Online tool for writing fiction on the go?

January 23, 2018 6:44 AM

I'm looking for a new setup for writing fiction online - I've been using Zoho Docs, but it got rather bloated and slow with long files. Most of all I want something that will load quickly and let me write on various Windows 10 computers and Android devices with the ease of scribbling in a paper notebook. Other items on my wishlist:

- no visual clutter: a simple or hideable formatting interface, no bright colours, full screen mode would be ideal
- ability to edit and work on various stories/files, changing between them easily
- good handling for long files (80K words and up)
- auto sync/save every few seconds
- private and secure online content storage
- word count feature would be a plus, as would be easy file export and backup
- dedicated apps not necessary, but web access a must (on Android devices as well, no forcing their app)

Right now I'm using Evernote as a stopgap, but while it's great for story notes, the interface is too busy (and green) and I'd rather have a separate tool for the actual story writing. Google Docs is unfortunately out due to work firewall interfering with sync.

Writers of MeFi, could you help me out please?

posted by I claim sanctuary to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

Best answer: There are so many apps that do 9/10 of what you want, you may have to experiment. You might check Novlr for the Android browser issue (last I checked it did not support browser-based from iPad and didn't have an iOS app, otherwise I'd switch from Scrivener). You might also like Calmly.

I haven't tried Draft yet, though it looks pretty powerful.
posted by Lyn Never at 9:12 AM on January 23, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I'm not sure how it handles long files, but I use Microsoft OneNote and like how it handles using various files in tabs and folders. Has full screen mode and auto syncing. Worth a try as it comes with Win 10. There is also a desktop version that has more features than the normal app.
posted by roaring beast at 9:01 AM on January 24, 2018

Response by poster: From tests it looks like Draft may be what I'm after :) Thank you both!
posted by I claim sanctuary at 7:52 AM on January 28, 2018