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Track writing progress with tasks

Tasks describe what you need to do next. Story views describe what happens inside the story world. Keep those purposes separate instead of copying every story event into a writing task.

1. Break a goal into tasks​

For each task, add:

  • an actionable title, such as “Strengthen the protagonist's motive in chapter 3”;
  • Status, Priority, and a verifiable completion condition;
  • a due date or date range;
  • a linked chapter or card; and
  • when needed, a Parent task, dependency, milestone, and Tags.

Add a dependency only when one task truly must precede another, and avoid dependency loops.

2. Configure Project Task Board​

Group columns by Status and add swimlanes only when they clarify the work. Set a work-in-progress limit to avoid revising too many chapters at once. Dragging a card changes the task's status; before a bulk move, check the selected count and active filters.

3. Review dates and hierarchy​

  • Project Task Calendar reveals crowded dates, gaps, and unscheduled tasks.
  • Project Task List makes it easier to review hierarchy, fields, and several statuses together.
  • Project Task Schedule uses a Gantt-style timeline to reveal inverted dependencies, duration, and milestones.

4. Record actual progress​

After writing or revising, update the task's Status and compare it with prose Stats such as words or characters. A completed task does not mean an open document has been saved; check the editor state before closing the Project.

5. Archive instead of deleting permanently​

Archive tasks when a stage is complete so they remain available for review. Move a task to Trash only when its history is no longer needed. Task counts and dates do not send operating-system reminders while Scroll is closed.

For a guided workflow, see Manage writing progress.