I have used most of these features while writing some of my projects in Google Docs. However, one important feature that you didn't bring up was the value of Google Sheets. It is a spreadsheet option much like Excel. I use this like my Project Bible. I can also include links to the individual documents that give more information. So characters for example are all listed where I can see their physical descriptions and quirks, but then link to their in depth character profile. Add another sheet within the same document for world building, etc. so each "folder" can be divided into tabs with their own information.
This sounds like an idea that I may want to try. I'm a visual learner. Were there any videos or blogs that aided you in using sheets or did it just happen organically for you?
@@Maevann For me, it was organic. I used sheets for other things and learned the system then so it was a natural transition. Sorry I'm not much help on that
I've written my whole first book (fantasy ~ 450 pages and 130,000 words) without ever using the Heading feature because I never understood how it worked. I'm now in the Second Draft of that book, so I will definitely be using that now so I can stop scrolling through hundreds of pages to find chapters... Thanks Abbie 😂
You can press “ctrl” and “f” keys at the same time to do a search. I use it when I want to find some specific phrasing. Headers are easier but it’s a good backup or when you can’t find the right chapter.
I'm in the same boat! I have a ~450000 word first draft that takes forever to fully load. hopefully this will make things less time consuming on the second draft!
Google drive nerd here, I have some extra tips! 1. You can also use the subsequent headings (1-4) to make nested outlines. For example, you could make a wider Character Profiles document and have headline 1 as protagonist/antagonist/side characters, then heading 2 as the character name, and headline 3 as each subsection for the character (basics, internal conflict, etc). You can also use this for your story outline, dividing it into acts, then chapters, then major events or however you like to do it. 2. 17:22 You could create these image boards as a drawing (insert -> drawing -> new, import the images to the drawing using the image icon next to the text box icon), then they’ll all stay grouped together. You can double click the drawing to edit as needed, but docs will treat it as a single image. 3. 20:36 ctrl+v pastes. Ctrl+shift+v pastes without formatting. In addition, if you want to hang onto the webpage you can highlight the title/header of the document and use ctrl+k to make it into a hyperlink for the site you pulled the info from. Just copy/paste the url. 4. 22:53 if you prefer pageless documents, go to file -> page setup -> pageless. You can also choose a different background color here if you want a different aesthetic for or just if you find pure white to be a little difficult on your eyes during long writing sessions. 5. View -> full screen. If you’re good with your keyboard shortcuts (command+b for bold, etc, there are also shortcuts for making text into a header) you can work without the potential distraction of all the tools at the top. The outline is still visible in this mode.
@@imasinner3086 Insert -> Table -> 1x1 :) There should be a little downward facing arrow on the right side of the text box, click that then click the option that shows a border around the whole shape and the toolbar (which normally shows the options for changing font and all that) should switch to some options that let you change the color, line width, and line style of the border (plain line, dotted, or dashed). Sorry for the late reply but I hope that helps!
Google Docs has now the options to add document tabs so you can for sure structure your content now in one document!😉 Would love to see an update with the new Document Tab feature.
I've been a Google Docs guy for several years and for me, its the mobile access. I purchased the Scrivener thinking I was gonna be in front of the monitor more but I've found I'm rarely sitting in the office writing. Its the phone or tablet at the coffee house or on lunch breaks. So until Scrivener manages that... In the meantime, I've got zero complaints with Drive's features. Thanks for the templates Abbie, I'll put 'em to good use!
@@Roma_eterna I did that for a long time! Bluetooth keyboards and iPad work basically the same as a computer but since I've gotten my computer, I find it wayyyyy more convenient! Definitely a worth while investment for me!
I just watched this video. Then reorganised my entire google docs drive. This took me an hour to do. Thats time well spent I think. This truely is gonna take my writing to the next level. As all my writing documents were completely unorganised. Thank you abbie for doing this video.
OH MY GOD. This came at the perfect time Abbie you have no idea. I was literally going to start writing my novel right now, and was looking for writing tools. I decided that Ill stick to Google docs, and was just binge watching your videos about outlining. Thank you so much!
I’ve been using word for four years, and it just gave out on me as in preparing to publish my first novel next year. I changed to Google docs and have felt completely overwhelmed by all I have to learn about self-publishing, and now needing to learn how to use a new word processor. Thank you so much for what you do ❤
Awesome!! What I will do is to use a colour code for the index cards: red is todo, yellow is in progress, blue is first draft and green is done. In scrivener you can assign labels for the status. And for those using Notion keep in mind that it doesn't safe. For this reason I'm using notion just for brainstorming BUT you have the possibility to insert the Google docs in notion. For example, you buy Abbie's templates and customize them and then you embed them into Notion. That makes sure, your work is safe. 😊
Google Docs has been kicking my butt for over a year now, and you have blown my mind in so many ways with this. I actually feel motivated to try and make stories again. I am excited!
I've been writing novels using docs for years. A few additional things to note is the "summary" feature. Rather than using a separate file, you can create a summary within the document itself, in which you can copy/paste into your query submissions when Lit Agents ask for them. You can add your beta and alpha readers as a collaborator, they can highlight, leave notes, and suggest edits. Also, Hemingway makes an app extension for Chrome (unsure about Safari) where it will highlight and point out grammar and spelling mistakes the Google interface didn't catch, in addition to passive voice, and all the other good things we know and love about Hemingway.
For someone that uses Google Docs so much this was really helpful and helps me not make a mess of notes and stuff in one document!!!! Thank you so much for this video! I hope you have a great day and i can wait to use this in my next novel and fanfiction! Thank you writer friend! 😁
I have been writing my story in Google Docs for more than three years but this video is more helpful. Thanks, Abbie!❤ I have so many chapter outlines, so having an organized index cards for chapters is very helpful! I can just tap in and see where I stopped and what future sections/parts I need to write for my next chapters! Thanks so much, Abbie!
