How to Write a Novel in Google Docs

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  • Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
  • "Google Docs is so boring to write a novel in." Actually, IT'S NOT. You're just using it wrong!! Most writers don't know this, but Google Docs has tons of hidden features that can make your writing experience fun, organized, and super aesthetic! In today's video, we're diving deep into writing a novel with Google Docs. I'll show you how to create a beautiful and functional workspace for writing, plotting, brainstorming, and character outlining. PLUS I'm sharing some exclusive Google Doc templates to glow up your outlining process. Grab your work-in-progress and let's get started!!
    GET THE TEMPLATES HERE 👉 abbieemmonsauthor.com/store/w...
    ________________________________
    ✨ T I M E S T A M P S ✨
    00:00 Introduction
    02:30 Manuscript navigation
    06:53 Building your workspace
    09:22 Outlines
    11:28 Character profiles
    18:18 Settings
    19:38 Research
    21:10 Notes
    22:02 Index Card Outline
    25:40 Customizing colors
    27:25 Recap
    29:36 Subscribe for weekly writing videos :)
    ________________________________
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    • How to Write a CHAPTER...
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    ✨ A B O U T ✨
    My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
    Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

Комментарии • 676

  • @_Pix_
    @_Pix_ Год назад +1302

    You posted this right as I was writing a novel in Google docs :D

  • @muse9236
    @muse9236 Год назад +1074

    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.

    • @Ingrid-jx7iz
      @Ingrid-jx7iz Год назад +14

      Yes! Google sheets is so great for this I also use it for my plot grids:)

    • @y-m-x
      @y-m-x Год назад +3

      Yesss! I also make index cards on Google Sheets. It's so useful!!

    • @Maevann
      @Maevann Год назад +15

      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?

    • @muse9236
      @muse9236 Год назад +13

      @@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

    • @catcat63527
      @catcat63527 Год назад +3

      Oooo. I hadn't thought of this. Thank you.

  • @norsecosmos
    @norsecosmos Год назад +627

    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 😂

    • @horsegirlsb9870
      @horsegirlsb9870 Год назад +26

      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.

    • @HM-cp7gy
      @HM-cp7gy Год назад +18

      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!

    • @gregvondare
      @gregvondare Год назад

      Friend, you will never be a successful author and you should immediately seek work in a hair salon of similar venue.

    • @nicolemadrigal4315
      @nicolemadrigal4315 Год назад +11

      I need to get like you, I've been writing a fantasy book since 2021 and I'm only on page ten.

    • @milchteexoxo3515
      @milchteexoxo3515 Год назад +4

      @@nicolemadrigal4315 You and me both!

  • @PupCake1025
    @PupCake1025 Год назад +475

    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
      @imasinner3086 Год назад +3

      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!!!

    • @PupCake1025
      @PupCake1025 Год назад +4

      @@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!

    • @KaylaLaCoste
      @KaylaLaCoste Год назад +2

      omg the second one is genius! So helpful, thanks!

    • @grim789
      @grim789 Год назад +2

      Thanks friend appreciate you taking the time to add more on this.

    • @Pets4TheSoul
      @Pets4TheSoul 9 месяцев назад

      ​@PupCake1025 I just came across your comment here and have a question. How can I format the manuscript in a way that the inner margin and outer margin is different on alternating pages so that it makes room for the binding?

  • @meghalidutta3515
    @meghalidutta3515 Год назад +163

    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!

  • @EyeBallMonster
    @EyeBallMonster Год назад +117

    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! 😁

  • @jessicageil1614
    @jessicageil1614 Год назад +54

    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 ❤

  • @Jus-X
    @Jus-X Год назад +39

    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.

    • @Roma_eterna
      @Roma_eterna 2 месяца назад +1

      Assuming you’re not referring to the writer, what’s Hemingway? I assume that’s an app or software?

  • @spicychilly3636
    @spicychilly3636 Год назад +323

    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
      @soli4941 Год назад +1

      What's it called? are you anywhere close to publishing it?

    • @spicychilly3636
      @spicychilly3636 Год назад +2

      @@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.

  • @EVELYN-qk4wq
    @EVELYN-qk4wq Год назад +16

    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. 😊

  • @amberrooney5543
    @amberrooney5543 Год назад +14

    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!

  • @amyakilo2269
    @amyakilo2269 Год назад +24

    I literally just started my novel on Google Docs, whaaaa😮
    Love your content Abbie!

