Edge Coach—Mastering Character Goals in Fictionary: A StoryCoach’s Guide

EDGE COACH - TUESDAYS
Welcome to Edge Coach, my Tuesday focus on professional story development. As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I share techniques to strengthen your writing and engage your readers. Whether you're revising your first draft or polishing your final one, Edge Coach offers practical guidance for your story.

Today, we’ll explore how Fictionary’s Character tab helps you track and strengthen your character’s journey through their goals and motivations. This powerful set of tools ensures your characters drive your story forward with purpose and impact.

## The Foundation: Character List and POV

Before diving into goals, establish your story’s framework:

– Use Character List to track every named character

– Mark POV (Point of View) clearly for each scene

– Ensure POV choices serve your story’s purpose

## Goal Tracking: The Heart of Character Development

Fictionary provides multiple layers for tracking goals:

### POV Goal

– What does your POV character want in this scene?

– Is it clearly shown through action or dialogue?

– Does it connect to their larger story arc?

### POV Goal Internal

The emotional driver behind your character’s actions:

– What internal need motivates them?

– How does this goal reflect their wounds or desires?

– Where does internal conflict appear?

### Goal Related to Plot

Connect character desires to story movement:

– How does this scene’s goal advance the main plot?

– Are character and plot goals aligned or in conflict?

– Does each scene goal build toward the story goal?

## Stakes and Consequences

### What if Goal Fails

Fictionary prompts you to consider:

– Immediate consequences of failure

– Long-term impact on character arc

– Ripple effects through the story

### Impact Tracking

Two crucial elements:

1. Impact on POV Character

– Personal consequences

– Character growth opportunities

– Emotional fallout

2. Impact on Protagonist

– How secondary character goals affect your protagonist

– Relationship dynamics

– Story momentum

## Knowledge and Movement

### POV Knowledge Gained

Track your character’s understanding:

– What do they learn in each scene?

– How does new knowledge affect their goals?

– Does information change their motivation?

### Character in Motion

Ensure active character engagement:

– Physical movement that reveals character

– Goal-driven actions

– Dynamic scene presence

## Putting It All Together

When reviewing your manuscript, use these elements to:

1. Verify goal consistency across scenes

2. Strengthen motivation-action connections

3. Ensure satisfying character arcs

4. Track subplot impact on main story

5. Maintain tension through goal conflicts

Remember: Every scene should move your character either toward or away from their goals. Fictionary’s Character tab helps you track this movement with precision.

## StoryCoach Tips

1. Review goals scene by scene first, then look at the larger pattern

2. Check that internal and external goals create tension

3. Verify that knowledge gained affects future goals

4. Ensure character movement serves goal pursuit

5. Track impact ripples through your story

Your characters’ goals drive your story. Use these tools to make every scene count.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Sharpening the Edge—Writing Through Holiday Distractions: Real Solutions from My Writing Desk

SHARPENING THE EDGE - MONDAYS
Welcome to Sharpening the Edge, my Monday focus on real-time novel writing. Here you'll find insights from my current work-in-progress, sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and solutions as they happen. Whether you're in the midst of your novel or planning to start, these posts offer practical experience from the writing desk.

It’s 6 AM, and I’m stealing time before the holiday chaos begins. My protagonist, Sarah, is about to discover a crucial piece of evidence, but the mental list of gifts to wrap and cookies to bake keeps intruding. Welcome to December writing, fellow novelists. Here’s how I’m keeping my WIP alive during the holiday season.

What’s Working (And What Isn’t)

This morning, I managed 750 words despite three false starts. The trick? I’m writing in shorter bursts with more intense focus. Here’s my current chapter challenge and how I’m handling it:

The Scene: Sarah breaks into her father’s study to find proof of corporate fraud
The Holiday Distraction: Mental shopping lists kept replacing my description of the study
The Solution: I wrote the scene backwards. Started with what she finds, then filled in how she got there.

My Current Writing Schedule

I’ve adjusted my usual writing routine to work with, not against, holiday demands:

Early morning: First draft writing (like this morning’s study scene)
Lunch break: Quick scene outlining for tomorrow
Evening: Light editing while watching holiday movies
Weekend: One two-hour block instead of my usual full morning

Real Talk About Progress

Last week’s word count:

Monday: 750 words
Tuesday: 0 (holiday party)
Wednesday: 1,200 words (made up for Tuesday)
Thursday: 600 words
Friday: 900 words
Weekend: 1,500 words total

Not my usual output, but steady progress wins the race.

