Do you like templates? I like templates. I like templates because it allows me to get creative with all the pretty icons. But it also helps me figure out the structure of my next opus. Some people might consider logging this into “writing time” but let’s be honest and call it creative procrastination.
I thought today’s lesson will be all about creating a template that you might want to use for your own writing project(s). Now, there are many templates floating around the internet that you can download and “borrow” certain elements from them, but let’s avoid that today and really create one from scratch. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and see what beauty of a template we can create.
The first step is to open a new Scrivener project. Go to File->New Project. Select the blank template and title it. I named it: Rebeca’s Bestselling Opus Template.
Why use “Bestselling”? For inspiration. You name it whatever you please, but be creative and set the mood. Now I saved mine on the desktop and once I have it to my satisfaction, I’ll transfer it over to Dropbox so I can access it for the iPad. Currently, we have the standard blank template where you see Draft. Beneath it is a blank and untitled document and below that is the Research Folder and the Trash bin.
The default icons don’t do much for me so I will change them. Draft will become a scarlet book and the Research folder will be a blue file cabinet.
If you don’t remember how to change an icon take a peek at Pretty Little Icons Sittin’ in a Row post.
In that same post, you’ll see that I had structured my WIP using Alexandra Sokoloff’s method found in Screenwriting Tricks for Novelists. I love this structure. Of all the templates I’ve tried this has worked for me. That part of the template will remain the same. HOWEVER, it’s the prep work and research section that needs help. Having said that I renamed the Research folder to Prep Work and Research.
Now comes the hard part. I’ve created a folder called the Core Structure of Opus. Beneath it I’ve added seven elements: Character, Constriction, Desire, Focal Relationship, Resistance, Adventure/Chaos. Change, and Premise*. I started adding a several icons that would represent each image, but decided that I wanted it to look less cartoonish and be more representative of what I would have in the real world, which would be a series of Moleskines in different colors. The only icons I used that are more symbolic is a calendar for the Timeline and the Pinterest icon for the Image Gallery. This is what it all looks like:
Now that I have it all set up, it’s time to turn it into a template. I go to File->Save As Template. A New Project Template window will slide open. Type in the title of the template, select the category, and choose an icon from the dropdown menu. Or, you can do as I did and select a custom icon. Click OK.
The final step is to check if it actually saved. Go back to File->New Project. When the New Project Screen appears and check to see where you saved it. Here’s mine:
And that’s how you create a new template that you can use over and over again that will inspire you to write a bestselling novel.
*You can read more about this in The Writer.
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