  • @sarahglover3286
    @sarahglover3286 Год назад +12

    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!

  • @Quartzmane
    @Quartzmane Год назад +26

    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!

    • @amberrooney5543
      @amberrooney5543 Год назад

      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! (:

  • @sarthakshevde9023
    @sarthakshevde9023 Год назад +61

    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 :)

  • @demonio9401
    @demonio9401 Год назад +1

    Most generous writer and teacher on the internet. Thank you so much : )

  • @KaylaLaCoste
    @KaylaLaCoste Год назад +1

    girl, thank you so much! Just finished writing my first chapter on google docs then found this video, so helpful!!

  • @TiaLove28
    @TiaLove28 Год назад +11

    I NEEDED THISSSS!!!!

  • @estefizamora
    @estefizamora Год назад +11

    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

  • @for.ivy_haya6712
    @for.ivy_haya6712 Год назад +13

    Thanks Abbie for this vid! Please make one on how to write a novel on Ms word!

  • @grace.stewartt4224
    @grace.stewartt4224 8 месяцев назад +1

    I’ve been writing on Google docs for a year now, this was SOOO helpful, thank you! ❤

  • @miraculousmari3518
    @miraculousmari3518 Год назад +1

    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 💗

  • @rachael.m.
    @rachael.m. Год назад +22

    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. ❤

  • @Asadude69
    @Asadude69 Год назад +6

    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
      @Roma_eterna 2 месяца назад

      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! 😀

  • @Missy04
    @Missy04 Год назад +36

    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
      @Anonymous-wi6ig Год назад

      Wait people can't copy and paste what's on a doc if you share it with them and allow them to edit, right?

    • @Missy04
      @Missy04 Год назад

      @@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.

    • @Anonymous-wi6ig
      @Anonymous-wi6ig Год назад

      @@Missy04 oh that sucks. I'm just worried about getting a beta reader if they're able to do that.

    • @Missy04
      @Missy04 Год назад +1

      @@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.

  • @user-nq1ry1nn3x
    @user-nq1ry1nn3x Год назад +2

    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!

  • @JakeSmith-mq5dc
    @JakeSmith-mq5dc Год назад +2

    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!

  • @HahaGirly1212
    @HahaGirly1212 Год назад +3

    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❤😅

  • @Phnxgirl
    @Phnxgirl Год назад +11

    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!

  • @lorijo3342
    @lorijo3342 Год назад

    Thank you for this! I have watched this video several times and am finally digging in today and setting it up. I have been feeling smothered for years with fragments of writing; this has cleared the way and makes it fun and not overwhelming. Again, thank you, Abbie!

  • @alexandrahill9176
    @alexandrahill9176 Год назад

    Thank you so, so much Abby for making not only this video but the templates as well! I have been writing my recent stuff on and off since 2019 in Google Docs and tried to organize it my own way, but I'd always get so scrambled without any clear direction within the folders you instructed us to make here. I got the templates right away after seeing the character profile you and they are going to make my life so much easier! I thought about buying Scrivener and I've tried it, but there's just a lot of things to work with. I know I don't have to use everything there, but it's still really overwhelming to me. This is such a perfect middle ground for what I need for this new writing project I'm working on and I cannot wait to implement these templates in the 2nd draft of my NaNoWriMo project I finished back in 2019. This is amazing and I love all of your videos. Thank you again!

  • @mageprometheus
    @mageprometheus Год назад +15

    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.

  • @jamescarvey2133
    @jamescarvey2133 Год назад +3

    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!!!!🌹

  • @RenaissanceK
    @RenaissanceK Год назад +2

    the time and effort and care that goes into making all these templates and this wonderful breakdown and help does not go unnoticed!!! i appreciate this immensely. i've been using scrivener with the free trial and plan on buying it soon but i cant quite afford it right this second since its not really a necessity lol so this is very helpful. i've always loved google docs while also knowing that i didn't quite know how to use it to its full potential and never took the time to learn to use it to my advantage (same as excel, been dying to use sheets well!) and this is such a good way to start and get some organization. thank you so much, abbie! xx Karla

  • @_kmCarter
    @_kmCarter Год назад +1

    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!

  • @RaineNeal
    @RaineNeal Год назад +1

    Thank you so much for this! I was getting so overwhelmed and uninspired in my writing process but this is so fun and organized!! Much appreciated!

