Moving to Linux: Tools for Writers

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11 Responses

  1. Michael says:

    Well, I’m a Windows user.

    And while I’ve tried (and even liked) Linux in the past, there are two big reasons that kept me running back to Windows: (1) I’m a casual gamer (dual boot would be an option), and: (2) there is a lack of writers software for Linux, like Scrivener and WriteRoom for OSX or Pagefour and Liquid Story Binder for Windows (which explains why dual boot would be useless to me).

    But a few minutes ago I stumbled upon Writer’s World Maker. It’s still in its early stages (I believe) and it doesn’t look as sophisticated as the afore mentioned programs. But it is Linux based and it does look promising!

    Just thought I should share this with ya:
    http://www.wwmkr.com/

    And for those wanting a screen shot:
    http://www.wwmkr.com/uploads/Screenshot–home-skaggs-wwmkr-project-verbonia.png

    It won’t win me over to the Linux camp. But, who knows, maybe in the future?

  2. acpkendo says:

    Hi Michael,

    Well, I’m a Windows user too, sometimes. I use it for work, and I’m also a gamer.

    My point for this post/series wasn’t that everyone should run out and convert every computer they own to a Linux box. I’m just hoping to let writers know that, as more Linux machines reach the mainstream market, that they will do everything you need them to do (with the exception of things like games).

    This is especially important in the “netbook” segment, where more and more machines are coming with Linux pre-installed. I’ll be posting on my impressions of the netbook I just bought soon.

    And thanks for the link to World Maker–I will check it out. I had planned on doing a post on writer-specific apps like this. FYI, there is Writer’s Cafe, which runs on Linux, and it is possible to get Liquid Story Binder running in the Windows application layer “WINE”. More on these to come.

  3. Nick says:

    in response to the mention of black text on white background, I beg to differ. the gedit text editor in Linux Ubuntu allows user to easily switch to white text on black background. Try to tell me that the dark color scheme(oblivion) does not reduce eye strain. Can anyone remember when computers ran dos? hint: white text/black back

  4. kris says:

    I have basically always been a linux user. I managed to get Liquid Story Binder (4.81) working almost flawlessly with wine version 1.2, Ubuntu 10.04, with just a few window placing issues. See the wine application database for details (http://appdb.winehq.org/index.php). Hope this helps.

    Regards,

    Kris

    o/

  5. Tim says:

    I’ve always used Linux. For me its a much better O/S

  6. Hans says:

    Scrivener is now available for Linux, and it is, in my opinion the best software for those who are working on a novel or any long piece of work. The newest version in 1.5.3.

    There is a review here:
    http://writingisdreaming.com/scrivener-version-1-5-3-for-linux-is-out/

    Also Libre Office which comes with Ubuntu is also quite good, but it takes some getting used to.

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