@@soli4941 oh no! I just saw your reply after a month. So sorry about that. About publishing, not anytime soon. It might take me a decade or two, as far as I know that I will publish it after a long, long time because I have been busy with my studies, work, and other responsibilities that I just write stories for fun and as a hobby. But I do take writing this story very seriously, and it's also a wish for me to publish this book in my life. It's a story about the main character finding purpose in her life and her origin what she really is (not superpowers but normal people), and at the same time villains and other characters realizing their worth and doing what's right for the world. It's a journey for characters to redeem and recover writing it in thriller genre, involved with little romance and many friendships and teamwork.
This by far was the best $7 and 45 minutes I have spent when it comes to writing. I want to write a book so bad but never know where to start, how much research I should do before I start, how much world building, and etc. I have not known how to organize my thoughts into something that made sense and it has kept me from really starting and digging in for so very long. I feel like the folder I created following along with your video is going to help me so much. Thank you. I also can't wait to binge all of your other videos now, because if they are even a tiny bit as helpful as this one was, I can only imagine what I am about to experience!
I'm looking to write my first novel. I have the general plots and subplots in my head, along with character outlines. Having never written before, I have been looking for an adult ed or some other training program on exactly how to format and organize my writing. Your video is perfect. It doesn't spend too little or too much time for subject, it's very comprehensive, and provides an organized infrastructure for the publication.
This is really helpful. Back then, I stopped using Google Docs, cuz it was hard for me to do & I couldn't keep up, but now that you've made this video, I finally got my stuff organized & I can remember where to keep them. Thank you so much for the advice. You're amazing!
Yes, this was an amazing tutorial! I just created an entire template folder whit all of these sub folders and templates that I can just copy for each new book! (:
I watched this yesterday, and I went to give it a shot today. Guess, what, Google just introduced Document Tabs! Have you seen it? I believe that it will bring even more customization to the novel structure, and even closer to what Scrivener offers. Anyway, fantastic video! Thank you so much.
for anyone wanting an alternative ui for the "index card outline", you can make a google slides presentation and use text boxes or rectangle shapes to write your information down and rearrange them!
For all the brokies like me, you can copy and paste images and rectangles and lines and anything you need from canva onto google docs, but it takes time to format everything. And as for the index card outlines, create a table and then select the whole table. After that there'll be a vertical three dots button on the top right corner of your screen next to the pen symbol. Just click on that, press table options, scroll down and select the background colour and table border colour and width of the border. Hope this helped y'all. It takes a bunch of time to format everything and make it pretty though lmao. EDIT : to create the desire, fear, misbelief thing, just create a table and select the outline as the same colour of the docs
how do you format each box or index card to stay the same size regardless of the amount of text? Is there a way to do this? I can't find where to format my text to fill the box corner to corner
Okay, why didn't I know that google drive existed and worked like this? I've been having to scroll through countless google doc tabs for MONTHS, complaining that there was not a better organization system Abbie, you are our HERO. TYSM!!!!!!!! (Also, any who are unaware, on the far left side there's a little button w/ three lines, and that opens up a little tab that can instantly take you to other google sites (Docs, drive, sheets, slides, and forums). I've used it before to get to google sheets easier than just typing it up in the search tab.)
U posted this right as I wrapped up my book planning, I’ve been planning for months and I’m so exited it the first book idea where I feel like the MC is actually relatable. And I finally came out of writers block, ahhhh feel sooooooo goood❤😅
As a long time writer who has always preferred Google Docs over Scrivener (but caved and purchased Scrivener a couple of years ago, and am finding it a little complicated), this is amazing! Thank you ever so kindly!! I had no idea Google docs had all of this going on...lol
I'm back. I was only able to watch some of the video last week, but I bookmarked it to watch this weekend so I could follow along step-by-step. I paused the video so I could purchase the character profiles template. I'm excited to use it. Hint: for anyone else following along with this video using a split screen to set up your Google Docs like I am right now...if you click through to buy one of the templates, the 'cart' will be hiding in the lower corner of the screen instead of being at the top like normal. I was trying to figure out how to check out , not realizing the split screen changed the layout of the site, thereby moving the cart out of sight slightly.
Just a note on your delicious English. As I am not a native speaker, for me it is a delight when someone pronounces such and every word so clearly like you. Thanks!
I've always wished google docs had a feature where we can make folders and sort them to organise documents. I never knew we could do that with Drive! I'm so glad I'm watching this video!
This helped me really well as I felt kind of stuck after I discovered that my last writing software not matching my writers needs very well played a significant part in my current writers block. Thank you a lot Abbie!
I will say for the character/setting type documents, I prefer using Slides myself. For me it just is a lot smoother when trying to incorporate both text and images in a document. But I love how you broke down all the elements into easy to use sections!
5:20 You could also use Heading 1 for Act 1, Act 2...etc and then use Heading 2 for the chapters so they are listed beneath each act in the outline I wish I had this video a decade ago 😅
oh Abbie, thank you so, so much!! I've started using Google Docs for fanfictions years ago and I have to say it's the best collaborate tool so far with all the useful options to share and get feedback without sending files to anyone via mail or other ways and you even have an amount of control over what people can do with your text. Thanks a lot for your great templates, I'm definitely gonna make use of them for the trilogy I'm writing atm. your videos helped me so much with my writing :)
@@Anonymous-wi6ig yeah I get it. That's why I share it with close friends only. But at least you can prevent someone from making a copy of your doc or create another share link.
Love this thank you so much for posting Abbie. I use Google docs as my main writing tool, and this will help me organise my writing projects a lot. The index cards are brilliant and will be very helpful to me. I would suggest creating a Master folder, so all you need to do is copy the master folder when creating a new project and all your templates are blank and ready to go. ❤
This video couldn't come in a more perfect moment, I just started using Google docs for my writing project (I'm an amateur in all things writing 😅), and this video just helped me to organize everything pretty nicely 💜thank you, abbie
omg its SO helpful. just the comments alone. I'll write in a new character, highlight their name, and outline their whole arc in a comment or two! but i didn't know half this stuff so THANK YOU
I'm a Word expert, but am taking a course where I need to use Google Docs. This tutorial was awesome! I learned so much already! And I purchased the 3 templates for my memoir project.
