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Getting Started

There is no single right way to begin in Wonderthrough. The best starting path depends on whether you already have a draft, want to explore the world first, or just need to start writing.

Three good ways to start

Section titled “Three good ways to start”

Write first

Section titled “Write first”

Choose this path if the manuscript itself is the center of gravity and you want to get words on the page quickly.

This is the best fit when:

  • you already know the rough direction of the story
  • you discover the world while drafting
  • you do not want to build a lot of structure before writing

Your first steps are usually:

  • create a project
  • create or open the book you want to work on
  • start drafting scenes
  • let worldbuilding grow only where the manuscript needs it

Import first

Section titled “Import first”

Choose this path if you already have material outside Wonderthrough and want structure quickly.

This is the best fit when:

  • you already have a manuscript or partial draft
  • you have notes, scene material, or source documents you want to bring in
  • you want Wonderthrough to build scenes and world context around existing work

Your first steps are usually:

  • create a project
  • import your source material
  • review the scenes, entities, and notes Wonderthrough creates
  • clean up the most important duplicates or boundary issues

For the workflow details, see Import & Merge.

Worldbuild first

Section titled “Worldbuild first”

Choose this path if your world, cast, or systems need shape before the manuscript can move.

This is the best fit when:

  • the world itself is still taking form
  • you need characters, places, factions, or systems clarified before drafting
  • you want a stronger project reference base before writing prose

Your first steps are usually:

  • create a project
  • sketch the world, core entities, and major relationships
  • use chat and worldbuilding pages to clarify what matters most
  • move into drafting once the project has enough structure to support scenes

Which path should you choose?

Section titled “Which path should you choose?”

If you already have text, start with import first.

If you have momentum and do not want setup to slow you down, start with write first.

If the manuscript is blocked because the world is still too blurry, start with worldbuild first.

You can switch paths later. Wonderthrough is built so writing, import, and worldbuilding can feed each other rather than lock you into one method.

What should I do in my first session?

Section titled “What should I do in my first session?”

A good first session is usually about creating enough shape to keep going, not about building the perfect project.

Aim to do only a few things:

  • decide which starting path fits you
  • create the project and book
  • either write, import, or define a few important world elements
  • leave yourself a clear next step for the second session

What should I not worry about yet?

Section titled “What should I not worry about yet?”

Do not worry about perfect entity structure, perfect folder organization, or using every AI surface immediately. Those things become easier once the project contains real material.

It is normal for a project to start a little messy. You can refine the structure once you know which parts of the project are actually doing work.

What should I do next?

Section titled “What should I do next?”