Oh sure, I understand what is conventional with dialogue, I was just a bit confused by the word “allow”, as that seemed to imply the software doesn’t even let you manually indent via the Ruler, or the Format ▸ Paragraph ▸ Tabs and Indents... menu command? If that’s the case, it might be a clue as to what is going on, but I’d have to think about it a bit.
That aside, one is free to do whatever they want in Scrivener. Many people prefer to work in double-spacing because it’s what they are used to. It’s not like Word or Pages where you have to have things formatted correctly in the creative writing environment. But that’s a major digression.
Whatever the case you are not looking at something typical; maybe even a bug. Here’s what I would try, you have this blank test project you created already, the one that is working fine. Open that project up alongside your main WIP, and drag and drop an inconsequential file from its binder, into the blank project’s binder. Or if you find it hard to get things arranged on the screen so that is easy to do, use the Documents ▸ Copy To Project submenu instead.
Now, in the blank test project, load up that file and try entering a few test lines in it. Is it still misbehaving? If so, great. Do this:
- Use the
File ▸ Back Up ▸ Back Up To...menu command. - Make sure Back up as ZIP file is ticked at the bottom of the file dialogue, and choose a name and handy location to save, like the Desktop.
- Click on my avatar to the top left of this post, and then the “Message” button. This will create a private conversation.
- Drag and drop the zipped copy of the project from your Desktop into the typing area to send a copy.
I’ll take a look at it and see what I can tell from it, and return with any advice.
Is it possible to take my compiled e.pub document and import it back into Scriviner?
Yes, and no, I suppose. You can, just like you can import just about anything including PowerPoint presentations. The question is whether it will be of any use to you there. It’s just going to be a research file that Scrivener can’t read itself—which is where some might say “no”.