Core Concepts

Systems

A System is reusable context.

5 min read

Use a System when you have information, structure, rules, or style that should carry across more than one draft or project.

A System can describe a story world, course framework, brand voice, research method, content structure, or creative process.

Systems are especially useful when you do not want to explain the same context over and over again.

What belongs in a System

  • A mystery series bible
  • A course creation framework
  • A brand voice guide
  • A research method
  • A nonfiction book structure
  • A content strategy system

If it applies to more than one project, it belongs in a System.

Systems and Projects

Once a System exists, you can connect it to Projects so Draftroom understands the larger context behind the work.

A System does not belong to any single project. It travels with all of them.

Example

A novelist creates a System called The Blackwater Series with character notes, world rules, and a timeline. They connect it to Book One and Book Two as separate Projects. Both Projects share the same System context without duplicating it.

When to use a System vs. a Project

If the context is reusable across multiple pieces of work, it belongs in a System.

If the context is specific to one thing you're making right now, it belongs in the Project.

You can always move material from a Project into a System later if it turns out to be more broadly useful.

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