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I'm not a pantser. Much. I have my complications worksheet which gives me a basic outline, and my character worksheets which give me a good idea of my characters' quirks and attributes. I usually fill these out after I write the first three chapters. BUT (and it's a great, big, hairy but) I am a closet pantser. I HATE doing the worksheets. Also, inevitably, once I've got them done, the story evolves organically. In technical terms, sh** happens.
It's not so much that the plot changes. The story can take left turns while staying within the plot. The revelations change, and what I reveal (backstory, subplot, worldbuilding, character, stakes, etc.), and when I reveal it, will alter my readers' perceptions of the story. I hate to stop writing to change all those worksheets, outlines, synopses or whatever. Ditto on revision.
I've tried Scrivener, yWriter, and various writing
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Wow! You know way more about Word than I do. What version do you have? I'm not sure mine has all these features.
Awesome. I use Scrivener b/c I like having the outline to the left and any notes on the scene on the right without having notebooks laying around the entire life of the novel. But I do agree that it's a pain to export out to a word doc, which I do after any major rewrites. But sometimes I think it's b/c I'm still new to Scrivener and haven't quite figured it out. Thanks for these great tips!
Seriously, I've been wanting to do some Word housecleaning, too; just didn't know what or how. You rock! I'm so trying this today. Thanks!!
Wow, I'm going to check this out. I use an outline, but sometimes the final product doens't resemble the outline. :)
I did not know this was possible! Thanks for sharing, Martina! I'm a total pantster, but I may try this out anyway.
OMG, this is the best information ever. I'm a totally organic writer who then has to find some way to organize after the first draft. Thank you so much!!!
Wow, who knew? You are brilliant! Thanks for sharing this!
I love learning more about Word, so I'll be excited to try this out.
I've been working with Word on so many levels for so many years and had NO idea this was even possible! Thank you, I'm so trying this out.
Very cool. Especially the auto-numbered chapter headings. :)
This is great! I DID know this was possible but it gave me such fits I gave up in despair. Your tips cleared up almost all my confusion! Thanks!
Thanks, everyone! I'm so glad this was helpful. I wish you could see my happy dance when I figured it out.
Natalie, this is all supposed to be viable with anything after 2002. I personally use 2007.
Corrie, if you have something that still isn't clear, let me know!
Martina
Wow, what a great tip! Think I might give this one a go :)
Hugs,
Rach
I LOVE Word. I'm a die-hard Word purist. I tried out Scrivener type software for NaNo and it took hours for me to figure it out and I still don't have it down...I wasted so much writing time.
I stand by Word!
Didn't know you could do this. Thanks!
I had no idea!! I'm a total pantster (although I'm trying to change!) so this sounds awesome! I'm bookmarking it for when I have a bit of time to play with it - thanks :)
Woohoo! Brilliant, just what I needed and it's been sitting under my nose all this time. Thanks for the post (hugely!) :)
Wow! I love this. I've also tried out a few writing softwares, but I keep coming back to Word.
Thanks for sharing!