Core workflow
Creating a file and using headings and the outline plugin works great for essays and short stories.
I use folders to group project files.
Dragging file panes around lets me create variable split-screen views.
There are 2 options to focus on a chapter:
- Create a chapter specific file
- Use the Zoom community plugin
Chapter specific file
When using a specific file I would ‘transclude’ it into a script.
Create a link and then put a ! afterward.
Something like this: ![[Chapter1]]
Zoom community plugin
Add the Zoom community plugin and use the hotkey to focus on a bullet point or heading.
The Outliner plugin also helps.
Canvas mapping
Adding a canvas gives you 3 options:
- Blank card – Great for scribbled ideas
- Media card – A way to show images, videos, and websites
- File card – Links to files in the Vault
Right-click on a file card to narrow to heading.
This gives almost unlimited options. Some of my preferences:
- Colored groups for stages
- Colored cards for topic
- Narrow section
- Parts – Planning
- Chapters – Plotting
- Subchapters – Points
Word count
The core plugin does the job.
However, it doesn’t count highlighted words – insert better word count.
Better word count counts:
- Words
- Characters
- Sentences
- Footnotes
- Citations
- Pages
- Files
And can do so from:
- Current note
- Daily metric
- Total vault
Additional options let you alter the word per page count and wether to count comments.
Longform workflow
The longform community plugin does what it says on the tin.
There are 2 project options:
- Single file – Creates 1 file for writing
- Multi file – Creates a folder and index file for tracking the project
Frontmatter is added so the plugin can show the appropriate information in the sidebar.
The sidebar pane shows:
- Scenes with optional ordering (multi-file only)
- Project word count
- Session count
- Draft versions
- Compile scenes into a manuscript
There is also a goal notification option.
Linking hints
During long-form writing with larger plots, settings, and characters linking becomes incredibly powerful.
This is what I do:
- Create a folder structure
- Characters
- Locations
- Details
- Creates files for each element of the story
- Link to that element in the script
- Use page preview while scripting
When you compile the scenes using long-form, the links will be removed leaving you with a clean manuscript.