This is soo helpful! As someone wanting to have scrivener's functionality while writing, this is so helpful for aspiring writers! Thank you so much for this video :)
Wow! An amazing amount of useful stuff. I have already started writing my first novel using Google Docs - and have gone a slightly different direction. I have put each chapter into a separate Doc. I know it's personal preference, but: 1. I find dealing with smaller chunks, less daunting. That could be because, as a software engineer, I am constantly trying to keep code in small chunks. 2. Sharing is easier. I can easily share a chapter with my wife or friends, to get their thoughts. 3. If I need to juggle stuff about, it's easy-peasy. 4. I still can see the 'outline' by going to my Manuscript folder. And each of my Docs has a number at the start of the Doc name, (e.g. "1. Is it me?"), so they are ordered correctly. And here's a handy hint, that I find really useful in Google Docs: Comments. You can highlight a piece of text and add a comment - e.g.: "Improve dialogue/dialogue tags."
Abbie! My current WIP in Docs needed some major reorganization before I continue it and this tutorial helped SO MUCH. Not only to better-serve my goals in the manuscript, but to also understand / use Docs more efficiently. Thank you so much!
20:10 you can create a hyperlink by pressing "Ctrl+K" paste the link and title it something. Then you have a link to click on that will bring you back to that web page in your planning doc
Thank you for this video. Decided to use Google docs since i often switch between devices and Google docs is the best tool for this matter. Definitely going to use those tips to keep my work process organized. Thank you again ❤😂
Nice! I work in Google Docs and I had the manuscript pretty organized, but my Drive was a mess! This has given me some ideas how to sort it out. Ten minutes and it already looks so much cleaner and less confusing. I don't have to name each document in such a long winded way now that I have enclosed folders!! Thanks!
ABBIE! I can't thank you enough! I've been using Google Docs for quite some time and have never really felt like it was a great way of organizing my writing. This video has helped me improve in so many different ways. Thank you, thank you!
Been using Google Docs for years, it was worth mentioning the existence of bookmarks that makes very easy to navigate around the document, no need for headings.
I LOVE Google docs. I use them on all my assignments instead of Microsoft. I don't know much about fiction writing tools though so glad to hear about this
Thank you Abbie for explaining how to use Google Docs so effectively. As a person who is still new to the writers' arena, you are a major influence on my writing trajectory. Undoubtedly many others -like me-look to you for inspiration and professional guidance. Much appreciated my friend and yes-Rock On!!!!🌹
For anyone wondering how to create the character profiles and the index cards like I was wondering, if you download google slides you can create shapes that you can also type on. Hope that helps for those Broke like me 😂
@@Moonlightss320 yeah, it’s a little difficult at first and it not that same as a google document since it’s a slide but if you create a long and wide enough square you could do it like here’s, if you’d like I could find a way to post the template I’m making on my community post so you and anyone else reading this can download it. 🤷♀️ It will take a while for me to finish the template but I’ll come back and say when it’s finished and when I’ve post the link
@@Moonlightss320For some reason my comment isn’t showing up, at least on my screen but just incase it’s not on yours either, I’ve put up the document link on my community post if. 😊🤍
I'm using Microsoft OneNote to write my outlines and notes while writing my manuscript on a separate Microsoft Word file. Maybe I'll give this Google Docs method a try! I love how it's designed to keep you focused on your work.
This is helpful. Just be careful because once a document gets really long in Google, Google does not play well. I had my current WIP as one long document (500+ pages) in Google and the program started acting weird. It would backspace like crazy and erase. It would duplicate letters. It may not sound like much but the backspacing was like watching a Pac Man eating my words. Make sure you download drafts and save them elsewhere. I still use Google all the time but it's for quick notes and writing that I add back to my Scrivener document. Would I use Abbie's templates? Yes! (Already downloaded them!) Would I use Google for brain dumps? Absolutely! I still use Google because it's the easiest on the go. Just save and download drafts in other formats and other places at least once a week. I download as word and save to my hard drive and cloud storage all the time. Thanks Abbie for always creating such clear and informative videos.
Thank you for this. As much as I've come to like Scrivener, I often have to switch between my desktop and laptop and I've grown tired of having to remember to take out my external and bring it with me.
Thank you so much. Only started writing a few weeks ago and heard alot about ploting and planning. I see myself more like a discovery writer so I was afraid of doing this actual backwork. And here you are, changing evrything with one video. Your tamplates are awesome, looking forward to work with them. I am only 10 pages in and when I copied the character template a few times for the characters I already had appearing, that are alot of characters :D. I named one of them Abby now, I couldn`t find a name for her. This is so cool, thank you!
Quick tip: if you select the text and click "ctrl + alt + (number of the heading you want)", it you format the text, too, without having to select it from the menu. Like, select your chapter title and click "ctrl + alt + 1" to turn it into a heading 1
I have heading titled “You Are Here (date)” so I know where to start. I just cut and paste it at the end of the last sentence I wrote. Can’t always write chapter to chapter and it makes it so much easier to find where I left off. Thanks for always posting such great content!
I've written 3 novels in google docs and I honestly really like it. I already did the chapter headings but the other ideas in here are unique too. I keep a seperate google doc for planning(seperated into plot and character sections), manuscript, graveyard (for things i have to delete but like the writing of), and lastly an editing notes doc for editing notes i have *while* writing the first draft so i can remember what i want to change but don't edit yet because if i keep editing while writing, I'll never finish.
This is exactly what I've been needing. I have Scrivener and love it, but I write on two devices (especially while traveling) so Google Docs is necessarily my go-to method. Thank you SO MUCH!
