Scrivener Is Outdated
There are some major setbacks that you will find in any Scrivener review. This is what sets LivingWriter apart. Scrivener is similar to LivingWriter in terms of features.
We both have drag and drop chapters and subchapters, templates, virtual corkboards, dark mode, and chapter notes. But there are some major differences between LivingWriter and Scrivener.
The first major difference between LivingWriter and Scrivener is the user experience.
LivingWriter Knows How Your Brain Works
Anyone who’s ever used Scrivener or read a Scrivener review knows that it’s a big to-do.
There are trainings that cost thousands of dollars just to teach you how to use the features of Scrivener. At the very least you need to watch YouTube videos and read their tutorial which reads like a manuscript.
Unlike Scrivener, LivingWriter has no learning curve. In fact, the difficult user experience of Scrivener is one of the reasons that LivingWriter was developed.
It seemed about time that there was a book writing app that lived up to the technology of 2020.
Scrivener is so complicated and has such an outdated interface because it was originally created over a decade ago.
Scrivener has stated that they do not plan to rebuild the program to create a more user-friendly experience.
Why LivingWriter Is Better
Intuitive Modern Interface
LivingWriter has many of the same features as Scrivener, however, improved with the writer in mind.
This image shows a view of your main screen while you type. A clean interface that can toggle between your notes or your goals.
Cloud-Based Editor
Another concern with Scrivener is that it isn’t web or cloud-based so you can’t access your work from just any device. You can only sync your files if you use a third-party storage service.
Unlike Scrivener, LivingWriter backs up your work for every keystroke, safely within the cloud from your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet!
Plotting Tools
With our revolutionary free-form and grid-like plotting tools. You can visualize your story in any way you want. See the Plot Boards In Action!
Collaboration
There’s also no co-author or editing capabilities with Scrivener,
whereas with LivingWriter you can collaborate in real-time with anyone. Scrivener does have some screenwriting capabilities that LivingWriter is lacking. But if you’re not writing a screenplay, then LivingWriter is the ideal choice for fiction and non-fiction writers.
Story Elements
Another one of LivingWriter’s amazing features is the ability to customize your story elements like your characters, locations, and topics. Add notes and descriptions and even upload a photo. Even more unique is our smart text capabilities that recognize your story elements as you type!
Writing Goals
Writing goals help you move forward with the vision you have for your stories. There’s no writing software that shows you your goals as beautifully as LivingWriter! Enjoy the ability to set goals per chapter, per story, or per day. There’s even an option to select days off!
Smart Text Autosuggest
LivingWriter will automatically link your story elements as you type, giving you the option to click on the word which will bring up all your juicy details on the right sidebar.
In-Line Commenting
Chapter and story notes are amazing all on their own, however now you have the ability to add quick sticky notes to an individual line. Keeping you on track with your writing, and making it easier to edit your own work or
Book Cover Art
You can customize the look of your masterpiece by adding cover art to all your stories. Within the app, you can design the look of your book cover using the genius of Canva, helping you visualize your final published draft.
The bottom line is that LivingWriter will give you the easiest, most helpful, and most enjoyable writing experience of your life. With no learning curve required!
Writing Templates
LivingWriter also has the easiest to use templates for authors. Just pick any one of the time-tested templates for fiction or non-fiction like Story Circle, 27 Chapter Method, Memoir, Book Proposal, Seven Point Story, and Three Act Structure, and LivingWriter will walk you through how to use it. All you need to do is plug in your ideas and LivingWriter will guide you through the rest.