In the domain of web development, the term “stack” indicates the collection of software used for performing the work. As writers, we also have a “stack” of software we use in the process of our writing.
What’s your stack?
Hopefully, you have found a stack that works for you. Sometimes, changes in life or writing process necessitates a change in processes and tools. For many of us, the global pandemic of 2020 marked a shift of work from the office to home. That may have instigated changes in processes, software, and more.
Not so much for me. I have worked remotely since 2012. After the initial setup of my remote work, adjustments in my processes were gradual as I adopted newer, better, and cheaper technologies that supported my processes as a Chinese-English translator and marketing writer.
Instead, it was a recent shift in values that spurred unexpected change in the tools of my trade. I have run into some issues with finding the right tools for the job. For the first time in a decade, I find myself thoroughly re-thinking my software choices.
It starts with values – or the available resources
Most writers primarily work in the silo of either the Windows or Mac operating systems, within which applications integrate seamlessly. Some software, like Scrivener, has versions for use on either operating system. Other writers prefer a more brand-agnostic approach of cobbling together third-party cloud applications that can be accessed from any device that has a web browser, like Google’s suite of online office and productivity applications.
I have devices that run the Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android operating systems in my home. I recently shifted to primarily using Linux. Reasons included security, performance, a belief in open source intellectual property, regaining control over my hardware and data privacy, cost savings, and more. These are all things I value.
If you know anything about Linux, you realize I sacrificed some convenience for these values. There were also practical considerations, like wanting a lighter operating system so that my old PCs would run faster. I also enjoy learning computer science and programming, which eases the pain of the switch by making learning Linux more of an adventure than a chore.
If you don’t have the time, patience, or tech savvy to familiarize yourself with Linux, it makes sense to go with the convenience of Windows or Mac. In the end, us writers need to do whatever gets the writing done. We do that in the way that best manifests our values if we have that luxury. Otherwise, we just make the most of the tools at hand.
Workflow and tools
Working either from the tools that manifest our values or the tools that are available, we then find the tools that support our optimal workflow.
Writing can be divided into a few rough phases: development, drafting, revision, and dissemination. We need hardware and software that helps us in each of those phases. As an example, my general workflow and the tools I use are listed below (I’ll detail my workflows in another article).
Development: This includes jotting down ideas, outlining, and research. For this, I use pen and paper, a note-taking app, a spreadsheet, the internet, and books, among other things.
Drafting: I either write everything out by hand or use a word processor, depending on the project.
Revision: I either print everything out and edit by hand then type up the changes, or I edit directly in the word processor. I also use other applications to check spelling, grammar, etc.
Dissemination: I mainly work in digital publication, but there is also a time and a place for print.
As you can see, I have some analog elements in my workflow all the way through the revision phase. I find that writing by hand connects me to the creative flow to produce higher quality work and greater enjoyment of the process. Lots of people skip right to using software for every step of their projects, though.
The problem with switching to Linux
Due to its built-in coding tools, stability, and learning curve, Linux is a popular operating system among programmers; not so much among writers. There are also fewer Linux users than for Windows and Mac, making software designed specifically for writers on Linux less commercially viable.
This means that specialized applications like Evernote, that I use in the development phase, or Scrivener, which I have used in the development, drafting, and revision phases, are not available for Linux. So what should I use instead?
For example, Scrivener combines the functionality of a note-taking app, a word processor, a spreadsheet, a file management system, and more – all with a handy drag-and-drop interface.
Do I cobble together several apps to replace it, as I did before? Do I spend hours exporting all my Scrivener data into these apps – after having spent so many hours integrating everything into Scrivener for some of my projects in the first place?
Do I open up my slow Windows laptop every time I want to work in Scrivener? Or do I fork over the dough for a sleek new computer that can handle the modern Windows or Mac OS?
These are the questions that confront me in my transition to Linux. In the end, I may just be dragging my feet and bemoaning my fate when I already know my decision: I’ll do whatever it takes to shift my workflow to Linux.
That’s because I value the benefits Linux has to offer, and it’s also the way to make the most of my aging computer. I like simple, traditional tools like pencil and paper, word processors, and spreadsheets. While I like the idea of Scrivener’s all-in-one, drag-and-drop functionality, I likely won’t take advantage of its advanced features. I can do everything I need to do with open source and cloud apps on Linux.
So what will my stack be? All I know for sure is that Linux as my main operating system will be a basis of the decision, as that is what I have on all my desktop devices now. Also that I will adhere to the principle of consistency across systems as much as possible.
What’s in your stack? Why did you choose it?