I've been watching your channel for years (since 2021, I think)! I cannot afford Scrivener, so I've been trying to emulate the same process you talk about doing there in Google Docs this whole time (to no avail)! I'm so excited that you put out this video! Thank you! P.S. You're the reason that I started writing again. I had given up on my dreams...until I found your channel! You introduced me to indie publishing and a world I only thought existed in my dreams. I am SO GRATEFUL that you decided to start posting on RUclips! I do not know how to thank you. When I publish my debut novel I'm going to put you in the acknowledgements and send you a copy! I do not know if this is acceptable thanks; but if there's anything I can ever do for you, please let me know!
Thank you so much! Your video has literally been my start off point to this new venture I have wanted to try out for some years now. I’m feeling more confident and looking forward to writing my 1st novel.
What kept me from writing my novel was the sheer overwhelming feeling I got because of my unorganised documents. Maybe this will get me started again, thank you ❤
Thanks Abbie! Thats very helpful. I recently decided to stick with using Notion as my main writing software. It’s free and allows for a lot of personalisation. It takes a little while to get your head around it but once you get there, it’s a very powerful tool. If any writers out here, Abbie included, is looking for some advice on it,I’d be happy to help.
I totally had this video saved since you uploaded it. I was never a big fan of Docs but have been struggling with something to type in right now because nothing it working for me. So I’m giving this a shot and pulled the trigger on your character profiles because they are so well done. Thank you for this video.
another way you can quickly access chapters is creating a table of contents (at the bottom of insert) and format it how you want, and then have it at the beginning with page numbers and subheadings included
What you missed is Google Docs built-in note feature. The little button with the lightbulb. It brings up little "notecards" you can write info in! You can even pin them if they're of utmost importance.
This is so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! At some point, it would also be helpful to see a video on how to make Microsoft Word similar to Scrivener as well. Thanks again, Abbie!
I write for fun, and as a means of getting back into the flow of doing it seriously ...But this is not just helpful for my writing but also when I have to start my thesis. Thank you.
One of the most useful features I've found (for DND organization haha) whether it's the same doc or a different one is the linking feature. Highlighting something and CTRL+K brings up to option of making it a clickable link that you can connect to pretty much any Heading, and it works across docs on your drive. If linking to another doc, it even brings up a small pop-up version of it!
This is so-o-o helpful to this owner of a Chromebook. I had installed the Linux version but Linux was making my old laptop run more slowly. So now I can use the basic Scrivener structure.
Thank you so much for this video. I recently got an idea to write a novel and was really confused as to where to write it. I decided to use google docs but there was no order in which i wrote. this video definitely helped me to understood google docs much better.
While I have several options, I love google docs, because it is completely portable. I can write at home or work. I can write on my apple tablet or phone, or my windows laptop, and it all syncs.
Appreciate the tutorial Abbie! Didn't occur to me to use Google Docs this way for my project. For now, I'm using YWriter. It just lets me update chapters and scenes between my laptop and mobile phone (depending on where I am and what I have on me).
This was seriously SO helpful!!!!!! I've just finished working in Word on a project and it's been driving me nuts.....Google Drive is definitely my preference. I'll be switching over for the next one now that I've got the basics set up for Project 2!!!! ♥
This video could not have showed up at a better moment. I was *literally* planning to transfer/backup my Scrivener novel to Google Docs this weekend. Thanks, Abbie!
Thank you for posting this, but like others have said, I used tabs in one spreadsheet in Google Sheets to structure my outline. Everything you place in separate files I put in tabs in a single spreadsheet. When I need more character sketches, for example, I just duplicate the template tab for one, and it's ready to go.
Abbie, I just wanna say you, Jenna Moreci, Jerry Jenkins, and the rest of my favorite authors and youtubers have helped and inspired me so much. Love y'all great writing mentors so much 💗
![BRASIL vs. URUGUAY [1-1] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 12](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-hWBAuxF1eY/mqdefault.jpg)
You posted this right as I was writing a novel in Google docs :D
Same omg
Same
Same :D
:D
Same lmao
I have used most of these features while writing some of my projects in Google Docs. However, one important feature that you didn't bring up was the value of Google Sheets. It is a spreadsheet option much like Excel. I use this like my Project Bible. I can also include links to the individual documents that give more information. So characters for example are all listed where I can see their physical descriptions and quirks, but then link to their in depth character profile. Add another sheet within the same document for world building, etc. so each "folder" can be divided into tabs with their own information.
Yes! Google sheets is so great for this I also use it for my plot grids:)
Yesss! I also make index cards on Google Sheets. It's so useful!!
This sounds like an idea that I may want to try. I'm a visual learner. Were there any videos or blogs that aided you in using sheets or did it just happen organically for you?
@@Maevann For me, it was organic. I used sheets for other things and learned the system then so it was a natural transition. Sorry I'm not much help on that
Oooo. I hadn't thought of this. Thank you.
I've written my whole first book (fantasy ~ 450 pages and 130,000 words) without ever using the Heading feature because I never understood how it worked. I'm now in the Second Draft of that book, so I will definitely be using that now so I can stop scrolling through hundreds of pages to find chapters... Thanks Abbie 😂
You can press “ctrl” and “f” keys at the same time to do a search. I use it when I want to find some specific phrasing. Headers are easier but it’s a good backup or when you can’t find the right chapter.
I'm in the same boat! I have a ~450000 word first draft that takes forever to fully load. hopefully this will make things less time consuming on the second draft!
Friend, you will never be a successful author and you should immediately seek work in a hair salon of similar venue.
I need to get like you, I've been writing a fantasy book since 2021 and I'm only on page ten.
@@nicolemadrigal4315 You and me both!
Google drive nerd here, I have some extra tips!
1. You can also use the subsequent headings (1-4) to make nested outlines. For example, you could make a wider Character Profiles document and have headline 1 as protagonist/antagonist/side characters, then heading 2 as the character name, and headline 3 as each subsection for the character (basics, internal conflict, etc). You can also use this for your story outline, dividing it into acts, then chapters, then major events or however you like to do it.
2. 17:22 You could create these image boards as a drawing (insert -> drawing -> new, import the images to the drawing using the image icon next to the text box icon), then they’ll all stay grouped together. You can double click the drawing to edit as needed, but docs will treat it as a single image.
