Writing Remotely with Scrivener and an Android Phone

[Bob Russell]

Anyone trying to do remote writing with Scrivener for Windows? I've come upon what seems to be a decent phone-based setup for using Scrivener for basic draft writing...

• Droid Charge Android Phone
• Microsoft BT Notebook Mouse 5000
• Freedom Pro BT Folding Keyboard
  A better BT keyboard might be nice, though. (E.g. Apple or ZaggKeys Solo)
• Scrivener for Windows (Currently in beta)
• LogMeIn (on a home desktop PC and on the phone)

The phone setup is pretty effective. I have a thin shell case that has a built in stand. I turn on my BT keyboard and mouse and run LogMeIn and I have a remote desktop.

The reason I was looking for a phone based setup, is that I want to be able to write anywhere, and I didn't want to give up the power of Scrivener. The phone is my only device that always has internet access, and is always with me. When the internet is available, I suppose I'll also use a laptop with Scrivener and sync via dropbox.

The great thing is that, surprisingly, it's pretty easy to use Scrivener and the screen is actually big enough to be practical. I admit, I do need to wear my reading glasses, but it's not as tiny as you'd think.

Mostly, this seems best suited for writing a first draft. Other than that, I wouldn't use this set up for serious revision work or outlining. And I haven't used it much, so can't tell you in the end if it will be worth the trouble, but it seems promising as a temporary solution for anyone that depends on their phone for internet access away from home and wants a portable writing solution.

Not every Android phone will connect to BT mouse and keyboard - the Charge has HID support that makes it work. And not all phones have a big screen. I don't think I'd try this with a screen any smaller than 4". Mine is probably 4.3".

Note: If you have a Mac, you can use Scrivener 2.0 (Windows is behind, and v1 is still in beta), you can use the external sync to edit on the run with a variety of text based writing apps on iOS or on Android. I expect to make use of that feature in the future.

[VydorScope]

A bunch of people her chat up Scrivener, I guess at some point I need to look into it. Right now use MS Word when at my desktop, and then apps like Polaris that can read/write Word files on my remote devices. I do not need log me in because I use drop box to store the files which allows me to edit them directly on any computer or device I wish.

[Bob Russell]

Originally Posted by VydorScope

I do not need log me in because I use drop box to store the files which allows me to edit them directly on any computer or device I wish.

Yes, that's probably the typical solution for someone that needs to do this often. If I always had dropbox and internet access on a laptop, it would work best for me also.

I do think Scrivener is definitely worth checking out. It's simple, but a bit of a shift in perspective from typical word processors, so I'd watch an intro video from their site or you tube to get started. One great thing about it is that you can get started quick and easy and it feels natural. Then over time you can learn and start to use all the advanced features like labels, keys, colors, outputting in various formats, etc.. They don't get in your way, but are there if you want them.

In my case, internet access is only available on my work computer and my phone. I have dropbox, but won't put dropbox on it because of company policy and security concerns. So if I don't want to do lots of manual synching, the only real remote writing options for me are those that make use of my smartphone data plan.

Most would probably just opt to carry around a laptop and pay the extra $$ for a hotspot/tethering data plan. And I haven't gotten to that point where it's worth the money yet because I don't really need it that often. Still, I think it's great to have the phone based option.

Edit: Here's the link for the Scrivener official videos, if you're interested. The "Introduction to Scrivener" is the best starting point.

[VydorScope]

Well I use my tablet which is wifi only if I am going to do any on the road editing/etc. IT can use SplashTop to connect to my Mac at home, but since it has Polaris installed I am usually all set. To use my smartphone I would need carry a keyboard and mouse, and at that point might as well just use my Asus Transformer and keep the phone free to do smart phone stuff.

Not had a need to use 3G on my tablet yet, wifi is available so many places now. I could get a tethering plan... but rather save the $$.

[James_Wilde]

Scrivener had warnings about writing to a networked drive, given the large number of files in what looks like one file in Scrivener. Don't know whether the warning is still there. It was a pinned comment on their forum.

I tried something similar, with the original copy on my MacMini in the upstairs office, and me writing in comfort on my MacBook downstairs, but I stopped doing it when I read the comment. Instead I copy the whole Scrivener project to my MacBook, do my writing, and then copy the whole project back to the MacMini. But take a copy of the project before moving it, and don't remove it until you've opened the returned copy on your "server".

Mind you, if your setup works, go for it. One doesn't always want to work in the main computer, but I'd routinely take a copy before each remote writing session, as described above. That way you only stand to lose one session's work.

[hanque99]

I use Storymill on my Mac laptop and MacJournal on my Ipad to design stories, write scenes and do other writing chores. I can sync MacJournal use wifi and get the new material into SM or where ever else it has to go. It ain't perfect but it will do until SM releases their long-awaited Ipad app

[jaxx6166]

I'd also suggest you check out SimpleNote. They have a couple of Android based clients as well. And it syncs automatically.

I use SN with Scrivener and an iPad using a blutooth keyboard when I'm away from my desk. it works wonders.

[Bob Russell]

Originally Posted by jaxx6166

I'd also suggest you check out SimpleNote. They have a couple of Android based clients as well. And it syncs automatically.

I use SN with Scrivener and an iPad using a blutooth keyboard when I'm away from my desk. it works wonders.

That's a great approach. Only issue for PC users is that iPad sync seems to only be implemented for Scrivener so far, and it's also just text sync.

Another nice (and new) iPad option not involving Scrivener is Storyist for iPad. It's quite good, but doesn't really integrate with the desktop unless you are using desktop Storyist... also Mac only.

Ah, what a wonderful thing a MacBook Air would be for this use case. But can't justify that kind of money, so will wait for the next generation of thin and fanless netbooks due later this year, and Scrivener 2.0 for Windows.