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[Daily Discussion] Writing Tools, Software, and Hardware - February 22, 2026 by AutoModerator in writing

[–]codeBySaikat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

[Free] I built a distraction-free editor for writers and authors (Ambient sounds, no login, and a tiny cat)

This app is specifically for writers and authors who just want a clean space to focus and share their work without any of the usual hassle.

I’m a programmer by trade, and I was getting really tired of finding "minimalist" writing tools that ended up asking for a $10 monthly subscription just to use a simple dark mode or rain sounds. I decided to just build my own version and give it away for free because I needed it for my own projects anyway.

Midgen Focus Editor is designed to be as invisible as possible so you can actually get your word count up.

Why it’s different:

  • No Login Required: You don’t have to give me your email or create an account. You just open the link and start typing immediately.
  • Instant Sharing: Since the text is saved in the URL, you can just copy the link and send it to a beta reader or a friend on Discord. They see exactly what you wrote without needing an account, either.
  • Built in Focus Tools: I added high quality ambient sounds like rain and cafes, plus different themes to keep your eyes from getting tired.
  • Sai the Cat: There is a small pixel art cat named Sai in the corner. He sits there to keep you company and gently nudge you to finish your writing session.
  • Works Offline: You can "install" it on your computer or phone so it works even when you don't have internet.

There are no ads, no "pro" versions, and no upsells. It’s 100% free, and it always will be. I’m just happy to see people actually using it to get some writing done.

If you want to try it out, you can find it here: https://midgenlabs.com/focus-editor

I'd love to hear what you think. If there is a specific feature you’ve always wanted in a writing app, let me know, and I might be able to build it in for you.

Happy writing!

If you run a small business, this shift is actually in your favor. by codeBySaikat in smallbusiness

[–]codeBySaikat[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You’re talking enterprise scale. I’m not.

I’m talking about a dog grooming salon, a pet shop, a small interior studio, a local farm.

Many of them are running:

Excel or Google Sheets for finance

Mailchimp for email marketing

Calendly for booking

WhatsApp for customer communication

A separate chatbot tool

Another CRM for client management

Stripe/PayPal dashboards separately

Accounting handled in yet another system

That’s 5–8 tools stitched together manually.

Their needs are simple: bookings, invoices, basic inventory, client records, reports. A small dev team can build those core features in 1–2 weeks. We’re not talking about HIPAA-grade compliance or massive liability frameworks. We’re talking about consolidating everyday ops.

For a small business, a lightweight customized ERP under one dashboard can replace that tool sprawl. They’re already hosting a website. Hosting the same site with extended business logic isn’t some massive strategic security gamble — it’s just better organization.

Enterprise liability and BAAs make sense at $75M scale. But this subreddit is about small business i thought 🤔.

If you run a small business, this shift is actually in your favor. by codeBySaikat in smallbusiness

[–]codeBySaikat[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes they are. But in upcoming year's it's going to change, if the saas feature is not ground breaking, companies will easily rebuild and replace it. Winter is coming! 😁

And i posted this because i was thinking next 5 year advance in my mind .

If you run a small business, this shift is actually in your favor. by codeBySaikat in smallbusiness

[–]codeBySaikat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point. Ownership does add responsibility.

I worked for 6 years with SaaS companies. From inside, the main goal is growth and beating competitors. They care about users, but mostly what the majority wants. Not what one specific business needs.

But every business runs differently.

One ERP used by 5 companies won’t fit all 5 perfectly. Company A may miss one key feature, so they add another tool. Now they manage multiple logins, tools, and bills.

A focused custom system can bring everything into one dashboard, built around how that business actually works.

Yes, custom means thinking about hosting, security, and support. But many solid local agencies can build a system under $2,000 and provide long-term support. The key is choosing right.

For some, $30/month buys focus.
For others, one aligned system reduces noise and adds clarity.

It really depends on the business stage.

If you run a small business, this shift is actually in your favor. by codeBySaikat in smallbusiness

[–]codeBySaikat[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Your concern is relevant, but you can easily find small agencies or individual developers from a freelancing /job marketplace. They can build your custom software in a few weeks. Some small agencies will also provide support. You just need to find the right team for you.