3. 20:36 ctrl+v pastes. Ctrl+shift+v pastes without formatting. In addition, if you want to hang onto the webpage you can highlight the title/header of the document and use ctrl+k to make it into a hyperlink for the site you pulled the info from. Just copy/paste the url.
4. 22:53 if you prefer pageless documents, go to file -> page setup -> pageless. You can also choose a different background color here if you want a different aesthetic for or just if you find pure white to be a little difficult on your eyes during long writing sessions.
5. View -> full screen. If you’re good with your keyboard shortcuts (command+b for bold, etc, there are also shortcuts for making text into a header) you can work without the potential distraction of all the tools at the top. The outline is still visible in this mode.
Hey, I would like to know how I can insert the text box at 16:26. I hope you can help me out, thank you!!!
@@imasinner3086 Insert -> Table -> 1x1 :) There should be a little downward facing arrow on the right side of the text box, click that then click the option that shows a border around the whole shape and the toolbar (which normally shows the options for changing font and all that) should switch to some options that let you change the color, line width, and line style of the border (plain line, dotted, or dashed). Sorry for the late reply but I hope that helps!
omg the second one is genius! So helpful, thanks!
Thanks friend appreciate you taking the time to add more on this.
@denniscoley6070 hi!unfortunately google docs doesn’t have a setting for alternate page margins. You can edit the margins for the whole document only
Google Docs has now the options to add document tabs so you can for sure structure your content now in one document!😉 Would love to see an update with the new Document Tab feature.
Yesss I just noticed this today before I saw ur comment then I was like now that it does. She should do an updated video.
I've been a Google Docs guy for several years and for me, its the mobile access. I purchased the Scrivener thinking I was gonna be in front of the monitor more but I've found I'm rarely sitting in the office writing. Its the phone or tablet at the coffee house or on lunch breaks. So until Scrivener manages that... In the meantime, I've got zero complaints with Drive's features. Thanks for the templates Abbie, I'll put 'em to good use!
lol! Good to know that I’m not the only one using my phone or tablet to write. I just got a Bluetooth keyboard, so now I can properly write! 😀
@@Roma_eterna I did that for a long time! Bluetooth keyboards and iPad work basically the same as a computer but since I've gotten my computer, I find it wayyyyy more convenient! Definitely a worth while investment for me!
I just watched this video. Then reorganised my entire google docs drive. This took me an hour to do. Thats time well spent I think. This truely is gonna take my writing to the next level. As all my writing documents were completely unorganised. Thank you abbie for doing this video.
OH MY GOD. This came at the perfect time Abbie you have no idea. I was literally going to start writing my novel right now, and was looking for writing tools. I decided that Ill stick to Google docs, and was just binge watching your videos about outlining. Thank you so much!
I’ve used google docs my entire life and I never new about some of these features 😅😊
I’ve been using word for four years, and it just gave out on me as in preparing to publish my first novel next year. I changed to Google docs and have felt completely overwhelmed by all I have to learn about self-publishing, and now needing to learn how to use a new word processor. Thank you so much for what you do ❤
Awesome!! What I will do is to use a colour code for the index cards: red is todo, yellow is in progress, blue is first draft and green is done. In scrivener you can assign labels for the status. And for those using Notion keep in mind that it doesn't safe. For this reason I'm using notion just for brainstorming BUT you have the possibility to insert the Google docs in notion. For example, you buy Abbie's templates and customize them and then you embed them into Notion. That makes sure, your work is safe. 😊
Google Docs has been kicking my butt for over a year now, and you have blown my mind in so many ways with this.
I actually feel motivated to try and make stories again. I am excited!
I've been writing novels using docs for years. A few additional things to note is the "summary" feature. Rather than using a separate file, you can create a summary within the document itself, in which you can copy/paste into your query submissions when Lit Agents ask for them. You can add your beta and alpha readers as a collaborator, they can highlight, leave notes, and suggest edits. Also, Hemingway makes an app extension for Chrome (unsure about Safari) where it will highlight and point out grammar and spelling mistakes the Google interface didn't catch, in addition to passive voice, and all the other good things we know and love about Hemingway.
Assuming you’re not referring to the writer, what’s Hemingway? I assume that’s an app or software?
For someone that uses Google Docs so much this was really helpful and helps me not make a mess of notes and stuff in one document!!!! Thank you so much for this video! I hope you have a great day and i can wait to use this in my next novel and fanfiction! Thank you writer friend! 😁
I always write with Google Docs, it makes it easier as I can edit them on any device! Also chapter points with the heading thing are helpful!
I have been writing my story in Google Docs for more than three years but this video is more helpful. Thanks, Abbie!❤
I have so many chapter outlines, so having an organized index cards for chapters is very helpful! I can just tap in and see where I stopped and what future sections/parts I need to write for my next chapters! Thanks so much, Abbie!
What's it called? are you anywhere close to publishing it?
@@soli4941 oh no! I just saw your reply after a month. So sorry about that.
About publishing, not anytime soon. It might take me a decade or two, as far as I know that I will publish it after a long, long time because I have been busy with my studies, work, and other responsibilities that I just write stories for fun and as a hobby. But I do take writing this story very seriously, and it's also a wish for me to publish this book in my life. It's a story about the main character finding purpose in her life and her origin what she really is (not superpowers but normal people), and at the same time villains and other characters realizing their worth and doing what's right for the world. It's a journey for characters to redeem and recover writing it in thriller genre, involved with little romance and many friendships and teamwork.
This by far was the best $7 and 45 minutes I have spent when it comes to writing. I want to write a book so bad but never know where to start, how much research I should do before I start, how much world building, and etc. I have not known how to organize my thoughts into something that made sense and it has kept me from really starting and digging in for so very long. I feel like the folder I created following along with your video is going to help me so much. Thank you. I also can't wait to binge all of your other videos now, because if they are even a tiny bit as helpful as this one was, I can only imagine what I am about to experience!
I'm looking to write my first novel. I have the general plots and subplots in my head, along with character outlines.
