Monday, July 27, 2020

Why I Love Scrivener - The Basics

I'm been asked multiple times about Scrivener and why it works for me, so I thought I'd put together a few posts. Hopefully, they're helpful!

I don't use the whole range of tools in Scrivener but I've found that MANY of the features really work for my brain. This program has saved my sanity and my stories on many occasions.

When I first tried out Scrivener, I had a completed first draft that needed a lot of work  (rewriting and reorganizing). I tried to copy and paste this story into the program and then rework it from there. This was a big mistake for me. I found the whole thing confusing. But so many people loved the program, I decided to try it for my next fresh story. And this is when I fell in love!

Scrivener is organized into folders and files. These are my organizing units.

Inside my First Draft Folder, I put in another folder for each chapter. Inside each chapter folder are two files. One for the scene from the female pov, the other for the male pov.

In the sidebar (called Binder), I can right-click and change the names of both the files
and folders. I use titles for my chapters (in this case hashtags), so I put these right in the binder. I don't use titles for scenes, so instead, I put brief reminders of what the scene contains (ditch, anderson, lesson...). This makes it incredibly easy to find the right scene when I want to double-check on something or when I want to revise/edit.

The screenshot shows a glimpse of the binder for Reaching For Normal. You can see that each scene also has a coloured dot. That dot tells me quickly whether the scene is from Myla's or Sawyer's pov. Yes, the colours are stereotypical but it's just a reference.

You can change the colours and the reasons for the dots. I like them for pov but you could use them to indicate whether a scene is an action scene or a contemplative scene, set the colours for locations or settings, or whatever you like. It's easy to change the labels and colours.

This screenshot shows the Info section. Well, it's actually called Inspector, but I think of it as Info. The blue button at the top shows/hides it. At the bottom where it shows Myla in pink is where you click to change colours/names for the dots in the above screenshot.

At the top of this screenshot, you can see the index card synopsis of the scene. You can put whatever you like here. I use it for notes on goals for each character, main conflict, stakes for each, and the Cymbal Crash. This is the way the end of the scene hooks the reader to keep reading (a tip from Libbie Hawker's Take Off Your Pants book).

I don't use the Notes section very often, but it's a good place to keep my Add/ Change/ Remove notes as I'm reading through the draft.

I tend to keep these in another file, but I'll get into that and the reasons for it in another post.

At the bottom, you can see No Status. This is for more organized and visual brains than mine.

The small screenshot shows the labels you can attach to your chapter or scene. The Edit button at the bottom allows you to change those labels to whatever you'd like. This can be colour-coded as well.

How about you? Do you use writing software or word documents? Can you think of any other uses for the colour coding? Any requests for topics within Scrivener for me to discuss?



Thursday, July 23, 2020

Bloo Moose On The Road with Mason Canyon Part 2!

Mason Canyon over at Thoughts in Progress is reviewing the Bloo Moose romances today! Hope you can pop over and see what she has to say!



Reaching For Normal
She’s no damsel in distress. 
He’s no Prince Charming.  
But if they don’t team up it won’t 
be only wolves that’ll be dying.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.    
Apple.     Kobo.    Google Play.
Barnes and Noble.    Goodreads.    


 Reaching For Risks
One Reno List for the B&B. 
One Risk List for herself. 
One sexy retailer who should be 
the last one she wants.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.   
Apple.    Kobo.     Google Play
Barnes and Noble.     Goodreads.    



 Reaching For Everything
Love means nothing in tennis.
Can he prove to her that 
love means everything in life?
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.   
  Apple.     Kobo.     Google Play
Barnes and Noble.    Goodreads.    

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Bloo Moose On The Road with Mason Canyon!

Bloo Moose is visiting Mason Canyon today - hope you'll stop by and visit!

It's also Release Day so Bloo Moose is officially out in the world!!!


Reaching For Normal
She’s no damsel in distress. 
He’s no Prince Charming.  
But if they don’t team up it won’t 
be only wolves that’ll be dying.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.    
Apple.     Kobo.    Google Play.
Barnes and Noble.    Goodreads.    


 Reaching For Risks
One Reno List for the B&B. 
One Risk List for herself. 
One sexy retailer who should be 
the last one she wants.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.   
Apple.    Kobo.     Google Play
Barnes and Noble.     Goodreads.    



