How I Stay Organized While Building a Project

01 · OneNote: my organization and planning

• Each project gets its own notebook (or a dedicated section).
• I create pages for: characters, locations, timeline, themes, and research.
• Scene fragments and brainstorms live here before they become chapters.
• I keep a running “Next Steps” page so I always know what to do next.
• I use search constantly. If I remember one phrase, I can find the entire idea.

OneNote is my thinking space. It is flexible, messy when it needs to be, and always recoverable.

02 · Scrivener: structured writing

• Chapters and scenes live in a clear hierarchy.
• I can rearrange scenes without breaking the manuscript.
• Character and research notes can live beside the draft.
• It helps me see the shape of the book, not just the words.

When the project becomes intentional and linear, it moves into Scrivener.

03 · File Explorer: folder structure for every project

• Every project gets its own main folder. No mixing.
• Concepts stay separate from final files.
• Exports stay separate from masters (web, social, print).
• Print-ready versions are stored in their own area so I never print from a compressed file.
• I keep the structure consistent across projects so my brain does not have to relearn it.

File Explorer is the archive. It is where assets are protected, organized, and easy to retrieve.

04 · Tools I use (each one has one job)

• Procreate — fast concept sketching and visual exploration.
• Photoshop — final artwork, layout, textures, and high-resolution exports.
• Canva — communication graphics and quick promotional materials.

I avoid overlap on purpose. Each tool has a role, which keeps the workflow clean.

Why this keeps me aligned

• My ideas have a home (OneNote).
• My writing has structure (Scrivener).
• My assets are protected and easy to find (File Explorer).
• Projects do not bleed into each other.
• Momentum stays intact because I am not hunting for files.