Hi all:
Following on from my short break, where I had a chance to catch up on some reading, I wanted to share some of my most recent reviews. And today I decided on sharing two fairly short books, but completely different.
First, for all the writers who’ve been wondering about Scrivener, or might even have purchased it and wanted a set of easy instructions:
SCRIVENER ESSENTIALS: A Quick Start Visual Guide For Windows Users by Karen Prince. Easy visual advice from an expert user.
After hearing many positive comments about Scrivener from other authors, and taking advantage of an offer, I purchased the programme. I went through the video presentation of the features, and I’ve checked other explanations, but they all seemed very convoluted and difficult to remember at the time of actually getting down to writing. Due to that I’d so far hesitated trying to launch a full-blown project in Scrivener.
Thankfully, this book came to the rescue. It is a step-by-step guide, and best still, visual. That means you can actually open the programme and have the book by your side, allowing you to check as you go along. For me, always looking for that button at the bottom right, under the double line, with a non-descript indicator on it, having an arrow pointing, makes a big difference. Another beauty is that the writer, an author herself, gives us her personal tips, things she has discovered through use, that are invaluable (and will not appear in any of the impersonal, “how-to” guides).
The discovery of this short gem has made me feel more confident in trying and using Scrivener. I recommend it to all writers, who, like me, have been wondering for a while about the programme, but been scared by what appear to be never-ending complex explanations. Thanks Karen Prince!
This is the version for Windows users, although Karen has also published a version for Mac users.
Here is the link if you want to check it out yourselves:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N6QFCS0/
Ah, and Karen has shared videos and other information in You Tube, so don’t forget to check her out!
And, a short while back I saw this book, The Proposal was free and downloaded it. I needed a light read at the time, and I leave you the review I wrote. When I checked at the moment of preparing this post, it’s still free so, if you fancy it, don’t hesitate!
The Proposal (A Perfect Match series. Book 1) by Lily Zante. A fun, light read that will keep you turning the pages.
Is a male escort the Perfect Match for a high flying executive creative director of an advertising company? If you read The Proposal you’ll have the answer. Of course, Ethan is much more than just an escort and Nadine isn’t your standard executive either. However, as many tell her through the book; she could end up being one if she doesn’t listen to her heart.
The Proposal reminded me of the movie The Wedding Date that is one of my guilty pleasures. I can’t resist to carry on watching it every time I find it flicking through TV channels. It has a similar plot although in the case of Nadine her difficulties are mostly to do with her professional life. Nadine is a driven woman, focused on her career, who has put her personal life on hold to pursue her goals. She’s pressured by her bitch of a boss, Sandra, and needs to make a good impression during a marketing convention. She needs a boyfriend to share the weekend with her and here is where Ethan, whom she met while he was performing as part of a stripper trio, comes in.
The Proposal is a fun, easy read, with engaging central characters that pull the story together and some fabulous scenes that will make you wish it was a movie.
If you like chic-lit and are looking for a quick and cheerful read you’d be well advised to give it a go. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ARFOGQ2/
Thanks so much for reading, thanks to the two authors for offering us help and entertainment, and you know what to do, like, share, comment, and CLICK!
32 replies on “Review of ‘Scrivener Essentials’ and ‘The Proposal’. Work and pleasure to keep the balance.”
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks so much, Viv!
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I’ve never investigated Scrivner… and now there are how to books? But I am glad to know of a good one. Thanks Olga 🙂
The Proposal does sound like a fun read. Hugs!
