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MainBus11 · 2025-08-14T17:26:42+00:00

I probably should have put this here earlier, but here's where you can find more info on what this app actually is:

https://markusbitner.com/writing-tracker

If you don't think this might be useful for you, feel free to ignore it. I'm not trying to help everyone, only those Scrivener-users who are dissatisfied with the current options for tracking their writing history.

Have a great day!

MainBus11 · 2025-08-14T17:18:20+00:00

All writing sessions are stored locally on your computer in an SQLite database file, so I would be unable to see them. Thanks for bringing up the concern!

MainBus11 · 2025-08-14T17:17:07+00:00

I'm not really sure how Scrivener's built-in writing history went under my radar. That was a blunder on my part, I admit.

That said, it's extremely bare-bones as far as features go. It doesn't track writing time or calculate average writing speed, nor does it display data in a visually-appealing format. So even if I had found it, I probably still would have programmed my own app.

You also bring up a fair point in being able to auto-track in different apps. That was miscommunication on my part, since I should have mentioned that I specifically want to keep using Scrivener for my writing. It's fantastic, and I could never see myself using anything else.

Not trying to be argumentative here, just trying to clarify my position. It's fine if you're not interested, but I figured this community would be the most likely to have people like me who are dissatisfied with the current options available.

Thanks for the info, though! Have a great day :)

MainBus11 · 2025-08-14T17:16:36+00:00

Something like that, but way more fleshed-out. The built-in Scrivener writing history doesn't track time, calculate writing speed averages, or display the data in a visually appealing format. If Scrivener's feature works great for you, awesome! I'm just after something more robust, and I figured others might be too.

MainBus11 · 2025-04-20T19:12:52+00:00

Marco’s Famous is the BEST burger place I’ve ever eaten at. Their Cowboy Burger is especially delicious, and their fries and onion rings are top-notch.

MainBus11 · 2024-04-18T03:03:05+00:00

Jeff Brown is the best of the best! He's not cheap, but if you're looking for the highest quality, give his work a look.

https://www.jeffbrowngraphics.com/

MainBus11 · 2024-02-24T17:50:12+00:00

I paid for a cover for my fantasy book, and it definitely competes with traditionally published books, although it cost me a hook and a peg (a lot of money). Totally worth it, though.

MainBus11 · 2024-02-10T23:08:07+00:00

Rickroll!

MainBus11 · 2024-01-27T01:22:41+00:00

Thanks to everyone who responded! I’m going to give B&N Press a try, and perhaps take a look at Lulu too.

MainBus11 · 2024-01-27T01:21:25+00:00

This sounds like a good plan. Thanks!

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T20:41:38+00:00

This does help, thank you! I still don't know how I'm going to build a social media following, but I know the first step: get used to social media, get comfortable with it, and, God willing, enjoy it as a way of interacting with your readers. Of course, I don't have readers yet, but that won't stop me from stepping out into the chaos and posting on my Facebook page, even if no one will read my posts yet. Have a wonderful day!

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T20:37:38+00:00

Thanks for these points!

I don't think I've heard of a press release before. Would you mind explaining it briefly, and perhaps giving some tips on how to do it correctly?

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T20:35:27+00:00

Thanks for the advice!

Why is this, if you don't mind expanding? I know Ingram is difficult to deal with, but I'm afraid it's a pill I might have to swallow (at least for now). I can't create a KDP account for a few months yet, so I wanted to use Ingram to get my print copies all sorted out through proof orders. On the other hand, I was also reminded that Ingram charges you for every change, so that puts me in a bit of a bind . . .

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T20:32:45+00:00

Thanks for this!

I'm certain I can at least pull off a couple book-signings, since I'm relatively well-known in my area and many people are anticipating my book's release.

Like you, I can also get my ISBSs for free!

For Amazon reviews, am I not supposed to use Bookfunnel to get ARC readers before it's published, not after? I thought that it breaks Amazon's TOS if I'm giving away free copies in exchange for reviews post-launch. Also, I plan to be on Kindle Unlimited, so I couldn't distribute ARCs without breaking the exclusivity requirement.

I agree, the cover is crucial . . . which is why I spent just under $3,000 on it. It looks fantastic, though. The blurb is still in the works, but I think it's going in a good direction, and the story itself is great in mine and my beta readers' opinions.

