How to Write a Novel in Google Docs

Рет қаралды 407,610

Күн бұрын

"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...
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✨ 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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→ THE ULTIMATE CHARACTER PROFILE
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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!

Пікірлер: 660

@_Pix_ Жыл бұрын

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

@nineblackgoats Жыл бұрын

Same omg

@PDragonBaby Жыл бұрын

Same

@ExploreTheWorldWithBri Жыл бұрын

Same :D

@kevinhyden5028 Жыл бұрын

@sorrelmaelkin Жыл бұрын

Same lmao

@muse9236 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@y-m-x Жыл бұрын

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

@Maevann Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@norsecosmos Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@nicolemadrigal4315 Жыл бұрын

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

@milchteexoxo3515 Жыл бұрын

@@nicolemadrigal4315 You and me both!

@PupCake1025 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 10 ай бұрын

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

@grim789 10 ай бұрын

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

@Sports4TheSoul 7 ай бұрын

@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 Жыл бұрын

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!

@spicychilly3636 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@spicychilly3636 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@EyeBallMonster Жыл бұрын

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! 😁

@Jus-X Жыл бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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

@jessicageil1614 Жыл бұрын

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 ❤

@Asadude69 Жыл бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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! 😀

@sarahglover3286 Жыл бұрын

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!

@amyakilo2269 Жыл бұрын

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

@EVELYN-qk4wq Жыл бұрын

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. 😊

@alexandrahill9176 Жыл бұрын

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!

@Quartzmane Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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! (:

@for.ivy_haya6712 Жыл бұрын

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

@amberrooney5543 Жыл бұрын

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!

@mageprometheus Жыл бұрын

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.

@miraculousmari3518 Жыл бұрын

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 💗

@Missy04 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@Missy04 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@TiaLove28 Жыл бұрын

I NEEDED THISSSS!!!!

@sarthakshevde9023 Жыл бұрын

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 :)

@estefizamora Жыл бұрын

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

@taytaythehufflepuff8532 Жыл бұрын

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.)

@HahaGirly1212 Жыл бұрын

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❤😅

@rachael.m. Жыл бұрын

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. ❤

@Phnxgirl Жыл бұрын

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!

@user-nq1ry1nn3x Жыл бұрын

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!

@lorijo3342 Жыл бұрын

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!

@kcherbel9230 Жыл бұрын

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

@authorgkray Ай бұрын

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!

@jamescarvey2133 Жыл бұрын

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!!!!🌹

@jimaiello750 4 ай бұрын

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.

@JakeSmith-mq5dc Жыл бұрын

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!

@peter_shaunadventures 4 ай бұрын

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.

@ACS402010 10 ай бұрын

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

@didyoujust7810 Жыл бұрын

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!

@Vandalia1998 Жыл бұрын

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

@mh7936 Жыл бұрын

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

@herddog77 Жыл бұрын

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!

@_kmCarter Жыл бұрын

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!

@ElisabethA-gq4cn Жыл бұрын

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

@antonina2191 Жыл бұрын

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 ❤😂

@2006HondaCivicD Жыл бұрын

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

@RainisaurusRox 10 ай бұрын

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!

@ShmurplesArePurple Жыл бұрын

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.

@darozzi9652 Жыл бұрын

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.

@bottompercy Жыл бұрын

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?

@darozzi9652 Жыл бұрын

@@bottompercy Contemporary Adult fiction.

@HP-mk2lw 8 ай бұрын

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.

@vandanachandekaranand8448 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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!

@camillegomez5368 Жыл бұрын

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.

@mary_vids Жыл бұрын

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

@nswang Жыл бұрын

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

@GeorgiaPeach05 Жыл бұрын

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!

@RaineNeal Жыл бұрын

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!

@MissAfropuff Жыл бұрын

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

@grace.stewartt4224 6 ай бұрын

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

@ruqayasalhin944 Жыл бұрын

OMG THANK YOU I NEEDED THIS!!!

@biancaborgesfauro1453 Жыл бұрын

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!

@butterkuchen.3197 9 күн бұрын

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!

@author.gabrielavrivera Жыл бұрын

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 😅

@TheresaOliverAuthor Жыл бұрын

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!

@LilyCWfan22 Жыл бұрын

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

@RogerFordTheSmilingBassHole 6 ай бұрын

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.

@mattsager914 Жыл бұрын

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

@Reverie545 3 ай бұрын

Literally just started my fantasy book on google docs.Thank you for the tips Abbie deffo using them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@michelleduncan9728 Жыл бұрын

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!

@slytherinlass1986 Жыл бұрын

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.

@KaylaLaCoste 10 ай бұрын

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

@juliabeers4869 5 ай бұрын

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 KZfaq! 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!

@TheExhaustipatedBookworm Жыл бұрын

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

@alexwithrow9262 Жыл бұрын

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!

@seankrug4995 Жыл бұрын

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!! 😅😅

@Al-rn5qy Жыл бұрын

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💪

@frontrunners3245 10 ай бұрын

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,

@demonio9401 Жыл бұрын

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

@mallorycarpinski1160 Жыл бұрын

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

@unholymetaphor 8 ай бұрын

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

@Unownzone Жыл бұрын

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.

@ZombieSirenMusic Жыл бұрын

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

@reluctantstereotypes 3 ай бұрын

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."

@xyznightwing Жыл бұрын

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

@michellederoche-johnson9977 Жыл бұрын

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

@micahgivens8701 Жыл бұрын

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

@AC-pk2ry Жыл бұрын

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

@meganduff6391 Жыл бұрын

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!!!! ♥

@socialanxiety9153 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Abbie!! I was looking to change from Dabble (a great writing tool with the option for writing goals and much like scriviner) and this is great!

@yaemikoswife7649 Жыл бұрын

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

@chloefaure6396 Жыл бұрын

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.

@mizzkain Жыл бұрын

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!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@sparklingwithjoy8232 Жыл бұрын

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!!!!

@emokekolumban2287 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Abbie. Since I started writing, I always used Word, but I will definitely try Google docs. 😊 By the way, Reedsy book editor is quite good as well. The only problem I have with it is that you can't change the font style and size there.

@pamdwriter Жыл бұрын

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!

@TheColdCreature Жыл бұрын

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!! ❤

@sunilsatawlekar3972 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic solution! Going to try right this evening!! Thanks Abbie.

@czarcoma Жыл бұрын

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).