What’s Actually Working

Scene Cards: I’ve started keeping index cards by my bed. When holiday planning invades my writing time, I jot down the intrusive thoughts and keep writing.
Time Blocking: Instead of my usual three-hour morning session, I’m doing three one-hour blocks throughout the day. More manageable, less guilty when interrupted.
Location Switching: The coffee shop is too festive right now. I’ve moved to the library’s back corner. No holiday music, no peppermint mochas, just focus.

Today’s Breakthrough

This morning’s realization: holiday distractions can actually serve the story. My scattered focus helped me write about Sarah’s anxiety better. Her scattered thoughts mirror my own, making the scene more authentic.

Moving Forward

My plan for this week:

Finish the study scene (target: Wednesday)
Layer in emotional beats during gift-wrapping
Use holiday party small talk to inspire dialogue
Draft next week’s scenes during long shopping lines

Remember, fellow writers: imperfect progress is still progress. Your story will be there, growing slowly but surely, through the season.

So excuse me while I get back to Sarah in that study. I’ve got thirty minutes before the real world needs me, and she’s about to find something that will change everything.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Creation Edge—Setting Up Your Back Matter in Scrivener: A Professional Approach

CREATION EDGE - SUNDAYS
Welcome to Creation Edge, my Sunday focus on writing technology. Here you'll learn how to use Scrivener to organize, write, and revise your novel. Whether you're setting up your first project or managing your manuscript, Creation Edge helps you make technology serve your creativity.

Back matter can make or break your book’s professional polish. Today, we’ll explore how to use Scrivener to create and manage the essential elements that follow “The End.”

Creating Your Back Matter Folder

First, in your Binder:

Right-click below your manuscript folder
Select “Add → New Folder”
Name it “Back Matter”
Position it after your main manuscript

Essential Back Matter Elements

Create separate text documents within your Back Matter folder for:

About the Author

Create a new text document
Use Scrivener’s formatting tools for consistent styling
Include your brief bio
Add social media and website links
Pro tip: Create multiple versions (short/long) using document notes

Acknowledgments

Set up with proper heading styles
Use Scrivener’s name lookup feature to ensure consistency
Create subdivisions for different types of acknowledgments
Include placeholder text for last-minute additions

Also By This Author

Maintain as a live document
Use Scrivener’s list tools for easy updates
Include series information
Add placeholder links for future books

Advanced Features

Newsletter Sign-up

Create a compelling call to action
Use Scrivener’s hyperlink feature for digital editions
Design alternate versions for print/digital
Include preview text for your next book

Series Information

Set up a template for series details
Use metadata for consistent series naming
Create reading order lists
Include series-specific promotional material

Compilation Settings

Configure your compilation settings to:

Include/exclude specific back matter for different formats
Maintain consistent formatting across elements
Adjust page breaks appropriately
Handle different requirements for print/ebook

Quick Tips for Success

Use folders within Back Matter for organization
Create templates for future books
Maintain updated versions
Use consistent formatting
Keep separate configurations for different formats

Time-Saving Shortcuts

Save your back matter as a template
Use document templates for recurring elements
Create compilation presets
Maintain a master back matter collection

Remember: Professional back matter enhances your book’s credibility and creates connections with readers. Take time to set it up right in Scrivener.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Craft Edge—Using Character Arc Progression Tools in One Stop for Writers

CRAFT EDGE - SATURDAYS
Welcome to Craft Edge, my Saturday focus on fiction writing craft. Here you'll find deep dives into writing techniques using One Stop for Writers and Fictionary resources. Whether you're developing characters or structuring scenes, Craft Edge helps you master the tools of storytelling.

Character arcs transform your story from a series of events into a journey of growth. Today, we’ll explore how One Stop for Writers’ Character Arc Progression Tool can help you craft compelling character development that engages readers from page one to “The End.”