Having never written before, I have been looking for an adult ed or some other training program on exactly how to format and organize my writing.
Your video is perfect. It doesn't spend too little or too much time for subject, it's very comprehensive, and provides an organized infrastructure for the publication.
This is really helpful. Back then, I stopped using Google Docs, cuz it was hard for me to do & I couldn't keep up, but now that you've made this video, I finally got my stuff organized & I can remember where to keep them. Thank you so much for the advice. You're amazing!
Yes, this was an amazing tutorial! I just created an entire template folder whit all of these sub folders and templates that I can just copy for each new book! (:
I watched this yesterday, and I went to give it a shot today. Guess, what, Google just introduced Document Tabs! Have you seen it? I believe that it will bring even more customization to the novel structure, and even closer to what Scrivener offers.
Anyway, fantastic video! Thank you so much.
for anyone wanting an alternative ui for the "index card outline", you can make a google slides presentation and use text boxes or rectangle shapes to write your information down and rearrange them!
THANK YOU this is a game changer!
For all the brokies like me, you can copy and paste images and rectangles and lines and anything you need from canva onto google docs, but it takes time to format everything. And as for the index card outlines, create a table and then select the whole table. After that there'll be a vertical three dots button on the top right corner of your screen next to the pen symbol. Just click on that, press table options, scroll down and select the background colour and table border colour and width of the border. Hope this helped y'all.
It takes a bunch of time to format everything and make it pretty though lmao.
EDIT : to create the desire, fear, misbelief thing, just create a table and select the outline as the same colour of the docs
how do you format each box or index card to stay the same size regardless of the amount of text? Is there a way to do this? I can't find where to format my text to fill the box corner to corner
my boxes just become super elongated rectanges when I paste the text, is there a way to fix this?
Thanks Abbie for this vid! Please make one on how to write a novel on Ms word!
Okay, why didn't I know that google drive existed and worked like this? I've been having to scroll through countless google doc tabs for MONTHS, complaining that there was not a better organization system
Abbie, you are our HERO. TYSM!!!!!!!!
(Also, any who are unaware, on the far left side there's a little button w/ three lines, and that opens up a little tab that can instantly take you to other google sites (Docs, drive, sheets, slides, and forums). I've used it before to get to google sheets easier than just typing it up in the search tab.)
U posted this right as I wrapped up my book planning, I’ve been planning for months and I’m so exited it the first book idea where I feel like the MC is actually relatable. And I finally came out of writers block, ahhhh feel sooooooo goood❤😅
Most generous writer and teacher on the internet. Thank you so much : )
As a long time writer who has always preferred Google Docs over Scrivener (but caved and purchased Scrivener a couple of years ago, and am finding it a little complicated), this is amazing! Thank you ever so kindly!! I had no idea Google docs had all of this going on...lol
I'm back. I was only able to watch some of the video last week, but I bookmarked it to watch this weekend so I could follow along step-by-step. I paused the video so I could purchase the character profiles template. I'm excited to use it.
Hint: for anyone else following along with this video using a split screen to set up your Google Docs like I am right now...if you click through to buy one of the templates, the 'cart' will be hiding in the lower corner of the screen instead of being at the top like normal. I was trying to figure out how to check out , not realizing the split screen changed the layout of the site, thereby moving the cart out of sight slightly.
Just a note on your delicious English. As I am not a native speaker, for me it is a delight when someone pronounces such and every word so clearly like you. Thanks!
Thanks Abbie. I've moved from Scrivner to Obsidian. Not an easy option but if you're ok with javascript there really isn't a limit to custom workflow.
I've always wished google docs had a feature where we can make folders and sort them to organise documents. I never knew we could do that with Drive! I'm so glad I'm watching this video!
This helped me really well as I felt kind of stuck after I discovered that my last writing software not matching my writers needs very well played a significant part in my current writers block. Thank you a lot Abbie!
I will say for the character/setting type documents, I prefer using Slides myself. For me it just is a lot smoother when trying to incorporate both text and images in a document. But I love how you broke down all the elements into easy to use sections!
I literally just started my novel on Google Docs, whaaaa😮
Love your content Abbie!
5:20 You could also use Heading 1 for Act 1, Act 2...etc and then use Heading 2 for the chapters so they are listed beneath each act in the outline
I wish I had this video a decade ago 😅
I’ve been writing on Google docs for a year now, this was SOOO helpful, thank you! ❤
oh Abbie, thank you so, so much!! I've started using Google Docs for fanfictions years ago and I have to say it's the best collaborate tool so far with all the useful options to share and get feedback without sending files to anyone via mail or other ways and you even have an amount of control over what people can do with your text. Thanks a lot for your great templates, I'm definitely gonna make use of them for the trilogy I'm writing atm. your videos helped me so much with my writing :)
Wait people can't copy and paste what's on a doc if you share it with them and allow them to edit, right?
@@Anonymous-wi6ig in the docs I edit, anyone who has access to them as an editor can copy & paste anything. Not sure if there's a way around it.
@@Missy04 oh that sucks. I'm just worried about getting a beta reader if they're able to do that.
@@Anonymous-wi6ig yeah I get it. That's why I share it with close friends only. But at least you can prevent someone from making a copy of your doc or create another share link.
Love this thank you so much for posting Abbie. I use Google docs as my main writing tool, and this will help me organise my writing projects a lot. The index cards are brilliant and will be very helpful to me. I would suggest creating a Master folder, so all you need to do is copy the master folder when creating a new project and all your templates are blank and ready to go. ❤
This video couldn't come in a more perfect moment, I just started using Google docs for my writing project (I'm an amateur in all things writing 😅), and this video just helped me to organize everything pretty nicely 💜thank you, abbie
girl, thank you so much! Just finished writing my first chapter on google docs then found this video, so helpful!!
omg its SO helpful. just the comments alone. I'll write in a new character, highlight their name, and outline their whole arc in a comment or two! but i didn't know half this stuff so THANK YOU
I'm a Word expert, but am taking a course where I need to use Google Docs. This tutorial was awesome! I learned so much already! And I purchased the 3 templates for my memoir project.
