Writing Fiction with VS Code

A Writer’s Perspective on VS Code

After experimenting with all kinds of text editors, from Atom (RIP 🙏) to Scrivener, I’ve settled on Visual Studio Code for my writing (with a dose of Obsidian here and there). While VS Code is beloved by developers, it also can be a robust choice for fiction writers.

Whether you’re writing a sprawling epic or the world’s shortest novel, the right writing environment matters.

If you read Writing Fiction with Atom, you already know how much I value lightweight, customizable text editors for creative writing. While Atom was a beloved tool, its retirement pushed me to explore new options. With the right tweaks, VS Code has become my go-to environment for writing fiction.

Now, most of this advice is predicated on the fact that I use Markdown for all my writing. A plain-text code tool is really a good fit. I find the simplicity of Markdown a plus to getting in the zone, but that’s a topic for another post.

Why VS Code?

1. Customization: Extensions galore.
2. Cross-Platform: Works anywhere you do.
3. Version Control: Git integration tracks every revision.
4. Focus-Friendly UI: Zen mode for distraction-free writing.

Essential Extensions for Fiction Writing

1. GitDoc: Automatically commits, pushes, and pulls changes whenever you save. Ideal for keeping your drafts backed up in real-time. Imagine versioning a pivotal plot twist and seamlessly reverting bad ideas.
2. Markdown All in One: Master Markdown with keyboard shortcuts, auto-preview, and table of contents generation. Perfect for creating structured drafts, from chapters to world-building notes.
3. Markdown Paste: Paste copied content (like images) directly into Markdown documents with minimal effort. Great for visual storyboards or inspirational images.
4. markdownlint: Keep your prose neat and your Markdown syntax cleaner than a Victorian butler’s silver tray. Ensures your formatting is always export-ready.
5. Word Count: A simple status bar tool that counts words. Keep track of daily word count goals or your novel’s sprawling length.

Other Extensions Writers Swear By

• Spell Right: Multi-language spell-checker.
• Todo Tree: Organize plotlines or character arcs by tagging TODO comments in your text.
• Formatter Plugins: Adjust formatting rules to match manuscript standards. I have stuggled getting Prettier to play nicely with my .md files. ymmv.
• VS Code for Writers Extension Pack: A collection of VS Code extensions, including tools for spell checking, Markdown support, and more.
• Markdown Fiction Writer Extension: This extension offers features such as exporting, formatting, easy editing, dialogue syntax highlighting, file tagging, and document statistics.

VS Code Workspace Settings for Writers

Fine-tuning your workspace ensures a seamless writing experience:

• Zen Mode: Press Ctrl+K Z for a distraction-free writing space.
• Custom Keybindings: Map frequent commands (e.g., bold, italics) to shortcuts.
• Autosave: Enable autosave for peace of mind.
• Custom Themes: Opt for a soothing theme like “Quiet Light” or “Solarized Dark.”
• Folder Organization: Use folders for chapters, character sheets, and research notes. If you’re looking to streamline this process, check out Automating My Manuscript Folder Setup with a Simple Script.

Tips for Writers Using VS Code

1. Leverage Git: Use version control to track every draft and edit. Branches can act as “what-if” scenarios for alternate endings or rewrites.
2. Markdown Magic: Export Markdown to HTML, PDF, or DOCX formats for beta readers and publishers.
3. Split View: Work on two documents side-by-side. Compare your main draft with notes, timelines, or earlier revisions.
4. Extensions for Focus: Consider extensions like Code Time or Pomodoro Timer for focused writing sessions.

Resources

• Writing Novels and Non-Fiction with Visual Studio Code by Jay Penner is one great resouce that I found very valuable. Jay reports a 30-40% increase in writing speed and a 70-80% reduction in pre-production effort compared to previous methods, thanks to the features and flexibility of VS Code.
• Writing a Novel with Visual Studio Code by Michali K: This article discusses how VS Code can be an effective tool for novelists, highlighting features like Markdown support, organized folders, and version control.
• Write Better Prose in VSCode by Mark Holmes: This piece offers practical advice on enhancing prose writing in VS Code, covering aspects like color themes, font choices, and utilizing Zen Mode for a focused writing experience.
• Customizing Visual Studio Code for Writing by HackerNoon: An article that provides insights into configuring VS Code for writing purposes, including tips on themes, extensions, and settings to optimize the writing environment.