My Intermittent Blog!
How I use Aeon Timeline with Scrivener, Part 2
Last week I gave some [general tips on using Aeon Timeline](/2022/10/16/how-i-use-aeon-timeline-part-1/) - this week I want to go into a bit more depth on my own process, specifically how I set up a new novel project using Timeline and Scrivener. First up, I should point out that I'm what editor Ellen Brock calls a [Methodological Pantser](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eryQEZImm6Y); that is, I like to start with a skeletal plot outline (I use a cross between 'Save The Cat' and James Scott Bell's '14 Signposts') and then discovery-write my way from one plot point to the next. If you work differently, some of the notes below might help you, but some might not!Read more...
How I use Aeon Timeline with Scrivener, Part 1
[Aeon Timeline](https://timeline.app/) is an awesome piece of software designed for, well, creating and visualising timelines of events. It has a multitude of uses, but I mostly use it to track the events in my novels and avoid inconsistencies. The best thing is, it syncs with Scrivener so I don't need to replicate everything in both programs, just sync them regularly to avoid conflicts.Read more...
Cover Art Photoshoot
Last month I was lucky enough to attend the photoshoot for the cover of my upcoming novel, *The Dead Dragon Job*. I've since received the finished artwork and will be revealing the cover design later this week, but in the meantime, here's a peek behind the wizard's curtain...Read more...
Planning for Q4 2022
Every three months I get a fresh start in life. Well, maybe not a completely fresh start, but I revisit my writing goals, make course adjustments, and plan out how I'm going to spend the next thirteen weeks. The system I follow is called HB90, and you can learn more about it on Sarra Cannon's YouTube channel, [Heart Breathings](https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartBreathings).Read more...
Editing 'The Dead Dragon Job'
After two years of working on this project, I can't believe I'm coming into the final straight: it's time to edit the completed manuscript into its polished, reader-ready form! The first thing I always do is create a new outline on physical index cards, one per scene. I can't believe that such a short book (about 105k) needed over 100 cards, but I guess with this being a mystery/thriller, it's rather faster paced than my historical fantasy.Read more...