Helping writers avoid succumbing to technology selectively.
What is WriterDeck?
WriterDeck is a tool dedicated exclusively and only to writing. Technically, a typewriter is an analog writerdeck. But usually we mean some type of computerized word processor, such as the Astrohaus FreeWrite or AlphaSmart Neo, to name two of the most popular mass-produced versions. But for many writers these are either too expensive or too limited, so many of us create our own.
The term “writerdeck” comes from “cyberdeck”. People debate what is considered a cyberdeck, but in practice it basically means “a strangely connected computer, usually without a mouse and usually homemade, often with a retro-futuristic, cyberpunk vibe.” So WriterDeck is a cyberdeck dedicated just to writing.
Why would anyone want this? Why not just use a computer?
One big reason is distraction. If your writing machine is also your video viewing machine, you may have difficulty writing much. When you use WriterDeck, you can only do one thing: write.
The second reason is happiness. If a significant focus of your life is writing, and most of your day is spent writing, it’s great to have a beautiful, dedicated tool for doing so!
The third reason is that they are fun to design and build.
Commercial WriterDex
Please see Commercial WriterDex’s list for mass produced offerings.
There are also people willing to build a custom Writer Deck for you for a fee, like An Qi Lee of Micro Journal or Keegan McNamara of Mythic Computer Company.
DIY WriterDex
Check out DIY WriterDex’s list and see how people have created their own.
Convert a Laptop into a WriterDeck
WriterDeckOS is a simple turnkey solution for converting a laptop into a dedicated writing device. You simply install the operating system according to the instructions and your laptop will now boot straight into a simple writing application, with no Internet or other apps to distract you. This is probably the cheapest and easiest solution for most writers, as you likely already have an old laptop and you can always get a laptop for cheap. And if you want to get more complex, you can customize it to enable things like cloud backup. (writerdeckOS is not affiliated with Writerdeck.org, but is recommended.)
USB-DOS allows you to boot from a USB drive directly into a virtual DOS computer with basic write software and nothing else, but this only works for older computers. You can read more about it here.
Why wouldn’t I just use my phone/tablet and a Bluetooth keyboard?
Many people do the same! The only downside might be if you have other distracting apps (which you can always delete) or if you have to pair multiple devices (unless you attach them somehow). Here’s a list of several approaches people have taken with Phone/Tablet WriterDex.
How do I create a WriterDeck? is it hard?
It is actually very easy! Unless you’re very good with computers, or you have the patience to Google things and figure them out. But basically you just need…
- a computer
- A popular option is the Raspberry Pi, but you can also just buy a miniPC or use a desktop computer or laptop.
- a screen
- There are many made specifically for the Raspberry Pi, but you can also use a normal computer monitor.
- a keyboard
- Even if you’re building a fancy custom Writer deck, you can still buy a keyboard and build around that
- Some way to tie it all together
- This is where you can get really creative. Many people use to 3D print cases, but you can also use wood, metal, found objects – anything!
- Software that runs on it, which usually breaks:
- Operating System: Usually some flavor of Linux, because it’s free and stable. The Raspberry Pi has its own OS, or you can use Ubuntu or whatever, actually. I prefer to use a command line OS with no desktop like the Raspberry Pi Lite because that way it feels like a dedicated device. You can set it up so that when you turn it on it boots straight into your writing program without seeing any desktop, and then there’s no chance of getting distracted when you open Firefox or anything, because there’s no Firefox! Here’s a quick description of the software stack I use to run my Werewolf Alpha WriterDeck on a Raspberry Pi 4.
- Writing Program: You can run WriterDeck-specific software designed to give you control over file management, Wi-Fi, etc., without any other programs, such as Werewolf or ZeroWriter, or general writing software like FocusWriter, WordGrinder, or even your own custom code – it can be as simple or complex as you’d like. See the Software page.
Does all this seem overwhelming to you, or painfully obvious? If the latter, you can do it no problem. If the former, you may need to spend some time reading Raspberry Pi and Cyberdeck introductions and finding basic tutorials for similar projects. Any type of Raspberry Pi project will introduce you to the basics, and then it’s just a matter of tinkering.
WriterDeck Friendly Software
Two free, open source projects specifically dedicated to WriterDex are Werewolf and ZeroWriter, but there are many other options. Please see the software page.
WriterDeck Tutorial
I can’t afford any of this and now I’m sad
Good news: You don’t need to write any of this down! My current writer deck is one of the oldest and best – a paper notebook and fountain pen. If you find writing physically tiring, consider focusing on your handwriting. That’s what I did, and once I started writing cursive, writing became a lot more enjoyable. But you can print it with a pencil. Writing is one of the cheapest and most accessible joys on earth, so don’t let yourself convince yourself you need anything special to do it.
Where can I get more information?
There is an active community on r/writerDeck on Reddit.
There are also subreddits for specific projects such as r/ZeroWriter, which focuses on using ZeroWriter software to create e-ink WriterDex.
About this guide
This guide is written entirely in Markdown and hosted for free on Github Pages. It was started by Benjamin Sloan (creator of Werewolf and r/WriterDeck), but contributions are welcome via pull requests on the WriterDeck GitHub repository.