woman with laptop

 

I was a WordPerfect girl for many years. Reveal codes could not be replaced when working with legal documents. Nothing Microsoft ever offered came close. I am well aware that Word has the ability to view codes as well. Sadly, they were never as easy to work with. I’ve taught classes on how to use Word, PowerPoint and Excel, so I know them well. And they are good. Not as good as the Word Perfect suite was, but good.

Yet, for writing a book not even WordPerfect can measure up to Scrivener. No, Scrivener doesn’t have the same exceptional word processing capabilities, but it is far superior to Word or any other software I’ve worked with when it comes to writing books. Why, you ask? Let me tell you.

1. Drag and drop scenes.

With Scrivener, I have the ability to easily drag and drop scenes into the order I want them. This allows me the freedom to write whatever scene my scattered brain is in the mood to write and reorder the scenes later.

2. Keep track of research.

I can easily pull my research into my project with Scrivener, where I can view it while I’m writing a scene.

3. Character sketches handy.

When I writing, I can easily add information to my character sketches, they are right there in a handy spot within my project so that I can drop in new information as I come up with it. I can even give them a special mask icon, to help me identify them quickly.

4. Split screen.

I can work in two screens at the same time, which means I can have a character sketch or research open while I’m typing a scene.

5. Compile is simple.

Anyone who has ever published a book with Word knows how difficult it is to get the formatting correct. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are with the software, it still has glitches. Not so with Scrivener. Formatting a book is as simple as filling in the fields that tell Scrivener what to include and how you want it displayed, then selecting the format you want the book in, and hitting the compile button. That easily, you have a ready to view book.

I may make it sound simpler than it is, but I am a software geek. Regardless, I cannot imagine life without Scrivener now that I have used it for a couple of books. I only wish I’d known about it when I published my non-fiction. I cannot imagine how much simpler compiling research for “Zebras of Hope” would’ve been if I had this software at the time.

Scrivener is offered at a discounted rate to NaNoWriMo Winners. They offer a free trial, so you have nothing to lose by trying it. Do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t regret giving this software a chance. In case you’re wondering, I have no affiliation with Literature and Latte, the makers of Scrivener and am sharing my honest opinion.

If you already use Scrivener, please share in the comments what your favorite feature is. If you don’t, share if you plan to try it or not.


Click to Tweet

Elle E. Kay shares Five Reasons to Use Scrivener

Shadowing Stella by Elle E. Kay book cover on a picture of the endless mountains on a foggy morning.

FREE eBook

Join Elle E. Kay's VIP Reader Club and receive a complimentary digital copy of her captivating romantic suspense novel, 'Shadowing Stella.' As a valued member, you'll be the first to know about her latest book releases, exclusive sales, freebies, and more. Sign up now and enhance your reading experience.

Congratulations! You've just taken the first step towards unlocking a world of thrilling reads. And as a member of our VIP Reader Club, you'll be the first to know about new releases, exclusive sales, and freebies. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.