Start with a book you can keep working on
Keep chapters, character notes, and revision plans together so you can find earlier details as the manuscript grows. This guide uses an imaginary harbor mystery to walk through planning, drafting, and revision.
FlowWrite is available for macOS through the Mac App Store. The free edition allows one book, five chapters, and 1,000 non-whitespace characters per chapter. Reference tools, history, and import and export require Professional or Intelligent. Compare editions.
1. Write a chapter, then arrange the structure
Create a book, add a title and synopsis, and write the scene where the protagonist returns to the harbor. Check the save status before organizing the rest of the manuscript.
If you already have a draft, use Import/Export to import TXT or Word files. Check chapter divisions, order, and media. Keep the original file until you have reviewed the result.
As the story grows, group chapters into volumes such as Arrival, Investigation, and Revelation. Chapter order follows the reader’s journey; the timeline can record when events actually happen.
First-time setup · Import an existing manuscript
2. Separate plot direction from story details
Use the outline for turning points, character cards for motives and backgrounds, places for scene references, the timeline for events, and notes for open questions.
For example, when the protagonist discovers a letter is a plot decision; when that letter was sent is a story fact. Recording both helps you check consistency during revision.
Organize characters and events
3. Make a daily writing routine
Choose Typewriter mode, a theme, and fonts that feel comfortable. Typewriter mode keeps the current input line in a steady position; Zen mode hides distractions around the draft.
Set a daily goal under Settings → App settings → Writing, and use the calendar to review time and word counts. The calendar distinguishes human and AI writing. Book word counts include chapter prose.
Set up the editor · Review writing progress
4. Keep a checkpoint before major revisions
Create a book snapshot before a major rewrite. Search across the book for names, objects, and clues, and check the scope before replacing text. Use document history to revisit an earlier version of a particular document.
History and snapshots live in the library. Back up the complete library to another drive or Time Machine to keep an independent copy.
5. Export for the next step
Export Word for further editing or EPUB to review the reading experience. Open the exported file and check the contents, paragraphs, and images before sharing or submitting it.