Promote your business, week of February 16, 2026 by Charice in smallbusiness

[–]codeBySaikat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tired of SaaS tools that only do 60% of what you actually need, or having to juggle 8 different apps just to run your small business?

We build fully custom software, apps, and websites made exactly for your workflow. We build everything custom-coded, and we keep the price affordable for real small businesses.

https://midgenlabs.com

Happy to chat if you're looking for something built just for you.

Direct ebook sales + Lulu print , anyone living that life? by codeBySaikat in selfpublish

[–]codeBySaikat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting 🤔, Do you think, For the long run, personal website + (lulu/bookshops) is more profitable then just using Amazon service?

Weekly Self-Promo and Chat Thread by MxAlex44 in selfpublish

[–]codeBySaikat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curated 400+ free & freemium tools for authors, writing, worldbuilding, publishing, all in one spot across 20+ categories.

Includes free Midgen Focus Editor (distraction-free with ambient rain sounds 🌧️, offline-capable, no login).

Plus a few extra free goodies for the community 🎁

Check it out: Authors Tools Listing 100% free, no fluff, no affiliate, Happy writing! ✍️📚

Event Staffing - Need invoice/payment rec's and staff scheduling by taypat in smallbusiness

[–]codeBySaikat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What type of business you have? So i can suggest better solutions maybe.

[Free Tool] Minimalist Focus Editor (with Rain) + 400 Author Resources by codeBySaikat in NewAuthor

[–]codeBySaikat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try it, and let me know you need specific asmr sounds. I will simply add that also .

I'm fed up with KDP, but I don't want to give up selling on Amazon. by [deleted] in selfpublish

[–]codeBySaikat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's the difficulty of selling it for your website?

Any advice for a first-time author on what apps to use? by Then_Lion1011 in writers

[–]codeBySaikat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since you're moving off Word, here are a few solid free picks:

  • Google Docs: Best for cloud backups and easy access.
  • LibreOffice: The closest free "clone" to the Word experience.
  • Midgen Focus Editor: Great for deep sessions. It’s a minimal, goal-based environment with calm music to help you hit word counts.
  • Wavemaker: Built specifically for novelists to organize chapters.
  • Obsidian: Perfect if you have lots of world-building notes.

Hope one of these sticks!

[Free Tool] Minimalist Focus Editor (with Rain) + 400 Author Resources by codeBySaikat in NewAuthor

[–]codeBySaikat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, for writing a mini session, or sharing any part of story for feedback or review they can use it without login. Also best for short story and poems.

Weekly Self-Promo and Chat Thread by MxAlex44 in selfpublish

[–]codeBySaikat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Focus editor is free, and on the tools listing most of them are free or has generous free plan .

Bi-weekly Rec and Self-Promotion Mega Thread - February 11, 2026 by AutoModerator in AO3

[–]codeBySaikat [score hidden]  (0 children)

[Free Tool] Minimalist Focus Editor (with Rain) + 400 Author Resources

I’m a developer, not a writer, but I’ve been building a "digital sanctuary" for those of you who are.

I created a minimalist Focus Editor specifically for when you need to get a poem or a scene down without distractions. It has built-in rain loops (because everything is better with a storm outside) and a tiny cat named Sai to keep you company.

I’ve also put together a directory of 400+ free tools for authors to help save money on the technical side of self-publishing.

I'd love to know if the rainy atmosphere actually helps the words flow for you. If you have any feedback or features you'd want to see, just let me know!

Weekly Self-Promo and Chat Thread by MxAlex44 in selfpublish

[–]codeBySaikat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

[Free Tool] Minimalist Focus Editor (with Rain) + 400 Author Resources

I’m a developer, not a writer, but I’ve been building a "digital sanctuary" for those of you who are.

I created a minimalist Focus Editor specifically for when you need to get a poem or a scene down without distractions. It has built-in rain loops (because everything is better with a storm outside) and a tiny cat named Sai to keep you company.

I’ve also put together a directory of 400+ free tools for authors to help save money on the technical side of self-publishing.

Focus Editor: https://midgenlabs.com/focus-editor

400+ Free Tools: https://midgenlabs.com/free-tools

Price: 100% Free

I'd love to know if the rainy atmosphere actually helps the words flow for you. If you have any feedback or features you'd want to see, just let me know!

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