This is soo helpful! As someone wanting to have scrivener's functionality while writing, this is so helpful for aspiring writers! Thank you so much for this video :)
I love Google docs. So far it's the best free platform I've used. I'm writing a novel with it right know so this video is very helpful.
Wow! An amazing amount of useful stuff. I have already started writing my first novel using Google Docs - and have gone a slightly different direction. I have put each chapter into a separate Doc. I know it's personal preference, but:
1. I find dealing with smaller chunks, less daunting. That could be because, as a software engineer, I am constantly trying to keep code in small chunks.
2. Sharing is easier. I can easily share a chapter with my wife or friends, to get their thoughts.
3. If I need to juggle stuff about, it's easy-peasy.
4. I still can see the 'outline' by going to my Manuscript folder. And each of my Docs has a number at the start of the Doc name, (e.g. "1. Is it me?"), so they are ordered correctly.
And here's a handy hint, that I find really useful in Google Docs: Comments. You can highlight a piece of text and add a comment - e.g.: "Improve dialogue/dialogue tags."
Abbie!
My current WIP in Docs needed some major reorganization before I continue it and this tutorial helped SO MUCH. Not only to better-serve my goals in the manuscript, but to also understand / use Docs more efficiently. Thank you so much!
20:10 you can create a hyperlink by pressing "Ctrl+K" paste the link and title it something. Then you have a link to click on that will bring you back to that web page in your planning doc
Thank you for this video. Decided to use Google docs since i often switch between devices and Google docs is the best tool for this matter. Definitely going to use those tips to keep my work process organized. Thank you again ❤😂
Nice! I work in Google Docs and I had the manuscript pretty organized, but my Drive was a mess! This has given me some ideas how to sort it out. Ten minutes and it already looks so much cleaner and less confusing.
I don't have to name each document in such a long winded way now that I have enclosed folders!!
Thanks!
ABBIE! I can't thank you enough! I've been using Google Docs for quite some time and have never really felt like it was a great way of organizing my writing. This video has helped me improve in so many different ways. Thank you, thank you!
Been using Google Docs for years, it was worth mentioning the existence of bookmarks that makes very easy to navigate around the document, no need for headings.
I LOVE Google docs. I use them on all my assignments instead of Microsoft. I don't know much about fiction writing tools though so glad to hear about this
Google Docs is fantastic! The fact that it can back up my files to my phone makes it worth using over other writing software for me.
Thank you Abbie for explaining how to use Google Docs so effectively. As a person who is still new to the writers' arena, you are a major influence on my writing trajectory. Undoubtedly many others -like me-look to you for inspiration and professional guidance. Much appreciated my friend and yes-Rock On!!!!🌹
This was great. I have my own system of working in Google docs, but I learnt a lot of new things. Thank you dear.
For anyone wondering how to create the character profiles and the index cards like I was wondering, if you download google slides you can create shapes that you can also type on. Hope that helps for those Broke like me 😂
What? We can add it like her?
@@Moonlightss320 yeah, it’s a little difficult at first and it not that same as a google document since it’s a slide but if you create a long and wide enough square you could do it like here’s, if you’d like I could find a way to post the template I’m making on my community post so you and anyone else reading this can download it. 🤷♀️
It will take a while for me to finish the template but I’ll come back and say when it’s finished and when I’ve post the link
I’ve now finished it and I have it up on my community posts. I hope you enjoy. 🤍😊
@@Moonlightss320For some reason my comment isn’t showing up, at least on my screen but just incase it’s not on yours either, I’ve put up the document link on my community post if. 😊🤍
lol you can also copy and paste images from canva onto google docs, that's what I did and my character sheet looks scrumptious✨
I've been juggling between using word and libreoffice to write my manuscript. These are helpful tips to have my drafts organized 👍
OMG!!! THANKS FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO!!!!❤❤❤ I write my novel in Google docs now.
I'm using Microsoft OneNote to write my outlines and notes while writing my manuscript on a separate Microsoft Word file. Maybe I'll give this Google Docs method a try! I love how it's designed to keep you focused on your work.
This is helpful. Just be careful because once a document gets really long in Google, Google does not play well. I had my current WIP as one long document (500+ pages) in Google and the program started acting weird. It would backspace like crazy and erase. It would duplicate letters. It may not sound like much but the backspacing was like watching a Pac Man eating my words. Make sure you download drafts and save them elsewhere. I still use Google all the time but it's for quick notes and writing that I add back to my Scrivener document. Would I use Abbie's templates? Yes! (Already downloaded them!) Would I use Google for brain dumps? Absolutely! I still use Google because it's the easiest on the go. Just save and download drafts in other formats and other places at least once a week. I download as word and save to my hard drive and cloud storage all the time. Thanks Abbie for always creating such clear and informative videos.
Omg you had 500 pages in a doc? That's a ton of work! Every full novel in dice that I've seen is 200 pages at most! What is your story about?
@@bottompercy Contemporary Adult fiction.
Thank you so much. Writing a novel in Google Docs has been a bit of a nightmare with everything in one document, so this video is awesome!
I NEEDED THISSSS!!!!
Thank you for this. As much as I've come to like Scrivener, I often have to switch between my desktop and laptop and I've grown tired of having to remember to take out my external and bring it with me.
Thank you so much. Only started writing a few weeks ago and heard alot about ploting and planning. I see myself more like a discovery writer so I was afraid of doing this actual backwork. And here you are, changing evrything with one video. Your tamplates are awesome, looking forward to work with them. I am only 10 pages in and when I copied the character template a few times for the characters I already had appearing, that are alot of characters :D. I named one of them Abby now, I couldn`t find a name for her. This is so cool, thank you!
Quick tip: if you select the text and click "ctrl + alt + (number of the heading you want)", it you format the text, too, without having to select it from the menu.
