Syncing with the upcoming L&L writing app

Feature Requests
#1

Literature & Latte is developing a new writing app. I would like to have the option to use it while also syncing it with Aeon Timeline.

The new app, according to this blog post, will have far fewer features than Scrivener.

One thing I noted with interest is that it won’t offer metadata. If that is the case, some users (quite possibly including me) who otherwise might prefer a simpler app for novel writing would want to use Aeon Timeline to track story metadata, even if the metadata stored in Aeon Timeline doesn’t sync with the new writing app.

I imagine it would be a nice selling point for Aeon Timeline, once the new app launches.

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#2

Thanks for sharing that. LL does make some really nice stuff. In this case, I’m guessing the focus is on serving mobile device users. It remains to be seen whether the concept of reducing word processing to its core will be compatible with the setup requirements of Aeon synchronization.

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#3

My take is that it’s aimed at the segment of the writing community that struggles with Scrivener’s deep feature set.

In my case, I don’t need compiling, as I build my own books in other software (as just one example). I don’t need Scrivener’s corkboard because I have the cards tabs as well as spreadsheet, list, subway, etc. custom tabs in version 3.5 of AT. I don’t need the outline view because, well, AT runs circles around it.

I do need metadata, though, but am happy trackIng that in AT.

All I really want from AT syncing is when I move things around in either app, the document/scene order syncs, together with additions and deletions.

I’m also wondering if the new app’s use of markdown, rather than rich text used by Scrivener, will open up some interesting possibilities for integration with an Obsidian (or other markdown-based app) workflow.

I have applied to be a beta tester for the Windows version but haven’t heard anything. Even if I am accepted, I’d have to avoid any public disclosures of anything I learn per an NDA.

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#4

Of course, I don’t have any insight into this, but I doubt that the application will use Markdown. If you write more than just blog posts or web pages, Markdown is simply too limited. For example, you can’t insert language information into the running text for spell checking.

Nevertheless, I think support for Markdown for AT metadata export would be useful. Which brings us almost back to the topic of “word processing for narrative,” doesn’t it?

By the way, the open source application novelWriter started out as a kind of Scrivener with a Markdown flavor, but after not too long, proprietary markup elements had to be introduced, so that now the connection to Markdown is quite downplayed.

#5

I was thinking that under the hood it would be markdown files, but would have buttons/settings controlling external style sheets. There would be live rendering to hide the markdown, pretty much like Obsidian optionally does now.

Just my wild speculation. :thinking:

#6

I am actually testing the Mac and IOS versions and have been since late ‘23. Unfortunately I can neither confirm nor deny your suppositions due to the NDA. Although I am sure there are posts on the L&L forum discussing this very topic, outside of the Beta forum section.

I will say this one thing. The new app isn’t for me. Or, at least it isn’t without the support of possible future AT3 integrations. I did reach out to the AT3 developers some time back to request they look at providing such an integration when the app releases. They clearly have more pressing issues on their hands though. And as the app hasn’t even released they can’t do anything. It would be nice to have though, in the future.

Andrew

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#7

From what you’re describing, it sounds like you could be using Ulysses :smile:

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#8

Well, now that I’ve been added to the beta group for the new L&L app, I can’t discuss it. :rofl:

But @ahansonauthor, can’t disagree. I’m actually quite happy with Scrivener, so I’m probably not part of the market for a simpler, less capable writing app, though if I were, it would have to sync with AT.

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#9

I can’t imagine any small footprint writing app, in this day and age, not utilizing markdown. Color me hopeful. And yes, it would be nice if both the new Scrivener app had metadata and was syncable with AT.

Although this is counter to the Steve’s post, I’m not depending on syncing as much as I have in the past; it was proving to be too distracting. For me, there is a time for research (Obsidian), a time for plotting a timeline & using metadata (AT), and, most importantly, a time for writing (Scrivener). Each of those processes is distinct, for me, each deserves focused attention.

A small notebook next to my mouse is enough to remind me to go answer a question or change a timeline & metadata.

Am at a point where a separation of powers is necessary to keep the prose flowing and not be hopping between app sessions and the inevitable snafus (and resulting depressive episodes) with syncing.

All that said, the flow and syncing of metadata between AT and Scrivener is wonderful; once you know how it works.

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#10

I hear you, @writtenfool. Your thoughts on this have added momentum to a growing conviction that, though I’m on my first novel and have needed these tools as I learned about storytelling, I’ve progressed well enough in understanding story theory that I could transition fully to analog methods — pen and paper for writing, physical cards for plotting, and notebooks for revision. Something is drawing me to this approach that’s hard to put into words. It just feels right, somehow.

Something to ponder…

#11

It does Steve.

In grad school I had a brief encounter with the concept of “slow work” in reading Carl Honore. The phrase came up again recently at a talk by Caoilinn Hughes. She talked about letting prose develop in it’s own timeline.

It’s ironic, I spent decades in corporate IT and software development. I lived & breathed growth & productivity & the latest tech. Now, not so much; I hopped off that bus. Better things happen when they’re allowed to breathe on their own.

Don’t get me wrong, I still use all three apps when it’s the right time to use them. But now I do dream and draft ideas, beats, situations, and scenes in a notebook. Not all of that writing makes it into print, but, you’re correct - it just feels right. And this way, I do more free writing; call it exercise with no time constraints; and narry a cloud storage or sync in sight.

Or maybe it’s an age thing:)

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