It works fine, but I’d rather have an easy in-house system. I had to go onto the internet and find a tutorial, which showed me how to sync Scrivener with Dropbox. Mac users get an easy ‘sync to’ button and then can choose. It’s crucial for writers to be able to feel that their work is saved in all the places they want it saved. No Sync for Windows: I know I mentioned it above, but I find the lack of a sync button a major oversight. However, beware tutorials, as almost ALL the ones I’ve found focus on the Mac version, leaving you looking for drop down menus that don’t exist – gah! That said, the basic package is there and still worth the entry fee. And from what I gather there are other flashy things that we still don’t have for Windows. The lack of a ‘sync’ button to synchronise your files in one click is a bit annoying for non-Mac users. The Windows version is like the poor cousin with a few teeth missing and maybe an opposable thumb. Optimised for Mac not Windows: A warning to Windows users – the bells and whistles version of Scrivener is designed for Mac. I’d say it’s worth the Sunday afternoon I dedicated to getting started with Scriv.
The good news is, it’s fairly easy to learn the basics and then you can delve deep or not, as you prefer. This is one features heavy software package. Learning Curve: Scrivener comes with a lengthy tutorial and you will need it. And I’ve only just discovered it.Ĭompiles Manuscript: Once you’ve finished writing, you can hit the compile button and it will stitch your document together into a final manuscript, complete with cover sheet and page numbers or convert it into a format for e-publishing or posting on the web. At the end of a session, I can see how much closer I am to my target – for a word count addict like me, it’s gold. This is great for me because I like to hit a certain word count each session and Scrivener keeps tabs for me. Session Target: I like the fact that I can set an overall project target and a session target. No need for other software packages to be open. This allows you to see a certain aspect of your story at a glance and make sure a character or plot line isn’t taking over.Įverything in One Place: You can keep all those links, images for your characters and locations, sound files and research in one place. It’s a great way to get an overview of your WIP without laying index cards on the living room floor (I have done that).Ĭolour Coding: Scrivener lets you add coloured tabs to your index cards, which can be assigned to certain characters, locations or sub plots etc. You can also add blank cards watermarked ‘to do’ for scenes you haven’t written yet. Each chapter and scene has its own virtual index card you can add notes to. If you don’t like index cards, then Scrivenerĭoes them automatically, so you don’t have to. Virtual Cork-board: If you like index cards, then this could be for you. And you don’t have to give your card details to get the free trial, so it’s a real try before you buy deal.
If you only use it once a week, you’ll get it for 30 weeks, as it only counts the days you use it.Īffordable: Once you do take the plunge, Scrivener only costs $40 (£25) for the Windows version and $45 (£27) for the Mac version. The trial doesn’t start ticking down the moment you download it. So, nearly one year on, here are my thoughts on the pros and cons of Scrivener.ģ0 Day Free Trial: If you’re not sure, just give Scrivener a go for 30 days realtime. I edited the paper manuscript and then transferred the remaining scenes into Scrivener, ready to start draft 2. I started using Scrivener for my WIP, after I finished draft one in April 2013. Or you may just be an outliner who wants one software package with the planning benefits of Excel and the writer-friendly features of Word, in one place – that’s Scrivener. If you like to write on the go, but don’t want to lug around bundles of paper and books bristling with post-it notes, then Scrivener could be for you.Īlternatively, you may be a discovery writer (or pantser) who secretly wishes they could organise their writing. Scrivener is a piece of software that’s been designed with writers in mind and includes a number of features many will find invaluable. You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed …you take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.
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