Advice to writers: Use Scrivener
Hi there, everyone. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
As an author, I know firsthand the struggles and triumphs of self-publishing. It can be a daunting task to take on all the responsibilities of publishing, marketing, and distributing your own work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Today, let’s focus on the actual writing.
One thing that has helped me immensely in my self-publishing journey is Scrivener. If you're not familiar with it, Scrivener is a writing and project management tool specifically designed for writers. It allows you to keep all your notes, research, and drafts in one place, and it makes it easy to organize and rearrange your work as you go.
Here are three pieces of advice for self-published authors, based on my own experiences:
Use Scrivener to stay organized. As I mentioned, Scrivener has been a game-changer for me in terms of organization. With the tool, I can keep all my notes, research, and drafts in one place, and I can easily rearrange and reorganize my work as needed. I also love that I can have a window open with my manuscript, a window with a running list of characters, a window with an outline (with a brief summary of each chapter), and a project target window so I can keep track of my progress on the current day's work and on the project overall. It's made a huge difference in my work flow and has helped me stay on track and focused.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Self-publishing can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to do everything on your own. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals. Whether it's help with editing, formatting, or marketing, there are people out there who can make your journey a little easier. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Self-publishing can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to do everything on your own. It's easy to get caught up in the many tasks that need to be done, from editing and formatting to marketing and distribution. But don't be afraid to ask for help. There are people out there who can make your journey a little easier.
For example, you might consider hiring a professional editor to help you polish your manuscript. A good editor can help you catch typos, grammatical errors, and other issues that can distract from your story. They can also offer suggestions for improving the flow and clarity of your writing. If you're not sure where to find an editor, you can try reaching out to writing organizations or networking with other authors in your genre.
You might also consider hiring a book designer to create a professional-looking cover and layout for your book. A good book design can make a big difference in how your book is perceived by readers, and it can help you stand out in a crowded market. Again, there are many book designers out there, and you can find them through writing organizations, online directories, or referrals from other authors.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help with marketing and distribution. There are many ways to promote your book, from social media and email marketing to blog tours and book signings. But it can be tough to know where to start, especially if you're new to self-publishing. Don't be afraid to reach out to other authors or professionals for advice and guidance. They may have valuable insights or connections that can help you get your book out into the world.
Don't give up. Self-publishing can be a tough road, and it's not uncommon to face setbacks or challenges along the way. But don't let that discourage you. Keep going, even when things get tough. Remember why you started writing in the first place, and keep that passion and determination alive. It will be worth it in the end.
One thing that has helped me stay motivated is to remind myself why I started writing in the first place. What was it about writing that I loved, and what did I hope to accomplish with my work? When I hit a rough patch, I try to focus on those goals and remember what I'm working towards. It helps me stay focused and keep moving forward.
Another thing that has helped me is to surround myself with supportive people. This can include friends, family, or other writers who understand the ups and downs of the writing process. Having a supportive network can make a big difference in tough times, and it can help you stay motivated and inspired.
Finally, don't be afraid to take breaks when you need them. Writing is hard work, and it's important to take care of yourself. If you're feeling burnt out or stuck, it's okay to step away from your work for a little while and come back with fresh eyes. Just make sure to set a goal for when you'll return to your writing so you don't lose momentum.
Well, I'm happy to report that I've been working diligently on my latest manuscript (thanks in part to the advice I’ve offered above), and I'm now up to 30,000 words! It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm really excited about this project and can't wait for my readers to get their hands on it. As I posted in my last blog post, I started it the day of the Uvalde school shootings because I needed to escape into a fantasy world for a bit. Here’s a sneak peek:
My current manuscript in Scrivener.
One thing I've learned as an author is that writing is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time and dedication to craft a good story, and it's important to be patient and stick with it. That's why I try to set aside time every day to work on my writing, whether it's a few hours in the morning or a couple of hours in the evening. I find that having a consistent routine helps me stay focused and make progress on my projects.
As I mentioned earlier, I've also been using Scrivener to stay organized and on track. It's been a huge help in keeping all my notes, research, and drafts in one place, and it's made it much easier to move things around and see the big picture. If you're not already using Scrivener, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's an invaluable tool for writers. If you're interested in giving Scrivener a try, you can find more information and download the tool here: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview. Good luck, and happy writing!
And now for a little joke (this comes from my 9-year old) to end on a funny note:
Why was the math book sad?
Because it had too many problems.
I know, it's cheesy, but I couldn't resist. In the end, the most important thing is to keep going and never give up on your dreams. It may take time and effort, but the rewards of self-publishing are worth it. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep writing!
