It’s only taken me five years, but I’m finally getting organized using Scrivener, the writing word processor for authors. You either love it or hate it. I LOVE it! It’s a powerful software and I’ve known for some time that I’m only using about half of its power.
My plans for this summer not only include doing some fun creative things to get the juices flowing, but also to become better organized so my first step was looking into templates and how they could help me better plot my stories.
What is Scrivener?
It’s a writing software (one-time purchase, not an app) which helps you organize your writing. Why I switched early on from Word/Google docs is the ease in which Scrivener allows you to organize your work by chapters. Sometimes I need to move a chapter, and shuffle all the others following it, and I can easily do that using Scrivener.
It also provides a “corkboard” (see screenshot below) where you can see all your chapters with a short summary. These cards can be color coded to show scene, character POV, or the state the manuscript is in (rough draft, completed draft, published) etc…
It is a powerful program for authors, although sometimes its firepower intimidates users. I am not using it to its full potential so it’s on my summer to-do list to take a course or to watch instructional videos to learn more of what it can do.
My general writing set up using Scrivener
I’ve written 15 stories in Scrivener from start to finish with more unfinished drafts sitting in Scrivener folders. Over time I’ve come up with my own system of folders that I use from book to book.
My Set-Up folder includes high value material I’ll be referring to again and again. As I write the story it serves as my place to put things I usually repeat in a story such as a character’s hair color, or the furnishings in a room.
The Table of Contents (TOC) is generated in the compile so no need for that to be made into a folder.
In my Front Matter folder is my book cover, copyright statement, list of books I’ve written, and dedication.
The Back Matter folder usually includes my Acknowledgment, About the Author, Glossary/Appendix (like for terms, definitions, footnotes, timeline, family tree, map, list of characters etc…). I also include another reminder of my books using jpeg images. I can easily add these using Vellum.
If you want to do the same, I go with 2 ebook covers side by side for a total pixel size of 1054 w x 841 h as an image that is easy to work with (shown below):
Some folders are only visible to me, and they won’t be compiled into the final book for reader. These include: Art (where I put jpg files to be used in the book such as the ebook cover); Characters (a list with brief description so I can keep track of them); Places (description of rooms, houses, etc); Timeline; Cut Scenes (sometimes I would bring back material I discarded); and Research.
When writing the Madame Chalamet series moving the book bible (information about the world and its characters) from old book to new book became a big hassle! Luckily, I found One Stop for Writers and now use their online system to put together the “bible” for my series. I’ll write an article about One Stop another day.
In Scrivener, I used a brief cast list in a folder labeled for each book. More in-depth character profiles, I keep at One Stop for Writers.
This all helped me get organized but I wanted something more, so I went searching for Scrivener templates others were using.
Scrivener templates for writing
After downloading several different types and going though the files I picked the ones that I wanted to experiment with. One thing I noticed was they had folders that I had already made (front matter with copyright) so I deleted the dups and kept only folders that were ones new to me that I could use.
When using these templates – shape them to work for you! Don’t feel set in concrete about using them.
You’ll notice a folder on the left with a blackboard icon and the names in ALL CAPS of the templates. I combined them all into one master Byrd Scrivener template so I could experiment with them all in the same file as I start a new book.
NOTE: The screenshots below show an abbreviated version. I had trimmed them to fit ME, so what you download may have more folder files.
With each template I put together one document at the top that would include helpful links, and information about the template so I could reference it late (see below). This way I could go back to the source if I became confused or needed more information.
Save the Cat! Scrivener template
Of the templates I downloaded, Save the Cat! was the most detailed. The writing method of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody can be found at online booksellers in book form, and there is also an online writing course at the author’s website. The Scrivener template I downloaded was found here.
Or check out Jen Terpstra’s version which can be found at her website which I think is better fleshed out.
Thoughts on Save the Cat!
One reason I put off using Scrivener templates was because I thought they would interfere with my writing style. However, after diving into them, they are very simple outlines to help you with plotting and pacing. Such is Save the Cat!
