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M is for … Metadata

Among all the topics listed in the Index of Scrivener Posts, Metadata is one which might be news to many writers. I think it’s one of the Scrivener’s most powerful tools and would encourage you to embrace at least some of its features.

Using Metadata will involve you in demonstrating some of those essential executive functions.

1. The ability to anticipate what’s coming up and make plans accordingly – see also number 8, flexibility!
2. The ability to organise – thoughts, ideas, the scenes/chapters of my novels, …
3. Reliability – doing what we agreed when we said it would be done (or earlier!)
4. Getting up and getting on with the work – ie self motivation
5. Managing our time to achieve the best results
6. Paying attention to detail (quality …)
7. Remembering stuff that’s important
8. Flexibility – willingness to make changes in our plans or our approach
9. Determination – ability to keep going
10. Willingness to reflect on our own contribution to the team (and learn from it)

Scrivener gem

Scrivener offers so much in the way of metadata, you might feel overwhelmed by the concept. Instead, use just one metadata feature and make progress slowly but surely.  

If you have time today, read on. If not, make a note to come back to this post another day.

We’ve already met Keywords – one example of metadata – but reading this blogpost will fill you in on what’s available.

In that blog post, you’ll discover:

• what metadata is available
• why you should metadata at all
• when you should create your metadata
• how to record data about your project
• how to categorise your document (scenes) and folders (chapters)
• how to decide which metadata options to use for what

As I said above, one step at a time … and step one might be to read the blog post to see what’s on offer …

Enjoy!

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