I started using Notion this year, and I love it! I have a few templates, but I'm finding that each book needs its unique notetaking world, so they all look different. I also like how well it integrates with Google Drive documents, which I use for more long-form writing (like detailed outlines). I still draft in Scrivener, though.
I can't NOT mention my debut novel, HEART CHECK! It's a YA hockey romance and it filled me with so, so much joy to write. I'm really excited (and a little nervous lol!) for everyone to get ahold of it this fall!
You make SUCH a good point about different books having different needs—I know you hinted that you might discuss your Notion process at some point and I’m all ears 👀
Ack. Techno challenged old person here. For any other luddites out here in the dark abyss—I mean I use MacBook Air vs my trusty quill pen and vellum. And I use Pages can you possibly give quick summary of notions and your set up? I love Save The Cat. (There is a learning curve for story structure probably going to make us irrelevant as AI has been fed it already). I am on 4th draft of a pantsed novel created before I began to learn all these beats and underpinnings—so maybe notions could help. Love your process and your generosity in sharing.
Hahha, no need to have Notion to find something of use here, I think! I hope my explanation of each step actually has all the good information included! The other book this process heavily relies upon is Story Genius—could be interesting to check out if you haven't yet!
I love the spreadsheet idea. I use a combination of the 7 point plot structure and Save the Cat, but on separate documents. Maybe it's time to move them to Notion!
This is such an incredible resource and really helpful - I always find it fascinating how others organise all the things! I am thinking about how to apply it to my non-fiction book but I think it will really help me lean further into notion. Also going to work out how to integrate with google drive too based on a comment here! Massive thank you from me.
I am obsessed with process and this just scratches allll the itches. I've been trying to draft/outline/work on my memoir in Scrivener, but it just feels like an unwieldy mess and I'm so overwhelmed with the organization (not the writing) of it, that I avoid it altogether. I'm sure it doesn't help that I've also been putting off doing the legwork to learn how to really use Scrivener to its full potential, and so I'm just treating it like I treat my desktop - which is to say, chaotically. But it also strikes me that maybe using Notion first could help, because a lot of what has me stopped up in Scrivener is the extraneous non-book content I don't know what to do with. Excited to continue following your process and copying off your paper.
YAY, I hope it solves some of your problems! I agree, the bonus stuff in Scrivener is mostly a distraction for me too—keep me posted!! Excited to hear about your memoir progress!
Whatever app I use, I'm a road map planner. I first create thousands of words of brainstorming. I create outlines using my Save the Cat template, but it’s loose. I still discover a lot of the story as I go. I'm a planster.
Thank you so much. I've been looking for a post as honest as this for a while. I'm writing my first book, and not the writing, but the organizing part I'm finding most difficult.
Oh, my gosh!!! Thank you so much. It’s so helpful and encouraging to see your process and systems. Thank you for your generosity! I’m reading Story Genius now and taking copious notes. I feel like you just handed me the cliff notes. 😂
I started using Notion this year, and I love it! I have a few templates, but I'm finding that each book needs its unique notetaking world, so they all look different. I also like how well it integrates with Google Drive documents, which I use for more long-form writing (like detailed outlines). I still draft in Scrivener, though.
What's your favorite book you've written so far?
I can't NOT mention my debut novel, HEART CHECK! It's a YA hockey romance and it filled me with so, so much joy to write. I'm really excited (and a little nervous lol!) for everyone to get ahold of it this fall!
Loved hearing about HEART CHECK! I actually sent you a quick message check your requests when you get a chance. Would love to chat more over there!
You make SUCH a good point about different books having different needs—I know you hinted that you might discuss your Notion process at some point and I’m all ears 👀
Omg I love this. Well done! Thank you for sharing x
I’m so glad it’s useful to people! I’ve been kinda blown away haha
Ack. Techno challenged old person here. For any other luddites out here in the dark abyss—I mean I use MacBook Air vs my trusty quill pen and vellum. And I use Pages can you possibly give quick summary of notions and your set up? I love Save The Cat. (There is a learning curve for story structure probably going to make us irrelevant as AI has been fed it already). I am on 4th draft of a pantsed novel created before I began to learn all these beats and underpinnings—so maybe notions could help. Love your process and your generosity in sharing.
Hahha, no need to have Notion to find something of use here, I think! I hope my explanation of each step actually has all the good information included! The other book this process heavily relies upon is Story Genius—could be interesting to check out if you haven't yet!
I love the spreadsheet idea. I use a combination of the 7 point plot structure and Save the Cat, but on separate documents. Maybe it's time to move them to Notion!
My brain really does love having it all in one place!
New to the writing world and this is such a great and easy to understand approach! Thank you for sharing!
oh, I’m so so glad! That’s my goal! Thank you for the note!
Really useful resource. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad!!!
These colors tho 😍
I love a good aesthetic!
you had me at “notion template”
a love language!
This is such an incredible resource and really helpful - I always find it fascinating how others organise all the things! I am thinking about how to apply it to my non-fiction book but I think it will really help me lean further into notion. Also going to work out how to integrate with google drive too based on a comment here! Massive thank you from me.
I’m so glad it’s useful! Eager to hear how you apply it to nonfic, if you want to share!
I am obsessed with process and this just scratches allll the itches. I've been trying to draft/outline/work on my memoir in Scrivener, but it just feels like an unwieldy mess and I'm so overwhelmed with the organization (not the writing) of it, that I avoid it altogether. I'm sure it doesn't help that I've also been putting off doing the legwork to learn how to really use Scrivener to its full potential, and so I'm just treating it like I treat my desktop - which is to say, chaotically. But it also strikes me that maybe using Notion first could help, because a lot of what has me stopped up in Scrivener is the extraneous non-book content I don't know what to do with. Excited to continue following your process and copying off your paper.
YAY, I hope it solves some of your problems! I agree, the bonus stuff in Scrivener is mostly a distraction for me too—keep me posted!! Excited to hear about your memoir progress!
Whatever app I use, I'm a road map planner. I first create thousands of words of brainstorming. I create outlines using my Save the Cat template, but it’s loose. I still discover a lot of the story as I go. I'm a planster.
Yes! Love plantser life!
Thank you so much! I've been using notion but felt like I was missing something...
Ahh I'm so glad!! Report back on how it goes!!
You just gave me an idea on how to organize my Research proposal! thank you.
I'm so glad! Good luck!!
Thank you so much. I've been looking for a post as honest as this for a while. I'm writing my first book, and not the writing, but the organizing part I'm finding most difficult.
Oh, I’m so glad! This means the world—so glad it’s useful!
👏🏻..
Oh, my gosh!!! Thank you so much. It’s so helpful and encouraging to see your process and systems. Thank you for your generosity! I’m reading Story Genius now and taking copious notes. I feel like you just handed me the cliff notes. 😂
Oh, I'm so so glad! I hope it's helpful—please keep me posted!!