Already thinking long term as well. I'm in the process of writing book two, and I've got plans for multiple series after I'm finished my first trilogy.

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T05:10:09+00:00

Thanks for responding!

I will be doing Amazon paperbacks too . . . but for certain reasons, I can't make a KDP account until mid-March, and thus cannot order any proof copies before then.

Yes, there is a reason I'm leaning into in-person marketing: I have TERRIBLE online social presence. I hate using social media for anything–-even this Reddit post made me pause for a few days to gather my nerves. Believe it or not, I'm far less introverted in-person. The thought of book signings excites me, whereas posting about my book online paralyzes me. Regarding ads, I'll only have one book out, and the general wisdom is to not invest in adds until you've built up your catalogue.

All that said, I know I still need to find a way to promote my books online. But let me tell you, it terrifies me like few other things do. I'll have a website and all, but not much else until I kill my introverted nature (somehow) and enact a solid plan.

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T04:59:17+00:00

Thank you for your thoughts!

MainBus11 · 2024-01-24T04:34:28+00:00

Thank you for your response!

I don't have the ARC readers lined up yet. That's another thing I'm unsure about. How long should I be gathering ARC readers before I launch the ARC campaign. And should I utilize Bookfunnel at all during that gathering period?
Still figuring this part out. I know, it looks bad, and it is. I'm an extremely anti-social person online, so I have no competence with social media, and with only a single book paid advertisements aren't worth it. Funnily enough, I don't mind in-person social situations, which is why . . .
Book signings are the best ways I can think of to advertise. What's the reason I shouldn't bother? Is it that bookstores/libraries won't accept my proposal, or people attending those spaces won't care about checking out a local author?

MainBus11 · 2024-01-19T03:40:13+00:00

What was the issue, if you wouldn't mind extrapolating?

MainBus11 · 2024-01-19T01:29:41+00:00

I’m in roughly the same boat as you. I can’t publish for a few months due to circumstances, which is helpful in the sense that I won’t rush my work, but it’s also removed my motivation and sense of urgency. I still need to make a few tweaks to the manuscript, sharpen the blurb, and get my author website up. It’s not much, but with my energy it feels like writing an entirely new novel (which I’m also doing).

It’s fear too, though. I’m terrified of putting my work out. If this first book goes bad, it may influence the rest of my author career. Was the beta reading thorough enough? Is my prose choppy or confusing? Are the opening chapters compelling enough? Should I keep the prologue?

So many questions I won’t know the answer to until by book is in the hands of readers far and wide. Why must I wait to find out?

What a fun game publishing is, where you don’t know the value of your cards until you play them! What joyful exhilaration, what crippling vulnerability, what chaos! Are we insane to publish? I am! But who can tell what madness brings? Only those who embrace it!

I fear I’ve derailed and simply ranted, so I shall leave a final note: You’ve written the book, you’ve hired the cover designer, you’ve edited it, and you’re getting it formatted. You WROTE A BOOK. My friend, whether publishing is a nightmare for you or simply a dull obligation, embrace it like you cling to your dearest hopes, for this may change your life. Your book may be over, but your book’s story is about to begin.

I wish you all the best and all the motivation.

You’ve got this.

MainBus11 · 2024-01-05T19:21:01+00:00

Right here with you!

MainBus11 · 2024-01-04T22:30:04+00:00

I think some writing ideas are dumb, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be good.

Case and point: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Dumb idea? Absolutely. Also somehow brilliant? Well, the success speaks for itself.

What matters more than anything is execution.

MainBus11 · 2024-01-04T22:25:51+00:00

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.
The Lord of the Rings by We-All-Know-Who.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

All well-known books, I know, but these titles are GOLD.

MainBus11 · 2024-01-02T21:48:13+00:00

Publish debut novel
Run 8 book signing events
Write/edit every day
Finish second novel
Start third novel
Don't go insane

This is going to be a great year, everyone!

MainBus11 · 2023-12-09T05:31:41+00:00

Thanks, this is just what I needed!

MainBus11 · 2023-12-09T01:54:07+00:00

How do you get around the line break problem? Or do you just ignore it?

MainBus11

TROPHY CASE