Like, select your chapter title and click "ctrl + alt + 1" to turn it into a heading 1
Love Scrivener and the scene/chapter cards feature. But the basic manuscript/character/setting/notes organization just rocks!
Love to write in google docs. This way I can write on my laptop and also on my phone which I've found really helpful.
I have heading titled “You Are Here (date)” so I know where to start. I just cut and paste it at the end of the last sentence I wrote. Can’t always write chapter to chapter and it makes it so much easier to find where I left off. Thanks for always posting such great content!
feels like hitting a jackpot after watching this video.. thanks a lot Abbie🥰
I've written 3 novels in google docs and I honestly really like it. I already did the chapter headings but the other ideas in here are unique too. I keep a seperate google doc for planning(seperated into plot and character sections), manuscript, graveyard (for things i have to delete but like the writing of), and lastly an editing notes doc for editing notes i have *while* writing the first draft so i can remember what i want to change but don't edit yet because if i keep editing while writing, I'll never finish.
This is exactly what I've been needing. I have Scrivener and love it, but I write on two devices (especially while traveling) so Google Docs is necessarily my go-to method. Thank you SO MUCH!
I've been watching your channel for years (since 2021, I think)! I cannot afford Scrivener, so I've been trying to emulate the same process you talk about doing there in Google Docs this whole time (to no avail)! I'm so excited that you put out this video! Thank you!
P.S. You're the reason that I started writing again. I had given up on my dreams...until I found your channel! You introduced me to indie publishing and a world I only thought existed in my dreams. I am SO GRATEFUL that you decided to start posting on RUclips! I do not know how to thank you. When I publish my debut novel I'm going to put you in the acknowledgements and send you a copy!
I do not know if this is acceptable thanks; but if there's anything I can ever do for you, please let me know!
I was pausing the video every few seconds to do what you were doing. This was so helpful, thanks!
you’re amazing your videos gave me back inspiration to write again, I haven’t been motivated for sooo long
In word you can use headings and when you open the heading panel you can use them to navigate the chapters if any uses word
Thank you so much! Your video has literally been my start off point to this new venture I have wanted to try out for some years now. I’m feeling more confident and looking forward to writing my 1st novel.
Do you have a video or could you make one on how to format the novel? By this I mean the fonts, pixel size, spacing and so forth.
What kept me from writing my novel was the sheer overwhelming feeling I got because of my unorganised documents. Maybe this will get me started again, thank you ❤
Thanks Abbie! Thats very helpful. I recently decided to stick with using Notion as my main writing software. It’s free and allows for a lot of personalisation. It takes a little while to get your head around it but once you get there, it’s a very powerful tool. If any writers out here, Abbie included, is looking for some advice on it,I’d be happy to help.
I totally had this video saved since you uploaded it. I was never a big fan of Docs but have been struggling with something to type in right now because nothing it working for me. So I’m giving this a shot and pulled the trigger on your character profiles because they are so well done. Thank you for this video.
I used to write in google docs and still do sometimes but copy and paste to and from Scrivner
another way you can quickly access chapters is creating a table of contents (at the bottom of insert) and format it how you want, and then have it at the beginning with page numbers and subheadings included
Google docs is my go-to for all my documents and notes😮❤
What you missed is Google Docs built-in note feature. The little button with the lightbulb. It brings up little "notecards" you can write info in! You can even pin them if they're of utmost importance.
This is so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!
At some point, it would also be helpful to see a video on how to make Microsoft Word similar to Scrivener as well. Thanks again, Abbie!
This is so helpful for not only creative writing but also for large university papers and theses. Thank you!
I write for fun, and as a means of getting back into the flow of doing it seriously ...But this is not just helpful for my writing but also when I have to start my thesis. Thank you.
You can keep research files in the Google Keep tab on the far right column (the little yellow square with a lightbulb).
Ty for this video! I’ve been writing my novel on google docs for many years now and I definitely need some organization, thanks Abbie!
I'm only 2 minutes in but I am LOVING this video and can't wait to see your tips and tricks for writing in Google docs and character pages.
One of the most useful features I've found (for DND organization haha) whether it's the same doc or a different one is the linking feature. Highlighting something and CTRL+K brings up to option of making it a clickable link that you can connect to pretty much any Heading, and it works across docs on your drive. If linking to another doc, it even brings up a small pop-up version of it!
This is so-o-o helpful to this owner of a Chromebook. I had installed the Linux version but Linux was making my old laptop run more slowly. So now I can use the basic Scrivener structure.
Thank you. I’ve done a lot of this on my own but I couldnt figire out how to get chapter links in the side. Thats going to be so helpful
Thank you so much for this video. I recently got an idea to write a novel and was really confused as to where to write it. I decided to use google docs but there was no order in which i wrote. this video definitely helped me to understood google docs much better.
While I have several options, I love google docs, because it is completely portable. I can write at home or work. I can write on my apple tablet or phone, or my windows laptop, and it all syncs.
Appreciate the tutorial Abbie! Didn't occur to me to use Google Docs this way for my project.
For now, I'm using YWriter. It just lets me update chapters and scenes between my laptop and mobile phone (depending on where I am and what I have on me).
This was seriously SO helpful!!!!!! I've just finished working in Word on a project and it's been driving me nuts.....Google Drive is definitely my preference. I'll be switching over for the next one now that I've got the basics set up for Project 2!!!! ♥
This video could not have showed up at a better moment. I was *literally* planning to transfer/backup my Scrivener novel to Google Docs this weekend. Thanks, Abbie!
Thank you for posting this, but like others have said, I used tabs in one spreadsheet in Google Sheets to structure my outline. Everything you place in separate files I put in tabs in a single spreadsheet. When I need more character sketches, for example, I just duplicate the template tab for one, and it's ready to go.
This video came at the perfect time! I've just started outlining and worldbuilding! Thank you sm!!!
❤
Abbie, I just wanna say you, Jenna Moreci, Jerry Jenkins, and the rest of my favorite authors and youtubers have helped and inspired me so much. Love y'all great writing mentors so much 💗