 Reaching For Everything
Love means nothing in tennis.
Can he prove to her that 
love means everything in life?
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.   
  Apple.     Kobo.     Google Play
Barnes and Noble.    Goodreads.    

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Chrys Fey: Keep Writing With Fey

My friend Chrys Fey has a new book out!!



Catch the sparks you need to conquer writer’s block, depression, and burnout!

When Chrys Fey shared her story about depression and burnout, it struck a chord with other writers. That put into perspective for her how desperate writers are to hear they aren’t alone. Many creative types experience these challenges, battling to recover. Let Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer's Block, Depression, and Burnout guide you through:

ï        Writer's block
ï        Depression
ï        Writer's burnout
ï        What a writer doesn’t need to succeed
ï        Finding creativity boosts

With these sparks, you can begin your journey of rediscovering your creativity and get back to what you love - writing.


BOOK LINKS:

Amazon / Nook / iTunes / Kobo


AUTHOR’S NOTE:
When I shared my story about depression and writer’s burnout, I received many emails, comments, and Facebook messages from other writers thanking me for my bravery and telling me about their own trials. That really put into perspective for me how many people suffer from depression and/or burnout in silence. I had no idea those individuals were impacted by these things, just as they hadn’t known that I was, because my outward presence to others was always happy and smiley and bright.
After the supportive response and upon realizing how many writers in my online circles were struggling, too, I wanted to do something to help. I was candid with my experiences and blogged about the things that assisted me through the rough times in the hope that it would aid others.
During this time, I recognized the need for writers to receive support, guidance, tips, reminders, and encouragement during their writer’s block, depression, and burnout. That’s how I got the idea for this book. A book not just about depression or only about writer’s block, but both, and much more.
Since you have picked up this book, that means you may need assistance with one or all of these areas, and I sincerely hope you find what you need here…that tiny spark to get you through whatever you are going through.
As always, keep writing.
Keep believing.
Keep dreaming.
Chrys Fey


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chrys Fey is the author of Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication. She is also the author of the Disaster Crimes series. Visit her blog, Write with Fey, for more tips on how to reverse writer’s burnout. https://www.chrysfey.com/ 

***
Good luck with the book, Chrys - it's going to help a lot of people!!

How about you? Anyone looking for help with one of the topics Chrys is addressing?
Have you struggled with burnout? I faced it when we were first dealing with Mom's dementia. It took a long while to get my feet under me again.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Bloo Moose On The Road with L. Diane Wolfe & Lynda Young!

Bloo Moose is visiting L. Diane Wolfe and Lynda Young today!
I hope you'll stop by and visit!


Reaching For Normal
She’s no damsel in distress. 
He’s no Prince Charming.  
But if they don’t team up it won’t 
be only wolves that’ll be dying.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.    
Apple.     Kobo.    Google Play.
Barnes and Noble.    Goodreads.    


 Reaching For Risks
One Reno List for the B&B. 
One Risk List for herself. 
One sexy retailer who should be 
the last one she wants.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.   
Apple.    Kobo.     Google Play
Barnes and Noble.     Goodreads.    



 Reaching For Everything
Love means nothing in tennis.
Can he prove to her that 
love means everything in life?
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.   
  Apple.     Kobo.     Google Play
Barnes and Noble.    Goodreads.    

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

IWSG, Audio, and Diversity

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

IWSG badge


Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!


***
July 1 question - There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

I think audiobook sales are going to continue to increase. From my years of teaching, I know many people enjoy audiobooks. Way back when I started teaching, this wasn't an option. I read many, many books into cassette tapes for students. Sadly, my Tigger Brain can't focus on audiobooks - I'd rather create them than listen to them.

Hmmm, maybe that's the next thing to learn! I've always loved reading aloud to kids in class!


I'd love to see more diverse authors writing and publishing. I'd love for all voices to be heard and read (and listened to!). I'd really love to see this trend in books for kids (picture books, MG, and YA). Every child should be able to find multiple fabulous books that reflect his/her/their experience.

I'd also love to see more picture books with two or more languages showcased. With so many new Canadians coming to our country not speaking English, French, or an Indigenous Language, we need to have good books that include their languages as well. I would also like to see dual/multi-language books in chapter book style. Left page = Language 1 (or 1/2), Right page = Language 2 (or 3/4).

How about you? Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? Would you buy books showcasing multiple languages?




Photo by Hannah Wrighton Unsplash

Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canucks!!