Above is a screenshot of the folders I kept which go into a three act system (originally this method was for screenwriters), and a list of “beats.” Many authors are familiar with the beat, Call to Action, where the hero is asked to come on the mission. STC has a good list of these beats, especially helpful if you struggle with your book’s plot not going anywhere, and is aimlessly wandering around. Or if you find your story becoming boring.
STC is a solid system that can help you stay on track and helps you find the rhythm of the highs and valleys you need in a plot. If you find yourself puzzled with “what next?” this can guide you. Works well for beginner to experienced writers.
Plus: it is detailed with a solid framework and many supporting materials.
Con: it is too detailed for those who are already well on their way with writing their book.
K.M. Weiland Scrivener Template
K.M. Weiland has published many books on helping authors (which I also own) and she offers a Scrivener template she developed with Stuart Norfolk. I only found it available at one place online (here). It looks to be based on some of the STC ideas, but is highly expanded . Actually, it is packed with so much information that I would highly you start with this one if looking for an all-comprehensive template.
Thoughts on Weiland’s Scrivener template
Plus: Covers anything you need to know about to flesh out your novel. If you are the type who wants intricate backstories and details to your characters and plot this is the outline for you.
Cons: Finding it to download and having to go through Box to do so was an aggravation. I’m not sure why she doesn’t offer it on her website. Building the character profile I find easier at One Stop for Writers.
One Page Novel Structure Scrivener template
The One-page Novel structure Scrivener template I found super helpful. If you wanted to get started writing immediately or already have plenty of experience plotting, I highly recommend checking this one out for those who write short stories or novellas.
Thoughts on One Page Novel
Not as detailed as STC, One Page is more down and dirty, and is quickly accessible, which is why I liked it.
It gives the broadest outlines of how a plot moves through beats: Stasis, Trigger, Quest, Bolt, Shift, Defeat, Power, Resolution. If you haven’t worked with templates before, this would be a good starting point. Or if you have your story mostly written and just need a nudge to get going again.
Plus: will help you develop your character, quick and easy to get into. Has some good worksheets to figure out more about your character and their relationships with others, and how they fit in the plot.
Cons: lacks the firepower of STC. Would be best for short stories by beginners or for novels that just need a nudge. Worksheets have to be printed out and be filled out manually, which is a problem for me as I would prefer keeping everything on the computer so I’ll probably change this for my own use.
Cozy Mystery Scrivener template
Jennifer Mattern created a Mystery Scrivener template that really brings some help to those genre writers who use Scrivener. She also has some other templates and tools for Scrivener on this page. If this is the genre you write, I would definitely get the template! Highly recommended.
Thoughts on Mattern’s Mystery template:
As soon I started on this template I saw the high value it could offer me in keeping my information organized as well as provoking some ideas. Look at these great folders: Suspects, Secrets & Lies, Clues, Red Herrings, and Scene List! What is there not to love about this template?
Plus: each folder has specific details on how to use it so you can get it set up and get going almost immediately. Provides tables you can enter data (unlike the worksheets found in One Page.
Cons: In terms of plot pacing it doesn’t offer much but the other folders make it well worth it. Consider combining with either STC of No Nonsense.
Jami Gold Scrivener template
Romance writer Jami Gold has a Scrivener template that can help you even if you don’t write romance. On this page of her website she has lots more worksheets you can use to develop your story. Scrivener for romance writers can be found here, as well as another general Scrivener template here.
Thoughts on Jami Gold templates
Jami provides a LOT of free materials on her website to help you. That is probably the best asset of this template because the template itself only holds blank cards where you write information. Definitely check out her spreadsheets as I feel they offer more to the writer.
It gives a basic plot outline: Inciting Incident; End of the Beginning, Pinch point 1, Midpoint, Pinch point 2, Crisis, Climax, and End.