Understanding the Character Arc Dashboard

One Stop’s Character Arc tool breaks character development into clear, manageable segments:

The Initial State (who your character is when we meet them)
The Inner Journey (the emotional/psychological path)
Growth Milestones (key moments of change)
The Final State (who they become)

Setting Up Your Character’s Journey

First, identify your character’s primary needs and emotional wounds. One Stop provides extensive lists to help you choose realistic combinations. For instance, a character might:

Need: Recognition and validation
Wound: Childhood abandonment
Resulting False Belief: “I must be perfect to be loved”

Mapping Key Progression Points

The tool helps you plan specific story moments where your character:

Faces their fears
Questions their false beliefs
Makes mistakes and learns
Takes emotional risks
Grows through challenge

Using the Emotional Range Feature

One Stop’s emotional tracking helps ensure your character’s responses remain consistent yet show growth. Track:

Initial emotional responses
Growing emotional awareness
New coping mechanisms
Breakthrough moments

Integration with Story Structure

The Character Arc tool aligns character growth with plot points:

Inciting Incident: Emotional stake in the ground
First Plot Point: Challenge to false beliefs
Midpoint: Major truth revelation
Third Plot Point: Crisis of faith
Climax: Truth embraced or rejected

Real-Time Progress Tracking

As you write, use the tool to:

Monitor character growth pace
Ensure emotional logic
Track breakthrough scenes
Balance internal/external conflict

Tips for Maximum Impact

Link emotional growth to plot events
Create resistance to change
Show both progress and setbacks
Make growth hard-earned
Connect inner change to story resolution

Character arcs make your story memorable. One Stop’s tools help you craft that journey with intention and skill. Your readers will thank you.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Edge of Reality–Small Town Excellence: A Novelist’s Guide to Writing Achievement Stories

EDGE OF REALITY - 
Welcome to Edge of Reality, my Friday feature examining current events through a writer's lens. Here you'll discover how real-world stories can inform and enhance your fiction. Whether you're mining life for story ideas or deepening your narrative, Edge of Reality helps you transform truth into compelling fiction.

Small Town Excellence: A Novelist’s Guide to Writing Achievement Stories

When three schools in small-town Boaz, Alabama achieve Blue Ribbon Lighthouse status, a novelist sees beyond the accolades to the human story beneath. Today, we’ll explore how to transform an achievement story into compelling fiction that resonates with readers.

## Finding the Heart of the Story

While the news focuses on scores and evaluations, a novelist sees the deeper narrative: a small community’s journey to excellence. Consider the story elements at play:

– The underdog narrative: Small-town schools reaching national recognition

– Community dynamics: How various stakeholders worked together

– Personal sacrifices: The untold story of teachers’ extra hours and students’ determination

– The power of collective belief: How a shared vision transformed three schools

## Character Gold Mine

This story offers rich character possibilities:

– The veteran teacher who’s seen both struggle and triumph

– The new superintendent with a transformative vision

– The skeptical parent won over by positive changes

– The student who found their voice through new programs

– The custodian who takes pride in creating an environment of excellence

## Conflict Beneath the Surface

Every achievement masks underlying tensions. A novelist might explore:

– Resistance to change from traditional teaching methods

– Budget constraints requiring creative solutions

– Personal costs to families supporting high achievement

– Competition and collaboration between schools

– The pressure of maintaining excellence once achieved

## Setting as Character

Boaz, Alabama becomes more than backdrop. Consider:

– How local industry shapes educational priorities

– The role of traditional values in modern education

– The intersection of rural life and academic excellence

– The school as a community centerpiece

## Transforming Reality into Fiction

How might a novelist adapt this story?

1. Focus on a single classroom during the evaluation process

2. Tell the story through multiple viewpoints: teacher, student, parent, administrator

3. Create parallel storylines of personal and professional challenges

4. Explore the ripple effects of institutional change on individual lives

## Learning from Reality

This real-world achievement teaches novelists to:

– Look beyond surface success to find human struggle

– Balance institutional and personal storylines

– Create tension even in positive narratives

– Weave community dynamics into individual stories

The Boaz schools’ story reminds us that behind every institutional achievement lies a web of personal stories waiting to be told. As novelists, we can take these moments of public pride and explore the private journeys that made them possible.

