A few weeks ago, I shared about using the document template feature of Scrivener. It allows you to create a template internal to your project with differing features and content so you can start writing more quickly without forgetting your commonly used elements for your documents. It makes the process of writing approachable.
But what should you include in a document template? How much should you include? What’s the benefit of this bit of work? Let’s take the last two questions first.
As to how much you should put into a document template, this depends on your needs. If you need a simple template with all the common formatting for your project then it’s a straightforward process. If the nature of your project requires more information then you should include that. For instance, with a blog or newsletter project (assuming you are using a year-long project for these), you can use the document template to include common content that appears in all your posts or newsletters.
As to the benefits, it’s a time-saver. You won’t waste time re-creating the same document conditions every time you start a new chapter, blog, newsletter, etc. Also, this template usage eliminates forgetting to include common content such as those used on blog posts and newsletters.
But what should you include in your Scrivener document template? Here are a some suggestions:
- Include your ending content for blog posts. Again, these may differ based on the type of post.
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Include introductory content. Again this may differ depending on usage but it sure helps you jump into writing without much worry with getting everything correct.
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Regarding formatting, do you have special formatting that will be used in your project several times? Then you should consider creating a template that incorporates this formatting. There’s nothing so time consuming than trying to re-create formatting to match earlier content. With the document template you can re-create that formatting by choosing to use the template.
The main take-away is to include as much as necessary to simplify your writing process rather than get bogged down with unnecessary details. As I run across a repetition of form in projects I’m creating a new document template or adding necessities to existing ones. That way I will spend less time on continuity and complete my writing faster.
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P. H. Solomon lives in the greater Birmingham, AL area where he strongly dislikes yard work and sanding the deck rail. However, he performs these duties to maintain a nice home for his loved ones as well as the family’s German Shepherds. In his spare time, P. H. rides herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required). Additionally, he enjoys reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, he also has a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone his writing. The Bow of Destiny is his first novel-length title with more soon to come.
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I’ve enjoyed your Scrivener posts very much. It’s an impressive program and offers solutions to problems I didn’t know I had until I started to use it.
I’m glad to know these help you out and that you find Scrivener so useful. I’ve started using it for most anything I do that’s writing-related.
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Here is another helpful post from the Archer’s Aim blog on elements for your Scrivener document template.
Thx!
You’re welcome.