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Thanks Teagan: nothing that’s worth anything (and plenty of things that aren’t also) does not have a how to book these days… Yes, I’d recommend The Proposal if you’re having one of those down moments and a bit of time in your hands. And it isn’t fattening! 😉
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That you found the book a great help in using Scrivener does a lot to recommend it Olga. I’m sure others new to Scrivener will be grateful to know the help is good.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thanks David. Karen has been a great advocate for Scrivener for a while, and one of the reasons I became interested in the programme was when I saw her video explaining how she used it. She got so much interest in it that she decided to do something more detailed, and in a book format, so it would be easier to follow as you use it. And she’s done a great job, for sure. She’s always helpful and good friend of other bloggers… And now I’m thinking I should bring her for a more detailed visit…:)
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Thanks Olga for the tip. I’ve read the book about Scrivener myself and couldn’t agree more. Karen has done an excellent job at explaining it and it sounds like a great resource.
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Thanks Christoph: Yes, we’re both lucky to have followed Karen’s work and her interest in Scrivener for a while. She’s one of those authors (like yourself) who wouldn’t stop at anything to help other authors. And her book makes her proud indeed.
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Pues la verdad Olga, estuve usando el Scrivener (más bien intentándolo) y lo dejé por imposible (no entendía nada), tuve que volver al sistema de siempre, al word. Excelente reseña. Felicidades.
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Gracias. Yo lo tengo guardadito, porque cuando empecé a escribir el libro que voy a publicar esta semana (crucemos los dedos!) estaba de vacaciones y no me había llevado el ordenador donde lo tenía instalado, y luego no me atreví a pasarlo. Me lo estoy planteando para el nuevo, aunque es el tercero de una serie, pero por experimentar….Como todas estas cosas sospecho que las explicaciones son muy complicadas y uno al final acaba usando solo unas cuantas cosas…
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I will be ordering The Proposal – post haste….sounds like the perfect read for my kindle as I navigate trains, tubes and buses in London:) Thank you, Olga.
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Thanks Janet. I’m pleased. I found it very easy to read and not very taxing. Yes, I think it will be great for commuting. Enjoy! 🙂
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Thanks for the Scrivener info… much appreciated…
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YOu welcome! I hope it’s useful!
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This is very useful, Olga, especially as last time I checked, I could find no evidence of a Mac version of Scrivener. Thank you!
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Karen was using the Mac Version first so she’d be the right person to ask any specific questions…
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Thanks.
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I’ve explained about the awards individually to people who’ve nominated me, but it might be an idea to do a post as you’re planning on doing. I promise not to copy that one although I might reblog!
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As have I for the most recent. I’ve been trying to write the post for some time but it’s sitting relentlessly in my drafts folder!
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Maybe we should all write a paragraph each. I can think of a few people who’ll join!
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Perhaps we should set up a separate blog to which anyone who wants to be award-free can contribute with their own page of explanation. Then again….too much work!
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Just seen that you’ve used my Award-Free graphic. I’m flattered. I’ve yet to write the post explaining!
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Sorry, I should have asked! I saw it in your post and thought it was a great idea. I looked for it thinking it was a wordpress thing, but of course not…I’ll give you credit…:)
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No, no, please don’t worry about crediting me. And as for asking, I didn’t ask if I could quote your ‘fabulous visual treats’ comment on my banner. 🙂
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Oh, you have credited me. Ok, I like it, you can keep it!!
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Thanks! Please, anything I say you can use (unless it’s a quote from somebody else!)…You’re busy enough with all your work but you must add to your talents that of creating buttons to add to websites and blogs…:)
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Just the thought exhausts me!
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If we were feeling ironic we would create an award/blog hop, where we ask people who want their blogs to be award free, to explain their reasons…And the non-award goes to…! I’ve seen a great Tweet by an author whose book didn’t make it to the finals of an Amazon award (for Spanish novelists)… The non-finalist novel…<3 Every time I see nice prints or pillows with interesting prints I think of your work.
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I’m always feeling ironic! If I had the energy of three people, I’d almost certainly set this up! 😀
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Maybe it could be one of our New Year’s resolutions… Create an ironic award once a year 🙂
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Good info – Thanks. Wishing you well.
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Thanks Billy Ray. Karen is really knowledgeable and also helpful with regards to Scrivener, and a fabulous author and good egg.
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