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.
