When I received word the beta version for Scrivener for Windows was available, I thought, Oh god no.
I have this horrible habit of testing and sometimes purchasing various writing software. For the longest time I used Liquid Story Binder. It was best for my purposes and I felt it offer similar features as Scrivener. I do not have a Mac. I had no plans of buying a Mac unless my current computers died. Even then, I have years of work archived on a Window environment. The thought of converting all those files to a new system just wasn’t appealing. Also, LSB is a good program but complex, at times a little wonky. Nothing dramatic and I have never lost a file. The developer is awfully nice and he tries to satisfy the users adopting some of their doable suggestions.
I yearned to try Scrivener like many folks out there on the net. Had been drooling over this software for years. So I downloaded the software. Let it rest on my computer for a few days. Then loaded it up and went through the tutorial.
Scrivener is a beautiful piece of writing software. Using it is logical and flexible, allowing the writer to setup their own structure, whether it’s in the form of Acts, Chapters, and/or scenes. You really don’t have to label the structure but write as much text as you want under a specific title. Scrivener is feature rich with automatic setup for Drafts, Research, and the ability to establish as many folders as necessary. There’s a place to record a synopsis for the titled text. This Synopsis turns into an index card when you select the corkboard option. The program also offers a General section for labeling text and a Document section to record notes. Three views are available for viewing your text, Outline, Corkboard (index card,) and Text.
Since I’m a visual person, the best feature for me is ability to view an image as I write. This is done by splitting the screen either vertically or horizontally. One part can serve to refer to images, research data, or another piece of writing to help with continuity in your story. If you want to write without distraction, go full screen and let the background fade to black.
For more information about the Windows version of Scrivener, check out this link. And no, I don’t have any financial stake in this software. I just love sharing good things.
So do you think Scrivner is better than the other program you have? Ease of use is very important to me.
Hi Angie,
Thanks for stopping by.
Scrivener is one of the best writing tools out there. I have tried many writing software such as the very expensive Dramatic Pro. Scrivener allows you the writer to design the best writing method for your needs. It’s basic structure is the binder designed in an outline format. You can write chapters and scenes in small chunks or in large chunks. It will provide you the means to to breakup the chunk and reorganize it into chapters, parts, and scenes with ease.
It will never tell how to write. The software will not prompt you such as asking information about your characters. It will backup your work. Provide snapshots of text (chapters and scenes,) allow for viewing documentations and notes while you’re writing your document.
I went through the tutorial and started writing immediately.
I hope this helps.
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