Alphabet Series Writing Tips – S is for Scrivener

S is for Scrivener, and I could rant and rave about this program forever. I actually already have, in a previous blog. So, before I get into this blog, go check that one out! It’s going to cut the size of this blog in half, so make sure that you read it before you continue on!

CLICK HERE FOR SCRIVENER BLOG

Ahem. Now then, in the blog above, I explained a lot of the functions and features that Scrivener entails. The simple fact is, the program is everything that you could want, as far as being able to write/organize/keep everything in one place. My outline is happening in the same document as my story.

I’m currently working on rewrites for my NaNoWriMo 2013 novel, Cerulean Darkness. Because of Scrivener and it’s ability to do a split screen of documents, I am able to have the chapter that I’m rewriting pulled up directly beside the new chapter, and it makes the rewriting process so much easier than it would be if I had the story on a different document.

I can still pull up my references – I still have my note cards. Scrivener has a function to allow you to take notes on the chapter; I used this function when I was working on my first round of soft edits, and it has many of the points highlighted that I want to change during this rewrite. The simple fact of the matter is, Scrivener has functionality and flexibility to make using it as your dominate writing program, especially for novels, something that I would recommend to everyone.

I’m not saying that you have to use Scrivener for everything. I actually use Googledocs for most of my fanfics – unless they turn into behemoth long ones. My rule of thumb is that if something has a complex outline, and I need to take notes, actually plot it out, make character notes, etc… I use Scrivener. I always use Scrivener for novels. It’s honestly changed the way that I write, and my capability to complete a novel, and do so in a neater and more organized fashion than in the past. The fact that my chapters can be separated into different documents, so that I can easily flip back and forth and reference, while simultaneously being able to take notes?

Honestly, I could reiterate in a dozen different ways all of the reasons that you should check Scrivener out. It has a 30 day trial, and if you win NaNoWriMo or Camp NaNoWriMo, you get a coupon for 50% off of the program. That’s only $20 bucks. It’s a one time fee – there is no subscription, there is no having to buy copious licensing for different machines. Buy one copy of Scrivener, and you can put it on as many computers as you own.

Buy one copy of Scrivener, and you can honestly change the way that you write. Trust me – at least try it out! Camp NaNoWriMo starts July 1st (and I will be blogging my progress). It’s the perfect opportunity for you to give Scrivener a try, if you haven’t already! You won’t regret it!

If you have any questions about the program, or need any help, there are dozens of great tutorials on youtube. Also, I’m always open to answering questions about it. I truly believe that Scrivener is a must have tool for writers, and I will happily do everything that I can to help you understand and utilize it for all that it’s worth!

So, that’s all for my Scrivener rant, though I could keep going, trust me! I’ll see you for the letter T! If you have any questions about Scrivener, suggestions for letters T-Z, or anything else, just leave me a comment below! I love getting feedback and hearing from you all!

Until then, keep reading and writing!

Author Amanda McCormick

Twitter | Patreon | NaNo Page | Tumblr

When You Don’t Blog

… because you aren’t sure what to blog about. I try to get useful blogs out there, and sometimes I just feel like I’m running in circles for a topic. (I notice this is when I feel a little less inspired to write in general.) Anyway, I’m going to be doing another blog tonight ( My writing challenge ), I just wanted to go ahead and write this. ^_^ If you guys want to suggest ANY topics for me to touch on, whether it’s a certain novel, a writing tip/trick/advice, a movie review, some creative story, scrivener tutorials, anything at all, just let me know! I always love hearing from you!

-Author Amanda McCormick

Patreon | Twitter 

A Patreon

So, I’ve decided to go ahead and make myself a patreon. I’ve had a few people telling me how I should do it for a while now… so I figured, what the heck? Even if I only make a dollar a month… that’s a dollar that I didn’t have before! Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about doing this just yet… but I knew if I didn’t go ahead and DO it, I wouldn’t be able to figure out how I felt about it. I think that all writers deserve to make a living doing what they love, honestly. If I get enough money off of this, I’ll be putting it into helping other people do the same.

I will copy/paste the content that I am using here, and then I’ll probably do a follow-up blog tomorrow of how I feel about having launched it! So… enjoy below the content of my Patreon!   (CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ACTUAL SITE!)

 

 

—

Hey there, my name is Amanda! I’ve been writing for well over a decade – it seems like I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember.

It is what I do. It’s what I am passionate about. I want, more than anything in this world to tell you a story that will burn into your mind and keep you on the edge of your seat. If I can bring you a moment of joy, then I’ve done my job. This Patreon page was created so that I could continue to do just that!

Four years ago, I left my home and everything that I owned in Kentucky and moved to California – things here have been fantastic. When I moved here, I started a commission business, and I’ve been running that steadily… but I want more now. I want to create my own content. I want to share my dreams made tangible by way of story with the world! You can help me do that – you can help me live my dream.

