Learn about upcoming workshops and find past podcast interviews on my Appearances page.

Well, I once wrote a (very short) novel in 7th grade, and I did a lot of technical and academic writing after that, but I’ve been writing romance seriously since January of 2009, publishing my first romance in 2014.

Much to my dismay given how much of a planner I am in the rest of my life, I cannot plot a book to save my life. Well, I can, but when I start to write it, everything will change, and plotting in advance only slows me down, so I’ve finally committed to stop doing it. This blog post talks in much more detail about being a pantser/discovery writer/seat-of-the-pants writer.

I write in Scrivener. I also teach classes on how to use it. You can learn more about Scrivener here: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview.

I wish I knew! Seriously. But they are often triggered by a situation or event I encounter in person, or sometimes by a news story, TV show, movie, or book that gets me asking “What if…?” And then when I try to write that what if, I don’t like it and it completely morphs into something else, but that spark was necessary to get me started, so… *throws up hands* Writers are weird. (Or if it’s just me, don’t tell me.)

I’m guessing it’s due to the unquenchable reading habit I had even as a kid, but I’ve enjoyed writing since middle school, and always wanted to write a book “someday.” I used to email myself ideas and snippets of setting or dialogue when struck by inspiration at my day job as a programmer/manufacturing engineer, but didn’t feel like I had time to devote to writing. It wasn’t until I was lucky enough to be able to quit my day job to be more available to my (then school-aged) kids that I found myself with enough time to pursue writing. Even then, it took me another year before I realized the stories in my head were romances. I haven’t stopped writing since.

LOLOL. I wish I could say I’m super consistent and promise a book every 4-6 months, but it’s never been that straightforward for me. Usually, it’s about once a year or so, but the early 2020s have been, um, harder. If you want to know when I have a new book out, the best thing to do is subscribe to my newsletter. Not only will you be informed of new releases, but you’ll get an occasional short story or free ebook.

My books are displayed in order on my books page.

Nope! They are connected, but can be read as standalones. You may find the experience more satisfying if you read in order, but it’s not necessary. Each book focuses on a single couple and ends with a happily ever after.

Yes, but each book can be read as a standalone.

I guess I’m a romantic at heart. I want the main characters to get their happy ending (if they deserve it, and I want them to deserve it). For a slightly longer answer with more of my history, check out this blog post I wrote on the topic in 2010.

Yes, to a limited group of people who’ve agreed to read and review the books in a short time frame on a number of sites. If you’re interested, contact me for more information.

The best thing to do is subscribe to my newsletter. Not only will you be informed of new releases, but you’ll get an occasional short story or free ebook. Alternatively, you can follow me on social media at the links below. I’m most active on Instagram.

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gwen-hernandez

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gwen-Hernandez/e/B007OYQQQM/ (with affiliate code: http://amzn.to/1MGELii)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GwenHernandezAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gwen_Hernandez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenhernandezauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/gwenhernandez

Just start! Maybe in Scrivener. 😉 But you’ll probably quickly develop many questions about how to get better at it, and the business side of things, and why you stare at the wall so much. (Or is that just me?) I recommend finding a local or online writing group, or attending a regional or national conference. There’s nothing like finding other people who stare at the wall, hear or see characters, and get story ideas in the weirdest places. There are dozens of genre-specific and general writing groups out there. Try a web search or your local library. Read in your genre, read books on writing, check out writing magazines and websites like WriterUnboxed.com. But most of all, write.

For the most up-to-date list, check out my books page.

Unfortunately, no. Scrivener For Dummies was published in 2012, and covers an older version of Scrivener (2.x for Mac).

As of July 2022, no. Instead, I’ve compiled online courses that include both written lessons like you’d find in a book, and videos, as well as the opportunity to ask me questions.

As mentioned above, I have online courses available at ScrivenerClasses.com that incorporate written lessons and videos with the ability to ask me questions.

Maybe. Lately I’ve been putting my efforts into my online courses, workshops, private training, and fiction. To stay up to date on my Scrivener offerings and receive Scrivener tips, subscribe to my newsletter. Alternatively, you can follow me on social media at the links below. I’m most active on Instagram.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gwen-Hernandez/e/B007OYQQQM/ (with affiliate code: http://amzn.to/1MGELii)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GwenHernandezAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gwen_Hernandez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenhernandezauthor/

That project was scrapped. There is currently no plan to produce a For Dummies book for Scrivener 3.

Scrivener is writing software that allows you to keep everything you need for your manuscript in one place, including the actual writing, notes, research, images, PDFs, and links. It allows you to write in small “chunks,” like scenes, sections, stories, or chapters to see the structure of your manuscript in an outline form. This makes it easy to quickly find a section to revise, reorder scenes, color code the different sections, group them into chapter, part, or topic folders, and more. Learn more and get a free 30-use trial at https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview.

I’d start with the built-in tutorial, and move through it slowly, only moving on when you’re ready so you don’t get overwhelmed. When you want to add to your knowledge, think about the pain points in your writing process, or what made you want to use Scrivener in the first place, and find the features that meet those needs.

Oh, there are so many. You can find a list of my Top 9 at the bottom of the Scrivener Classes page: https://scrivenerclasses.com.

No! Scrivener flexes to work for your process, whatever that is. I’m not a plotter (at all), and I can’t imagine writing without it. Scrivener helps me visualize the structure of my story as it grows, find exactly the scene I want to work on, easily move things around, store old words, keep track of ideas for future scenes or snippets of scenes, and so much more. Of course, it’s also great for plotters, who can use the Corkboard to build a storyboard, or lay out the structure of their book in advance.

No.

I have no idea. While I have a friendly relationship with the folks at Literature & Latte (developers of Scrivener), I don’t get information about new releases any earlier than anyone else.

Classes are comprised of written lessons, many of which include supporting videos. You can post a question on any lesson and expect a response from me within 24-48 hours (unless I’m traveling).

Private training is tailored specifically to you. You can ask me questions about specific Scrivener features, get a detailed overview of the software, have me help you compile your manuscript, or get feedback on the best features to use for your process. Basically, it’s a Scrivener AMA (ask me anything).

The online courses provide instruction via written lessons and videos that cover Scrivener’s features in a logical progression and in detail. You can skip around to meet your needs, and post questions, but my response is not immediate.

No. Scrivener For Dummies covers much of the same material, but is sadly out of date.

ScrivenerClasses.com is set up to take payment via credit card or PayPal.

If you’re not happy with the class, contact me within 60 days of registration for a full refund.

To stay up to date on new courses and get free Scrivener tips, subscribe to my newsletter. Alternatively, you can follow me on social media at the links below. I’m most active on Instagram.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gwen-Hernandez/e/B007OYQQQM/ (with affiliate code: http://amzn.to/1MGELii)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GwenHernandezAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gwen_Hernandez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenhernandezauthor/

You can check my calendar and book an appointment here: https://GwenHernandez.as.me/.

There’s a link in the confirmation email you received when you booked your appointment. If you no longer have the confirmation email, get in touch via my Contact Page.

My current fee and availability can be found at https://GwenHernandez.as.me/.

My scheduling software is set up to hold your appointment with any major credit card, which is then charged at the end of our session.

Training is offered via Zoom session, during which you can share your screen with me so I can walk you through whatever Scrivener questions/issues you have.

Private training is best for those who want to get up to speed quickly, have very specific questions they’d like answered, or for those who learn better with a bit of hand holding. If you have the time to invest in a course, and can wait 24-48 hours to have your questions answered through the class site, you’re on a tighter budget, or you want to have ongoing access to a wide range of Scrivener resources, a class might be a better option.