Best apps for writers

#1

Post by hhs » Sat, Mar 23, 2019, 8:55 PM UTC

Re: Best apps for writers

#2

Post by skilled » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 1:46 AM UTC

I wonder how many of these see actual real use. As a writer, I can't stand distractions or additional input when I know that all I really need is pen and paper, or Pages / Google Docs if talking computers.

I am also struggling to get over the Gutenberg editor that WordPress introduced. I feel like Matt is being an immature brat for not introducing a simple 'writers mode' for the editor.

People think it doesn't matter, but it does. Those little actions you have to perform outside of writing start to add up.

Re: Best apps for writers

#3

Post by _emacsomancer_ » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 2:04 AM UTC

Emacs is seriously the best 'app' for anyone working with text, including writers. And if its (default) looks put you off, have a look at extensions (and Emacs is designed to be extended) like the Poet theme: https://github.com/kunalb/poet

Re: Best apps for writers

#4

Post by fbelzile » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 2:14 AM UTC

skilled wrote: post #2

I wonder how many of these see actual real use. As a writer, I can't stand distractions or additional input when I know that all I really need is pen and paper, or Pages / Google Docs if talking computers. I am also struggling to get over the Gutenberg editor that WordPress introduced. I feel like Matt is being an immature brat for not introducing a simple 'writers mode' for the editor. People think it doesn't matter…

I created the 5th app in this list (Cold Turkey Blocker). I'm actually surprised they didn't mention my other app called Cold Turkey Writer. It runs full-screen and doesn't let user out of the program until a goal (word count or timer) is reached. I have lots of writers that swear by it: https://getcoldturkey.com/writer/

Re: Best apps for writers

#5

Post by checkyoursudo » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 2:24 AM UTC

For Linux Desktop, I have mostly enjoyed Focus Writer. It was available in my package manager (Gentoo, Portage), so I gave it a try. It's pretty good for distraction-free writing.

Re: Best apps for writers

#6

Post by Scarbutt » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 2:33 AM UTC

fbelzile wrote: post #4

skilled wrote: post #2

I wonder how many of these see actual real use. As a writer, I can't stand distractions or additional input when I know that all I really need is pen and paper, or Pages / Google Docs if talking computers. I am also struggling to get over the Gutenberg editor that WordPress introduced. I feel like Matt is being an immature brat for not introducing a simple 'writers mode' for the editor. People think it doesn't matter…

I created the 5th app in this list (Cold Turkey Blocker). I'm actually surprised they didn't mention my other app called Cold Turkey Writer. It runs full-screen and doesn't let user out of the program until a goal (word count or timer) is reached. I have lots of writers that swear by it: https://getcoldturkey.com/writer/

I used your blocker last week, changing the system clock time (from time and date preferences) made your app useless (doesn't block anymore), so went back to editing /etc/hosts again. If circumventing the block is easier than editing a hosts file I don't see the point.

For many, I don't think changing the clock time is an uncommon thing to think about if the desire to procrastinate arises again.

Re: Best apps for writers

#7

Post by ordinaryradical » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 2:59 AM UTC

iA Writer is so much better than other minimal, writer-focused apps it’s an indictment of this list that it’s not on here. Markdown means you have a forever file format that’s exportable.

My only real complaint is that it doesn’t have some more robust manuscript compile features.

All in all, one of if not the best app purchase I’ve made in years.

Re: Best apps for writers

#8

Post by aphextron » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 3:00 AM UTC

_emacsomancer_ wrote: post #3

Emacs is seriously the best 'app' for anyone working with text, including writers. And if its (default) looks put you off, have a look at extensions (and Emacs is designed to be extended) like the Poet theme: https://github.com/kunalb/poet

Relevant: https://www.xkcd.com/378/

Re: Best apps for writers

#9

Post by lancefisher » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 3:09 AM UTC

If you are working to get published try Discover by Submittable (YC12):

https://discover.submittable.com

We list many opportunities from literary journals and other orgs for free. You can get the app for $5 which has a couple small extras like push notifications when your submission is accepted. Our newsletter is high-quality and free as well.

Re: Best apps for writers

#10

Post by _emacsomancer_ » Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 3:11 AM UTC

aphextron wrote: post #8

_emacsomancer_ wrote: post #3

Emacs is seriously the best 'app' for anyone working with text, including writers. And if its (default) looks put you off, have a look at extensions (and Emacs is designed to be extended) like the Poet theme: https://github.com/kunalb/poet

Relevant: https://www.xkcd.com/378/

That comic is on the programming/IDE-side of Emacs though, which isn't what I'm talking about here. Quite seriously, Emacs is really excellent for non-program writing too, which is mainly what I use it for.