Scrivener Simplified: Your Beginner’s Guide to Writing Smarter, Episode 53
- Donna Carbone
- Aug 27
- 2 min read

Ready to finally conquer Scrivener without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we’re breaking down the basics of Scrivener and showing you how to set up your first project like a pro. From organizing chapters to using the powerful Corkboard and Compile tools, we’ll help you unlock the features that make writing easier—and way more fun. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, Scrivener can streamline your process and keep your manuscript on track. Tune in for our best tips, real writer-tested advice, and the benefits that’ll make you wonder how you ever wrote without it!
SHOW NOTES:
1. What Is Scrivener and Why Writers Love It
A powerful writing software designed for long-form projects: novels, screenplays, nonfiction, etc.
Combines writing, outlining, research, and organization in one place.
Great for managing complex projects — especially useful during drafting and revisions.
2. Getting Started: Setting Up Your First Project
Walkthrough: Creating a new project and choosing a template (fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, etc.).
Tour of the interface: Binder/Table of Contents (sidebar), Editor (main writing space), and Inspector (metadata, notes, etc.).
How to create folders (for chapters) and text documents (for scenes or sections).
3. Key Features Writers Should Use
Corkboard and Outliner: Visual tools to rearrange and plan your story structure.
Split Screen: View research or notes alongside your draft.
Snapshots: Save versions of a scene before making big edits.
Compile tool: Export your manuscript in various formats (Word, PDF, ePub, etc.).
4. Top Benefits of Using Scrivener
All-in-one workspace: No more switching between docs and notes.
Flexible structure: Great for plotters, pantsers, or hybrids.
Customizable writing environment (distraction-free mode, themes, etc.).
Ideal for large projects: Easily navigate, reorganize, and revise.
5. Tips & Best Practices
Use labels and custom metadata for tracking POV, status, or timeline.
Backup regularly and use Scrivener's auto-save.
Take advantage of the free trial and watch a beginner tutorial video.
Start simple: you don’t need to master every feature right away.
Use the mobile app (iOS) for writing on the go.
*NOTE: We are not affiliated with Scrivener, but simply find it a useful tool for writers
SOURCES & LINKS
DO NOW:
Download the Free Trial for Scrivener to try it out. And use our SCRIVENER BASICS: FREE DOWNLOAD to get you started
Next Episode: Substack-What it is, why authors are using it and the basics of how to use it
Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com
Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/
Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
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