like having a real cork board, so each document in a folder shows up as a card message. It allows you to put notes on the card so you know what happens in each scene, or each note page. It allows you move documents around easily by clicking and dragging, and really makes organizing really easy. It also has a feature that allows a stamp on each card that shows the current status of the document, from To Do to Done, including various Draft stages. It's probably the most unique feature of the whole program, and I am finding more useful as I go along.

Now, this is about as far as I have gone with the program myself, so there's lots of features I am skipping in this review, such as the compiling feature, or stuff you can do with in the Manuscript itself. I may do a second review when I get to those points.

In the mean time, I love this program, and will definitely be purchasing this when it goes live. I would highly recommend any writer using a PC to check this out, it's probably the best writing program I've used. So, give it a try. It's free in the Beta mode right now, so this is the prefect time.

Find it here, from Literature and Latte: http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivenerforwindows/

Monday Morning Update!

Monday Morning Update!

Well, I guess technically, it’s Monday afternoon. At least, it is here. But, I digress.

So, status updates for me. First, let me say that I had a good week, and an even better weekend. Very productive, I got some good writing done around my housework. My current WIP, an epic fantasy project I am tentatively calling The Final Days, now has two out of three character outlines as part of the Snowflake method of outlining. After I finish the last two, I have a slew of minor characters to do at least one paragraph on. I’m actually looking forward to this, it gives me an interesting perspective of the story to see it from different eyes, and it gives me some good insight into my characters. Also, it lets me know if their individual arc in interesting. For example, I just realized that these two characters that I have written up at this point are not being tortured enough. I need to ratchet things up for them, or at least keep that in mind when working on the actual story later. So, for this reason alone, Snowflake get’s a big thumbs up from me.

And now for the big news… submissions! Yes, I have submitted my novel to an agent, on Friday. That’s right, I actually followed through, and sent out a query letter to an agent on Friday. It was amazingly scary, hitting that send button, and this one will be particularly scary, because her website says she is so busy that if she’s not interested in my story, she just won’t respond. So, no news, in this case, is bad news. I just have to let it go and see what happens, I guess. And move onto the next submission. I’ve found a magazine that I think I want to submit one of my short stories too, maybe several. I’ll let you all know how this goes next week.

My weekend was also good for some other, non-writerly reasons. My wife, son and I all went to see a puppet show this weekend at the park. It was a little corny, but the boy liked it, and that’s all that matters. We have fun, and wandered around the park in the sun for a while. Also, I had some fun experimenting with some cooking this weekend. Not that I don’t cook, I’m the cook in my house, I just did some new things. I made a chili recipe that turned out FANTASTIC. I also made some cheesy, pizza pop-corn, that also was really good. And we ended Sunday with Sloppy Joes and cheese fries. All in all, a good food weekend.

One other thing before I go. I’ve been using Scrivener for Windows since the beginning of January, and I gotta say, this program is awesome. In my current WIP, I have all my notes, my outline and the manuscript all in one file. It’s fantastic. I think a full review may be coming on Wednesday. What I will say now is that I can’t wait for this bad boy to go live, so I can purchase it.

So, until next Monday, that’s my update.