this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2023
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Besides Libre Office, what other programs/solutions exist in the Linux world for writers?

(Please, don't suggest VIM. After all the memes and comments I've read, I've come to dread it).

I like writing but the standard Writer tends to send me in a constant formatting spree.

I want to get back to writing regularly and something that could help me stay focused and somewhat organized would be nice.

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[–] rstein@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (5 children)

It depends on what you want to achieve.

Vi and it’s descendants are brilliant editors for a programmer but not for writing prose. So stay away from them. ;-)

Do you want just to write text without being distracted by an overwhelming gui or are you fine with the hint at options?

Do you want to write in a terminal?

How much do you want to format while typing? By typing the format commands into the text or by clicking on buttons or ctrl-key magic?

Do you need version control?

For each of your combination of answers there are different solutions.

[–] qyron@sopuli.xyz 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Version control is an interesting idea.

I used to write fiction as a hobbie and want to return to it again.

The blank sheet of a standard text editor messes with my nerves. I lose myself editing, formating, etc.

If I could find a prompt that I could pre set the font, layout of the final work, and then have the program leave me alone, it would be perfect.

Most writers solutions come with a lot of bells and whistles, like word counter, time elapsed, goals, etc. Unnecessary. Distracting.

[–] ElderWendigo@sh.itjust.works 3 points 11 months ago

If I could find a prompt that I could pre set the font, layout of the final work, and then have the program leave me alone, it would be perfect.

You're describing a workflow using TeX or LaTeX, like typesetters for publisher's use. I don't have a specific recommendation, but in your shoes, I'd look for a CLI text editor (to avoid distractions) that supports word wrapping and do your actual formatting and typesetting totally separately from your writing with LaTeX.

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