Any amount of monthly donation that you make will grant you access to my monthly content. I promise to upload the following:

• One Chapter from the two novels that I have a current copywrite on and am in the process of editing for publication! (Either a Fantasy called Cerulean Darkness or a Zombie Apocalypse novel entitled Limbo.)
• At least One short story of my own creation (and your suggestion!)
• I will also put up at least one blog post per week on my blog, located Here. These blogs posts give writing advice, writing tips, writing tricks, writing prompts, and just general discussion. I also include creative writing here, so it’s double your rewards, double your fun!
• When goals are met, I will also post one vlog a week, either reading some of my creative writing content or talking about writing tips, tricks, and strategy.

Your support honestly means the world to me – you are making it possible for me to continue doing what I love, what I dream of, and what I truly feel I was put on this earth to do. I’m here to bring you joy, laughter, sadness, tears, emotion. Will you help me do that for the world?

Pledge $1.00 or more per month

$1 will gain you access to my Creative Writing, Novel, and all other offered content!

Pledge $3.00 or more per month

$3 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! When my novel is finished, I will email you a PDF version of it, as well as PDF of any short story you would like!

Pledge $5.00 or more per month

$5 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! When my novel is finished, I will email you a PDF version of it, as well as PDF of any short story you would like! You will also gain early access to the novel chapters as I work on them!

Pledge $10.00 or more per month

$10 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! When my novel is finished, I will email you a PDF version of it, as well as PDF of any short story you would like!You will also gain early access to the novel chapters as I work on them! You will also have a mention/thank you in my blog each week! With this, you will also have the ability to request/suggest the next idea for my short story. Though I can’t promise to get to everyone immediately, all ideas will be taken into consideration!

Each person who meets this reward tier will also have a mention in my novel if/when published!

Pledge $20.00 or more per month

(Limited 25 of 25 left)

$20 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! When my novel is finished, I will email you a PDF version of it, as well as PDF of any short story you would like! You will also gain early access to the novel chapters as I work on them! You will also have a mention/thank you in my blog each week! With this reward, I will also have a 15 minute Skype conversation with you, whether you want to simply chat, get help with your own writing, or question me about mine!

Each person who meets this reward tier will also have a mention in my novel if/when published!

Pledge $50.00 or more per month

(Limited 10 of 10 left)

$20 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! You will also gain early access to the novel chapters as I work on them! You will also have a mention/thank you in my blog each week! With this reward, I will also have a one-hour Skype conversation with you per month, whether you want to simply chat, get help with your own writing, or question me about mine!

Each person who meets this reward tier will also have a mention in my novel if/when published!

Pledge $100.00 or more per month

(Limited 5 of 5 left)

$100 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! You will also gain early access to the novel chapters as I work on them! You will also have a mention/thank you in my blog each week! With this reward, I will also have 2 one-hour Skype conversations with you per month, whether you want to simply chat, get help with your own writing, or question me about mine!

This reward will also grant you the ability to have a 4 hour RP Session with me once a month, writing about whatever you would desire!

Each person who meets this reward tier will also have a mention in my novel if/when published!

Pledge $250.00 or more per month

(Limited 2 of 2 left)

$250 will grant you access to all Patreon content, as well as a follow and thanks on my twitter (with over 700 followers!) at least once per month! You will also gain early access to the novel chapters as I work on them! You will also have a mention/thank you in my blog each week! With this reward, I will also have a weekly one hour Skype session with you each month, whether you want to simply chat, get help with your own writing, or question me about mine!

This reward will also grant you the ability to have a 4 hour RP Session with me once a month, writing about whatever you would desire!

Each person who meets this reward tier will also have a mention in my novel if/when published!

November Wrap up and December Plans

So, National Novel Writing Month has come to an end. It was a great experience, and I have to say that I love this time of year so much! (Even if my husband misses me.)

I was pretty pleased with my effort. I managed to get 62,000 words – it’s not as much as last year… but then again, I also had to start over half way through so that I could change my perspective from third to first. Honestly though, I love NaNo, and I love everything that it stands for.

I always make at least 1 or 2 new friends during NaNo, and I really do think that’s one of the most important things for a writer. Having people who understand, who will encourage you? You can’t get anything better than that.

Honestly though, I’m really excited for the months to follow. I will be finishing up my NaNo novel through December, and then I’m going to pick either Limbo or Cerulean Darkness to edit… it’s time for me to at least try to get published, hm? Maybe I’ll post snippits from both and have you guys help me to decide! Honestly, I just like having a goal set… and I think that I should be able to get Limbo done this month! I’m excited! Expect little parts of it posted!

Also, I was thinking of doing another Scrivener tutorial for how I do my novels – I’ve had a lot of people ask? What do you guys think?

So… how was NaNo for you all? How many words did you get? What was the best part?

And honestly, I wanted to take this moment to congratulate everyone on how much they’ve gotten written. This month isn’t just about winning… think of how many words we finished together? Go us!

Until next time, keep reading and writing!

Author Amanda McCormick