#SmallTownPride #EducationalExcellence #CommunityStories #WritingSuccess #SchoolFiction #CharacterDevelopment #RuralLife #InstitutionalChange

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The Pencil’s Philosophy—The Power of Asking Why

THE PENCIL'S PHILOSOPHY - THURSDAYS
Welcome to The Pencil's Philosophy, my Thursday focus on writing as transformation. Here you'll explore how writing connects to deeper understanding, how questioning leads to growth, and how stories transform both writer and reader. Whether you're seeking truth or finding your voice, these posts guide your journey of discovery.

The Power of Asking Why

Every compelling story begins with a question. As someone who spent sixty years accepting answers, I’ve discovered that asking “why” transforms not just our writing, but our understanding.

Questions That Transform Stories

Character Motivation

Don’t just accept what your characters do—ask why:

Why does she stay in that relationship?
Why does he risk everything for this goal?
Why does this matter so deeply?

Each “why” leads to deeper character truth.

Character Motivation Example:

Initial Character: Sarah returns to her hometown.

First Why: Why now?

– Because her mother is ill.

Second Why: Why does this matter?

– Because they haven’t spoken in ten years.

Third Why: Why the silence?

– Because Sarah chose career over family expectations.

Fourth Why: Why was that choice so devastating?

– Because it exposed the family’s generational pattern of sacrificing dreams.

Result: A story not just about coming home, but about breaking cycles.

Plot Development

Question every turn:

Why does this happen now?
Why does the character choose this path?
Why are the stakes so high?

The answers often reveal surprising story directions.

Plot Development Example:

Simple Plot: Tom finds a mysterious letter.

First Why: Why does he open it?

– Because it’s addressed to his late wife.

Second Why: Why does this matter now?

– Because he’s about to sell their house.

Third Why: Why is selling significant?

– Because the letter reveals she never wanted to live there.

Fourth Why: Why did she stay?

– Because Tom’s entire identity was wrapped in this house.

Result: A story about identity, compromise, and hidden truths.

Theme Exploration Example:

Basic Theme: Forgiveness

First Why: Why can’t Mary forgive her sister?

– Because the betrayal changed her life path.

Second Why: Why did this change matter so much?

– Because she lost her chance at her dream career.

Third Why: Why was this dream so important?

– Because it was her escape from family patterns.

Fourth Why: Why does she need escape?

– Because she’s becoming what she feared most—her mother.

Result: A story about breaking free while learning to forgive yourself.

Story Truth

Dig deeper:

Why do readers need this story?
Why does this theme resonate?
Why are you the one to tell it?

From Questions to Story

Example: Weak Scene: John leaves his job.

Why? Because he’s unhappy.
Why unhappy? Because it’s not fulfilling.
Why not fulfilling? Because he’s living someone else’s dream.
Why someone else’s dream? Because he never questioned his father’s expectations.

Strong Scene: John packs his desk, each item a weight lifting as he finally chooses his own path, his father’s disappointment a price worth paying for truth.

Today’s Exercise

Take your current scene and ask:

Why does this matter to your character?
Why now?
Why this choice?
Why these consequences?

Let each answer lead to another question.

Remember: Story depth comes not from having all the answers, but from asking better questions.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

Albert Einstein

Need help developing your story’s deeper questions? Schedule a consultation to explore your novel’s potential.

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Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.

First Edge—Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life

FIRST EDGE - WEDNESDAYS
Welcome to First Edge, my Wednesday focus on beginning novelists. Here you'll find practical guidance, encouragement, and permission to start your writing journey. Whether you're thinking about writing or ready to begin, First Edge offers the support you need to take your first steps.

Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life

“I don’t have time to write.” I hear this often from beginning novelists, and I understand. At 60, with a full-time law practice, I said the same thing. Then I wrote my first novel. Here’s how you can too.

## Real-Life Writing Scenarios

### The Early Riser

Sarah, working mother of two:

5:30 AM: Coffee brewing (set up night before)

5:35 AM: Writing corner, laptop open

5:40-6:00 AM: One scene, no editing

Result: 20 minutes = 300 words = novel in one year

“`

### The Lunch Break Writer

James, office worker:

12:00 PM: Eat at desk while reading yesterday’s work

12:15 PM: Write new scene

12:45 PM: Save and close

Result: 30 minutes = first draft of scene

“`

### The Night Owl

Maria, retail manager:

