Lesson Learned

Scrivener is what I use...now...for all my writing projects. I didn't want to at first but not because I had heard anything negative.No, I just didn't want to purchase any new software. I tried to organize a world-building project in excel and word and hoped my struggles were a function of inexperience, not stupidity. I could clearly see the need I had. Well, I could clearly see the project was stalled and, I feared that I had lost several great ideas. No one likes rework.

My frustration sent me back to find something that I could use to organize my thoughts. I spent days searching for "something else." The days turned into weeks. I still stayed away from Scrivener. I read everything I could about many different systems. I tried several different freeware, and trial versions of the alternative software available. I kept seeing, at a high frequency, reviews stating "most authors don't use all the functionality afforded". To me, that screamed not user-friendly. But I also saw that it was in the top three of almost every article I read.

Soon weeks had turned into months. I had begun trying to put together my own software. If you can't find what you need you just make it right? My head is extremely hard but after a time I saw that the learning curve was too great for me to continue on that path. Being a rational person, I finally had the realization that there is probably a reason "everyone" but I was using "it". So I decided to give it a try,

I downloaded the trial and committed to learning the basics over the next few days. I didn't even finish the trial period before I purchased a copy for Windows 10. Installation was simple and the online video tutorials as well as the online guide provided by Literature & Latte (the company that produces it) were easy to follow and super insightful.

With time, one will "get" how it works and learn to ignore what they don't understand. For me, that translated into as I learned more about the craft of writing, I found that the software accommodated my expanding need with tools I didn't even know existed. It is truly the "complete package" in my eyes.

I wish I would have had it years ago for procedure writing. In all fairness, it does have a few limitations. But they are minor and greatly offset by the overall functionality. The ability to digitally store all your research in the same file and find what you need quickly. Then bring that research upon a sister screen right beside the scene you are working on is priceless. 

I also picked up Scrapple at the same time to capture notes and ideas. So far I have used it for everything but what I purchased it for. The website says that you can click and drag notes into Scrivener. I have not tried it but the process is simple and should work. It is drag and drop...how hard can it be?