  • @peter_shaunadventures
    @peter_shaunadventures 5 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @nswang
    @nswang Год назад +1

    you’re amazing your videos gave me back inspiration to write again, I haven’t been motivated for sooo long

  • @ruqayasalhin944
    @ruqayasalhin944 Год назад +4

    OMG THANK YOU I NEEDED THIS!!!

  • @prajaktakarekar1111
    @prajaktakarekar1111 7 месяцев назад +1

    feels like hitting a jackpot after watching this video.. thanks a lot Abbie🥰

  • @ElisabethA-gq4cn
    @ElisabethA-gq4cn Год назад +1

    This video came at the perfect time! I've just started outlining and worldbuilding! Thank you sm!!!

  • @ACS402010
    @ACS402010 11 месяцев назад +3

    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

  • @micahgivens8701
    @micahgivens8701 Год назад

    So dope! Thanks for taking the time to set this up and to share it with the people!

  • @camillegomez5368
    @camillegomez5368 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @taytaythehufflepuff8532
    @taytaythehufflepuff8532 Год назад +2

    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.)

  • @authorgkray
    @authorgkray 2 месяца назад

    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!

  • @mary_vids
    @mary_vids Год назад

    Thank you. You have no idea how helpful and right on time this video is🔥
    You're blessed!💛

  • @vandanachandekaranand8448
    @vandanachandekaranand8448 Год назад +1

    This was great. I have my own system of working in Google docs, but I learnt a lot of new things. Thank you dear.

  • @grace7961
    @grace7961 Год назад +1

    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!

  • @antonina2191
    @antonina2191 Год назад +1

    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 ❤😂

  • @butterkuchen.3197
    @butterkuchen.3197 Месяц назад

    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!

  • @didyoujust7810
    @didyoujust7810 Год назад +3

    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!

  • @GeorgiaPeach05
    @GeorgiaPeach05 Год назад +4

    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!

  • @herddog77
    @herddog77 Год назад +1

    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!

  • @MissAfropuff
    @MissAfropuff Год назад

    So fun! I write and work in Docs and hadn't thought about half of what you covered. Thanks, Abbey!

  • @kcherbel9230
    @kcherbel9230 Год назад +1

    Love Scrivener and the scene/chapter cards feature. But the basic manuscript/character/setting/notes organization just rocks!

  • @HP-mk2lw
    @HP-mk2lw 9 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @shayjtarot
    @shayjtarot Год назад +2

    Google docs is my go-to for all my documents and notes😮❤

  • @jimaiello750
    @jimaiello750 6 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @mallorycarpinski1160
    @mallorycarpinski1160 Год назад +1

    Just read your book in one day! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Great work!

  • @chloefaure6396
    @chloefaure6396 Год назад +5

    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.

  • @TheColdCreature
    @TheColdCreature Год назад +1

    Exactly what I needed. I can't be buying new software - when docs is already there for me :) thank you so much for making those docs available!! ❤

  • @Aless_T_Lara101
    @Aless_T_Lara101 11 дней назад

    This is awesome! I love your work and I have subscribed, thank you for teaching me and many others how to write and do it well, you're an inspiration. 😊

  • @TheresaOliverAuthor
    @TheresaOliverAuthor Год назад

    Thank you so much for this info! I've been using Google Sheets to stay organized for a while but never used everything you have here. Thanks, again!

  • @ge0metr1xx
    @ge0metr1xx Месяц назад

    I needed this. Your channel is so great!

  • @seankrug4995
    @seankrug4995 Год назад

    Super helpful!
    I’ve already been using Google docs for writing, but there were several functions I was unaware of. Thanks so much for sharing your skill set Abby!! 😅😅

  • @michelleduncan9728
    @michelleduncan9728 Год назад +1

    Thank you so much for this video! I've been working on my first novel manuscript in GD and have always been thinking it's so boring. I am looking forward to spicing it up with your templates and guidance. Thanks again, Abbie!

  • @ShmurplesArePurple
    @ShmurplesArePurple Год назад +8

    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.

  • @sparklingwithjoy8232
    @sparklingwithjoy8232 Год назад

    Thank you sooooo much Abbie!!!! I love you so much! I live on google docs and needed something like this soooo much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

  • @AC-pk2ry
    @AC-pk2ry Год назад

    This help so much thank you! I've been writing in docs forever now this really help out so much! ❤

  • @RainisaurusRox
    @RainisaurusRox 11 месяцев назад +1

    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!

