This is the point at which many open source purists will check out. But like with my fiction, the process always starts with Google Drive. For writing technical how-tos, I collaborate with different editors and, in some cases, have to copy/paste content into a CMS. We’ll start with nonfiction, as that process is the simpler of the two. When you’re facing deadlines, efficiency must take precedent. Why? Because, for me, the focus must be on the content, not the process. A long time ago, I gave up on using tools like LaTeX and DocBook for my writing. I’m going to outline this by way of my writing process for both nonfiction and fiction (as the process is different and requires specific tools).Ī word of warning to seriously hard-core Linux users. Let’s take a look at the tools I’ve been using as both a tech writer and author of fiction. Even with that caveat, the job can be done. But what tools will you need? You might be surprised to find out that, in some instances, the job cannot be efficiently done with 100% open source tools. Formats didn’t always mesh with what an editor required and, in some cases, the open source platform simply didn’t have the necessary tools required to get the job done.Ī perfect storm of Linux evolution and web-based tools have made it such that any writer can get the job done (and done well) on Linux. I must confess, during those early years it wasn’t always easy. And through those two decades (and counting) I’ve done nearly all my work on the Linux platform. So, the written word is not only important to me, it’s familiar to the point of being second nature.

I’ve written thousands of articles and how-tos on various technical topics and have penned more than 40 works of fiction.

I’ve been a writer for more than 20 years.

Ywriter linux