9:30 PM: Kids in bed

9:35 PM: Writing space ready

9:40-10:00 PM: Focus on story

Result: 20 minutes of uninterrupted creation

“`

## Making Minutes Count

### Small Sessions Add Up

Monday: 15 minutes = one paragraph

Tuesday: 15 minutes = scene continuation

Wednesday: 15 minutes = scene completion

Thursday: 15 minutes = new scene begins

Friday: 15 minutes = scene development

Result: One complete scene per week

“`

### Weekend Bonus Time

Saturday morning:

7:00-7:45 AM: Extended writing time

– Review week’s work

– Expand scenes

– Plan next week

Result: Momentum maintained

“`

## Creative Time-Finding

### Hidden Moments

– Doctor’s waiting room: Character sketch

– Kid’s practice: Scene outline

– Morning commute: Plot brainstorming (voice notes)

– Walking dog: Mental scene planning

### Time-Stack Method

6:00-6:15 AM: Story outline

Lunch break: Quick scene

8:00-8:15 PM: Scene revision

Result: Three touch points with your story daily

“`

## Start Today

Your First Week Plan:

Day 1: Set up writing space

Day 2: Write opening line

Day 3: Complete first paragraph

Day 4: Continue scene

Day 5: Finish scene

Weekend: Review and plan

“`

Remember: My first novel began with 15 minutes before my law practice opened. Today, twelve novels later, I still believe in the power of small beginnings.

“Time isn’t found, it’s made. Make time for your story.”

– Richard L. Fricks

Ready to find your writing time? Schedule a free consultation to create your personal writing schedule.

Tags: FirstEdge, BeginningWriter, WritingTime, WritingHabits, StartWriting

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Edge Coach—Scene Structure: A Story Coach’s Guide

EDGE COACH - TUESDAYS
Welcome to Edge Coach, my Tuesday focus on professional story development. As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I share techniques to strengthen your writing and engage your readers. Whether you're revising your first draft or polishing your final one, Edge Coach offers practical guidance for your story.

As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I often find scene structure at the heart of story problems. Let’s explore what makes a scene work with specific examples.

The Core Elements (with Examples)

1. Character Goal

Weak Example:

Sarah goes to the coffee shop to think about her problems.

Strong Example:

Sarah rushes to the coffee shop to confront her brother before he leaves town with her inheritance.

2. Conflict

Weak Example:

The coffee shop is crowded and Sarah has to wait in line.

Strong Example:

Sarah’s brother sits with their mother, who doesn’t know about the stolen money. Any confrontation will shatter their mother’s already fragile health.

3. Outcome

Weak Example:

Sarah decides to leave and try again tomorrow.

Strong Example:

Sarah chooses protecting her mother over confronting her brother, but photographs him meeting his accomplice—evidence she’ll use after their mother’s recovery.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Missing Goals

Weak Scene:

John walks through the park, noticing flowers and thinking about life.

Revised Scene:

John searches the park for his daughter’s lost medical alert bracelet, knowing her severe allergy could turn deadly any moment.

2. Insufficient Conflict

Weak Scene:

Mary asks her boss for a raise and gets it.

Revised Scene:

Mary asks for a raise, knowing her boss just lost two major clients and is considering layoffs, but her son’s surgery can’t wait.

3. Unimpactful Endings

Weak Scene:

Tom finishes his homework and goes to bed.

Revised Scene:

Tom completes the forged admission essay, torn between his father’s expectations and his own integrity, then sees his father’s proud smile—making tomorrow’s confession even harder.

Today’s Exercise

Take your current scene and map it:

1. Goal: What does your character want RIGHT NOW?

Example: “To get the damning letter before his wife finds it”

2. Conflict: What stands in the way?

Example: “The letter is in his wife’s office, where she’s currently meeting with clients”

3. Outcome: How does it change things?

Example: “He fails to get the letter but discovers his wife already knows—and has evidence of much worse”

Remember: Every scene should raise questions even as it answers others.

Need help strengthening your scenes? Schedule a Story Discovery Session to discuss your novel’s structure.

You’re invited to schedule a consultation.

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Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.

Sharpening the Edge—Writing Chapter 18: When Characters Take Control

SHARPENING THE EDGE - MONDAYS
Welcome to Sharpening the Edge, my Monday focus on real-time novel writing. Here you'll find insights from my current work-in-progress, sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and solutions as they happen. Whether you're in the midst of your novel or planning to start, these posts offer practical experience from the writing desk.

