Scrivener

Tessa Hulls, artist/writer, won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for her graphic memoir Feeding Ghosts. The memoir explores her family's history across generations and continents, shaped by personal and historical trauma. The creation process spanned nine years, heavily impacted by the pandemic, which challenged her mental health but ultimately strengthened the work. Hulls utilized Scrivener innovatively to manage her process, integrating visual elements to guide the memoir's narrative structure. She expresses no plans for another book, feeling content with the one story that has haunted her.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/write-now-with-scrivener-episode-no-58-tessa-hulls-pulitzer-prize-winning-graphic-artist-memoirist

Self-publishing books on major ebook platforms is straightforward. Authors can either use aggregators or publish independently. Key platforms include Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo, each with unique characteristics. Essential assets include an EPUB file, cover art, and an ISBN. Steps vary by platform but generally involve uploading the manuscript, adding metadata, setting prices, and managing promotions. While Amazon dominates the market, diversifying across platforms can maximize visibility and revenue. Affiliate programs can also boost income. Overall, self-publishing requires effort but can yield substantial returns.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/how-to-self-publish-your-books-to-amazon-apple-barnes-noble-google-and-kobo

Eliminate writing distractions with Scrivener and tech tools. Use the Pomodoro Technique for focused sessions, disable notifications, turn off Wi-Fi, apply parental controls, and consider apps like Freedom and Cold Turkey to block distractions. Customize your environment to enhance productivity.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/mac-windows-apps-to-help-you-focus-when-writing

Copying great writers (copywork) and imitating their style are effective exercises for improving writing skills. Copywork involves rewriting texts to absorb techniques, while imitation allows writers to experiment with styles. Famous writers like Franklin and Thompson used these methods. To practice, copy texts thoughtfully and try writing in the styles of admired authors. This enhances skill, deepens understanding of various styles, and helps writers explore their voice.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/how-copywork-and-imitation-can-help-writers-improve-their-own-style

Scrivener compiles projects by combining texts into a single exportable file for formats like print, PDF, or Word. Users plan, write, and organize their manuscripts in Scrivener, then compile them for sharing or self-publishing. The Compile interface allows users to customize settings based on templates and formats. It includes options for layout, section types, and file selection, making it easy to finalize and export manuscripts. Compiling is straightforward, typically requiring only basic settings.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/how-to-compile-your-scrivener-project-for-print-pdf-or-microsoft-word

Jonas Enander, an astrophysicist, authored Facing Infinity: Black Holes and Our Place on Earth. He explains the role of astrophysicists versus astronomers, discusses human perspectives on black holes, and critiques their portrayal in films like Interstellar. He emphasizes science as a human endeavor influenced by emotions and prestige yet capable of producing objective knowledge. Enander utilized Scrivener for writing his book, valuing its organizational features and distraction-free modes. Despite the long-term nature of astrophysics research, he feels fortunate to contribute to current discoveries in black hole astronomy.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/write-now-with-scrivener-episode-no-57-jonas-enander-astrophysicist

Poetry and fiction differ, but poetry's language elements can enhance all writing types. Poetry's focus on sound, rhythm, and emotional imagery offers valuable tools for authors. Recommended readings include Mary Oliver's A Poetry Handbook, which teaches poetry's craft, and Rules of the Dance, focusing on metrical verse. Dr. Mardy Grothe's I Never Metaphor I Didn’t Like highlights metaphor's use in language. Robert Hass's A Little Book on Form explores poetic constraints that inspire creative writing. Poetry anthologies provide exposure to diverse poetic styles and cultures, enriching writers' perspectives.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/5-books-on-writing-poetry-and-why-every-author-should-read-them

Scrivener doesn't use AI; prompts on Mac stem from Apple's AI tools. Unlike many apps, Scrivener keeps all text on-device and doesn’t send data to servers. Users may see AI features in newer macOS versions, but these cannot be removed from Scrivener. To disable Apple's AI prompts, turn off Apple Intelligence in system settings.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/scrivener-and-ai-why-do-i-see-ai-prompts-in-my-scrivener-projects-on-mac

Scrivener is excellent for long-form projects and collections of shorter works, offering features ideal for short stories and essays. It provides various templates for organizing writing, allows for effective revisions with snapshot backups, and helps manage story sequencing for a compelling collection. The final compilation process prepares works for sharing or publication, including ebook formatting options. Kirk McElhearn, writer and podcaster, authored “Take Control of Scrivener.”

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/how-to-write-short-story-or-essay-collections-in-scrivener

Historian Alexander Rose's book Phantom Fleet recounts the US Navy's capture of a German U-Boat before D-Day. Rose, influenced by British writing style, emphasizes narrative art in history, blending storytelling techniques used in screenplays. He organizes his writing in a semi-planned manner and utilizes Scrivener for composition and research management.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/write-now-with-scrivener-episode-no-56-alexander-rose-historian