How to set up your notion project page (for writers) (with examples/inspo + free templates) ✒️✨
1. Choose a format
I prefer to make a separate database as a home for all my project pages, but you can also start with a new blank page
2. Make a section for basic information
Title, genre, themes, loglines, summary, word count goal etc. I prefer to add them to the top of the page, so they're always visible
Inspo:
3. Outline space
If you prefer databases:
Start a new database in the table view. Add sections for chapter, summary, pov, status. Optional: word count, setting, scenes, date (if you have a set timeline)
Examples of a plotter's dream:
Example of a simpler version:
Example of using a gallery view database:
If you prefer pantsing:
start a toggle list where every heading is a chapter/plot point/act. You can write what happens inside each toggle. Personally, I use this method quite often.
Toggles are handy because they don't take up much space, but simple text will also work:
4. Characters
Add a gallery view database.
Create a new default template in which you can either make or paste a character worksheet. Here's what mine usually look like:
5. Setting + worldbuilding
Any database view will work. Create separate pages for important settings in the story. If you're creating a fictional world, you will probably need to add pages about geography & nature, politics, magic/technology, culture, religion, history, etc.
Examples:
6. Notes board
This is a place where you can drop new ideas, concerns, to-dos, and so on. I usually create a board view with sections such as "needs changing" "new ideas" "character ideas" and "unsorted".
I've made a filter that removes the note from view when I click the checkbox in front of "Handled". If you want an explanation on that lmk.
7. Word count tracker
Add a new database, make sections for date, word count, and description. Click sum under the word count section, it will calculate your total wc.
Pro tip: add a filter to see the total wordcount in a specific time frame. I usually have two tabs -- monthly and yearly wc.
Your new writing headquarters! (Perhaps. Maybe.) It keeps all your projects in one place, with spaces for characters, worldbuilding, plotting, inspiration, resources etc etc.
The design is intuitive and not too crowded. You have enough to worry about in your writing, clicking through hundreds of gdocs to find one piece of information should not be one of them!
Tl;dr: It’s structured, aesthetic, and made by someone who’s been writing for years. (It me. Hi.)
Built for writers by a writer, a 100% customizable templates with lifelong updates, and besides Notion is free and a great tool for any creative person. Enough of google docs and notes apps, consider this:
