The Calligra Productivity Suite developers had announced plans to develop a new writing tool for authors and novelist called Calligra Author. They have finally announced plans and progress so that we get an idea of how this software will be actually like.

As according to this blog post, the initial code is already entering GIT and so competent users will be able to compile and test it. A bugzilla page has been created to take note of bugs and a mailing list and forum has been created for discussions. You can also drop your feature requests in this thread.

Some of the features that has already been decided to be included are:

• Export to EPUB2 format, the most popular ebook format
• Export to MOBI format for mobile phones
• Word count to be visible in the status bar
• Distraction free writing necessary for authors
• Notes/Annotations

Some of the features that can be partly provided are export to EPUB3 and export to Wiki. Also talks are on to create a database like system to keep a track of people, places, plots and timeline necessary in writing long novels.

Calligra Author can release with Calligra Suite 2.6 this December.