Writing & Editing

The Writing Interface

When you click on a scene to edit it, you enter the writing interface. This is where you write your actual prose.

The interface is designed to be clean and focused:

• Minimal buttons and toolbars
• Easy-to-read font and spacing
• Auto-save so you never lose work
• Quick access to reference materials

The Text Editor

The editor supports standard formatting:

• Bold — Ctrl/Cmd + B
• Italic — Ctrl/Cmd + I
• Paragraph breaks — Enter key
• Scene breaks — Three asterisks (***)

Auto-Save

Your work saves automatically as you type:

• Changes save every few seconds
• A "Saved" indicator shows when your work is safe
• No need to click a save button
• If you close the browser, your work is already saved

Live Word Count

The word count displays at the bottom of the editor:

• Scene count — Words in the current scene
• Chapter count — Total for this chapter
• Session count — Words written this session

The session counter resets when you start a new writing session.

Writing Timer

Track your writing time with the built-in timer:

1. Click Start Timer when you begin writing
2. The timer runs in the background
3. Click Stop Timer when you finish
4. Your session is automatically logged

Sessions record:

• Duration (how long you wrote)
• Words written (ending count minus starting count)
• Which book and chapter you worked on

View your writing history in Dashboard → Time Tracking.

Focus Mode

For distraction-free writing, enable focus mode:

1. Click the Focus button (or press F11)
2. The interface expands to full screen
3. Sidebars and toolbars hide
4. Only your text remains visible

Press Escape or click the exit button to return to normal view.

Reference Panel

While writing, you can open a side panel showing:

• Characters — Quick access to character details
• Story Bible — World-building notes
• Outline — Your chapter and scene summaries
• Research — Notes and links

Click the panel icons on the right side to toggle them open or closed.

Scene Navigation

Move between scenes without leaving the editor:

• Previous/Next arrows — Jump to adjacent scenes
• Scene dropdown — Jump to any scene in the chapter
• Chapter dropdown — Switch chapters

Changes auto-save before navigation, so you will not lose work.

Keyboard Shortcuts

AI Writing Assistance

If you have configured API keys, you can use AI assistance:

• Brainstorm — Generate ideas for what happens next
• Continue — Let AI draft the next paragraph
• Rephrase — Rewrite selected text in a different way
• Expand — Add more detail to a passage
• Summarize — Condense selected text

Version History

Your work is backed up to GitHub (if connected):

• Automatic snapshots save periodically
• View past versions of any scene
• Restore old versions if needed
• Compare changes between versions

This is especially useful if you cut text and later decide you want it back.

Best Practices

• Start the timer — Track your writing habits to understand your productivity patterns.
• Use focus mode for drafting — Minimize distractions when getting words down.
• Keep reference panels open for editing — Check character details and story facts while revising.
• Write in scenes — Smaller chunks are less intimidating and easier to rearrange.
• Do not over-edit as you write — Get the draft down first, then revise in a separate pass.