I started with Scrivener about two years ago and used several tutorials to get started. I did a bunch of writing, research, character development, then stopped. I realized I wasn’t using Scrivener correctly, should have spent more time learning the software before jumping in, and everything is jumbled. I also stopped writing to focus on day job. I need to reboot now. I don’t know what my next step steps are. I downloaded an update and it looks like my stuff is still in the software. I need an another Scrivener training and should I copy the Scrivener and cut and paste everything into the correct areas to get going again? This is a barrier to rexstarting my story but it is a complex and long project and I need the tool to keep things straight. Lots of research andmixing around of scenes. What tutorial should I start with and should I restart with a blank template and cut and paste as I learn?
Hi EllenK, and welcome to the forum.
I’m not sure there is a “correct” way to use Scrivener. Certainly, there are some approaches that might work a bit better with some of its settings and tools. But, its design should let it be flexible enough to adapt to a user’s needs.
And, whether to start this project over again or spend some time reviewing and reorganizing it is really your choice.
I don’t plan my projects out, so I’m often splitting some documents, merging others, and rearranging a lot until I figure out which direction a project is going and what I need it to do. It’s a slower way of writing, but it’s how I work.
If you want to spend a little time learning about the program before you decide what approach to take with your project, you might start by viewing the Scrivener tutorial videos that are available from Scrivener’s Help menu. They’ll give you a general overview of the program and its features.
This is the link for the Windows tutorial videos but you might also find some of the Mac videos helpful as well.
From there, you could work through the Interactive Tutorial, which is also available from the Help menu. After that, our Outreach Specialist, Oliver, offers monthly webinars on using our software.
The upcoming webinar topics are available on this outreach webpage.
The videos from past webinars can be viewed on this webinar library webpage.
We also have our blog that offers some hands-on materials you can test out.
This is super helpful, Ruth. Thank you. Seems doable and straightforward. Good to have some next steps and resources. Phew!
I’m glad that feels a bit more manageable, Ellen.
If you run into other questions or concerns, the folks on the forum can be excellent resources.
Also, you can use the email links at the bottom of our contact us page to submit a help request to the tech support team.
My colleagues and I are always happy to help.