  • @michellederoche-johnson9977
    @michellederoche-johnson9977 Год назад

    Wow I am blown away--thank you so much for the templates and the education!

  • @readingandrain
    @readingandrain Год назад

    I was pausing the video every few seconds to do what you were doing. This was so helpful, thanks!

  • @yaemikoswife7649
    @yaemikoswife7649 Год назад

    This is just what I needed. I love using google docs to write and I’m on my first novel!

  • @unholymetaphor
    @unholymetaphor 10 месяцев назад

    This is so helpful for not only creative writing but also for large university papers and theses. Thank you!

  • @LilyCWfan22
    @LilyCWfan22 Год назад +1

    Thank you so much for this video! I didn't know all this was possible!

  • @biancaborgesfauro1453
    @biancaborgesfauro1453 Год назад

    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!

  • @author.gabrielavrivera
    @author.gabrielavrivera Год назад +5

    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 😅

  • @ZombieSirenMusic
    @ZombieSirenMusic Год назад

    This is perfect thank you. I love using Google docs and have never used scrivener. I did buy the templates, which I don't normally do, but you set them up so well! I can't wait to use them

  • @StrawberriMilk-u6n
    @StrawberriMilk-u6n Год назад +1

    I love your videos so much Abbie, they helped me so much!❤

  • @akeel_1701
    @akeel_1701 Год назад +2

    Hullo, Abbie! Great series of tutorials, absolutely brilliant!
    I've been working on an epic novel for some time now, and I've been using Microsoft Word, but this new method you've shown us looks intriguing so I might give it a wee bash!

  • @Vandalia1998
    @Vandalia1998 Год назад +6

    I used to write in google docs and still do sometimes but copy and paste to and from Scrivner

  • @slytherinlass1986
    @slytherinlass1986 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @rikkipoynter
    @rikkipoynter Год назад +1

    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.

  • @Al-rn5qy
    @Al-rn5qy Год назад +3

    Your video is awesome, Abbie! I've been writing my novel in Google Docs, as I do not have access to Scrivner. Therefore, you could imagine how excited I was to watch this. Keep up the great work encouraging us aspiring writers💪

  • @ghostjam5984
    @ghostjam5984 Год назад

    Thank you, Abbie! I use Docs pretty much every day and I still learned a lot, haha. ❤

  • @RogerFordTheSmilingBassHole
    @RogerFordTheSmilingBassHole 8 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @frontrunners3245
    @frontrunners3245 Год назад

    Game changer video wonderful value, I was just about to start writing a new book, perfect timing it saved me from making the common all-on-one-page mistake thanks it was amazing,

  • @mattsager914
    @mattsager914 Год назад

    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

  • @2006HondaCivicD
    @2006HondaCivicD Год назад +1

    I've been juggling between using word and libreoffice to write my manuscript. These are helpful tips to have my drafts organized 👍

  • @pamdwriter
    @pamdwriter Год назад

    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!

  • @dhanushgr7875
    @dhanushgr7875 11 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @wanderingbelleasmr1054
    @wanderingbelleasmr1054 Год назад

    Dude this was so frikin helpful, I bought the three pack of your templates and followed the whole process…this book is gonna get the hell done lol

  • @TheExhaustipatedBookworm
    @TheExhaustipatedBookworm Год назад +1

    OMG!!! THANKS FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO!!!!❤❤❤ I write my novel in Google docs now.

  • @alexwithrow9262
    @alexwithrow9262 Год назад

    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!

  • @worthfightingfor2299
    @worthfightingfor2299 Год назад +2

    *is kinda mindblown* This is absolutely AMAZING. Thank you SO much for sharing this with us, Abbie!

  • @johnsolitude45
    @johnsolitude45 8 месяцев назад

    I found a lot of value in this and bought the templates. Thanks!

  • @meganduff6391
    @meganduff6391 Год назад +1

    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!!!! ♥

  • @mizzkain
    @mizzkain Год назад

    Thanks so much, Abbie! I knew about the heading/outline but it never occurred to me to change it up and set it up like Scrivener!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @PrincessMuk
    @PrincessMuk Год назад +13

    One thing I think you missed is the "replace image" option! This allows you to pop in a different image in place of the one that's already there, but it keeps the cropping and placement of the previous image. So, if you want to put something in the character profile where the sticky note is, it will fit perfectly.

    • @geniuslyrics3116
      @geniuslyrics3116 Год назад

      My template doesn't have the sticky note and it looks quite different from Abby's can I get some help