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Scrivener Simplified: Your Beginner’s Guide to Writing Smarter, Episode 53

  • Writer: Donna Carbone
    Donna Carbone
  • Aug 27
  • 2 min read
Photo: Three graphics that include Scrivener screens.
Photo: Three graphics that include Scrivener screens.

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!


Video: Broadcast of Authors Talking Bookish, Episode 53

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


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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