Plus: At her website Jami provides a lot of beat worksheets (usually in Excel spreadsheets) and other data to help authors. She is very generous with her energy.
Cons: I found the template uninspiring, and think the spreadsheets would be better for plotting.
No Nonsense Scrivener template
The No Nonsense Novel Scrivener template was developed by MG Herron. He also has a book Scrivener Superpowers for those who want to really dig into Scrivener. It focuses on his Six Core Competencies and Nine Point Outline.
Thoughts on No Nonsense:
The Six Core Competencies: Concept, Character, Theme, Structure, Scene Execution, and Writing Voice are easy to understand. But it strikes me more as a pre-planning stage not a writing stage of a story. Use this area to brainstorm and plan before writing.
Nine Point Outline: Hook, Setup, First Plot Point, Part 2 – Set up, Midpoint, Part Three – Attack, Second Plot Point, Part Four Resolution; and Ending. This area deals a brief idea of how to pace a plot for a book.
Plus: simple to understand. A good planner for before you begin writing to help you get a handle on your characters and the prime points of the story.
Cons: seems a bit basic for a 80,000 word book.
Story Genuis Scrivener template
The method Story Genuis by Lisa Cron is also in book form at your online bookseller, with more details at the author’s website. I don’t remember where I got this! It must have been offered at a course I was taking. I didn’t find a free download, but try signing up to her newsletter and see if you get it.
Thoughts on Story Genuis:
This template seems more about brainstorming and keeping those ideas sorted. Without reading the book, I didn’t find it very helpful, unfortunately.
Plus: Provides pre-made cards to store important information about your plot as you build it.
Minus: the template itself doesn’t contain much information. Without the book, it doesn’t offer enough details for you to work through the cards in a productive way.
Other Scrivener templates
If you write fantasy, especially epic fantasy, check out the Leviathan. I haven’t had time to explore this one yet, but it seems to have a LOT of info you can use!
Other helpful worksheets (not Scrivener related) can be found at the 30 Days of World-building Exercises or Patricia C. Wrede’s fantasy world-building questions.
I passed on downloading the Snowflake Scrivener template – that one seemed to simple for me at this writing stage. However, this method might work for pantsers who need some organization but do not want to get caught into a lot of planning.
Other templates that sounded interesting had dead links and didn’t seem to be online anymore.
How to load up a Scrivener template
Here are the instructions on how to load a Scrivener template into your software. You can see below that I add a cool graphic to my Book Template that I’ve customized for my work.
Additional programs I recommend when using Scrivener
While I like Scrivener, one of the biggest hassles is in formatting your document to an ebook or print book. You have to be a dang rocket scientist! For the longest time I just kept plodding along with it, until someone recommended Vellum (does require a Mac).
My life became so much easier!! Finally I could easily have the little art touches I wanted on my ebooks without pulling my hair out!
Scrivener also makes it easy to convert to Vellum with an option in compile. Set the compile for docx and look to the bottom of the left column for that option.
Vellum is NOT a word processor – it’s a formatter. So you will still need a software for writing such as Scrivener.
I’d also consider a grammar checker. I use ProWriting Aid, but Grammarly is an alternative though I feel it is more business-oriented. Both use AI to provide suggestions to your writing. I use it to find misspellings, missing commas, repeated words, etc.
In my experience, ignore most of the AI re-write suggestions because it gives garbage like this:
My ending thoughts on templates
I was hesitant to use templates because I thought they would steal my creativity. But I was wrong! These merely provide a helpful outline so you can plot your book. It doesn’t tell you what your book should be about (unlike tropes), but how to insure you have the right peaks and valleys in your writing.
Definitely, I see myself using Save the Cat!, Weiland, One Page, and the Mystery outline in my future books. They provide some good food for thought and folders to brainstorm or store information. I’ll customize them to how I write, and use them to build my books or to help me get unstuck when facing a problem.
If you use Scrivener, these are great tools to improve your plotting, character development, and writing.