This morning, working on Chapter 18, my protagonist proved yet again that characters often know their story better than we do.

I had the scene perfectly planned. Sarah would follow protocol, file her report, and wait for official channels. That’s what an experienced detective would do, right?

Wrong.

Instead, my character stopped typing mid-report, grabbed her keys, and headed for her informant’s apartment. No backup. No protocol. Just pure character truth.

## What I Learned Today:

1. Character Authenticity

When a character resists your plot, listen. Sarah wasn’t being difficult—she was being true to herself. Her need for justice has always outweighed her respect for rules.

2. Scene Momentum

The moment Sarah veered from my plan, the scene crackled with energy. Her decision created immediate tension, raised stakes, and opened new story possibilities.

3. Story Truth

Sometimes our carefully plotted scenes don’t serve the deeper story. Today’s “detour” revealed more about Sarah’s character than my original plan ever could.

## Writing Insight:

Trust your characters. They live in the story world you’ve created. They understand its rules, its pressures, its consequences. Sometimes they’ll see paths you haven’t considered.

Today’s Writing Tip:

Next time your character balks at your scene plan:

– Pause your plotting

– Write the scene they want

– Follow their lead

– See what emerges

Remember: The best stories often come from characters who refuse to behave.

“The moment comes when a character does or says something you hadn’t thought about. At that moment he’s alive and you leave it to him.”

– Graham Greene

Let your characters surprise you today.

Tags: SharpeningEdge, NovelWriting, CharacterDevelopment, WritingCraft, AmWriting

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Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.

Welcome to Creation Edge—Getting Started with Scrivener

CREATION EDGE - SUNDAYS
Welcome to Creation Edge, my Sunday focus on writing technology. Here you'll learn how to use Scrivener to organize, write, and revise your novel. Whether you're setting up your first project or managing your manuscript, Creation Edge helps you make technology serve your creativity.

Getting Started with Scrivener

First Steps in Scrivener

Creating Your Project

Open Scrivener
Select “New Project”
Choose “Fiction” template
Name your project
Select save location

Unlike traditional word processors, Scrivener creates a complete project environment for your novel. The Fiction template provides pre-built organization specifically designed for novelists, saving you setup time and keeping your work organized from day one.

Understanding the Interface

The Binder (Left Panel)

Think of the Binder as your digital filing cabinet. Here you’ll organize everything related to your novel: chapters, scenes, character notes, research, and more. The beauty of the Binder is its flexibility—you can restructure your novel by simply dragging and dropping elements.

The Editor (Center Panel)

Your primary writing space. The Editor can display single documents or multiple documents at once, perfect for referencing character notes while writing a scene. Format your text using familiar word processing tools while enjoying Scrivener’s distraction-free writing environment.

The Inspector (Right Panel)

Your story’s metadata lives here. Track scene status, add document notes, create character sketches, and maintain version history. The Inspector helps you manage the countless details that make your novel rich and consistent.

Essential Views

Document View

Your standard writing interface. Here you’ll spend most of your time crafting scenes and chapters. Scrivener remembers where you left off, maintaining your focus when you return.

Corkboard View

Visualize your story using virtual index cards. Each card represents a scene or chapter, allowing you to plan and rearrange your narrative visually. Perfect for plotting and restructuring.

Outline View

See your entire story structure at once. Add custom metadata columns to track viewpoint characters, locations, or any other story elements you need to monitor.

Basic Organization

Create these essential folders:

Manuscript: Your actual novel
Characters: Character profiles and development
Settings: World-building and location details
Research: Background information and references

Each folder can contain unlimited documents and sub-folders. This structure grows with your story while keeping everything accessible.

Today’s Exercise

Create a new project using the Fiction template
Set up your four basic folders
Write a test scene in the Manuscript folder
Try switching between Document, Corkboard, and Outline views

Next Steps

Explore each view as you work. There’s no “wrong” way to use Scrivener—find what works for your writing style.

Next Sunday: Project Organization Basics – we’ll dive deeper into Scrivener’s folder system and learn advanced organization techniques.

Remember: Your writing environment should support creativity, not hinder it. Take time to make Scrivener yours.

Schedule a consultation for personalized Scrivener guidance.

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Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.