LivingWriter
PaidSmart writing app for fiction and non-fiction with story elements tracking, character bibles, world-building tools, and an AI assistant for plot development.
What does this tool do?
LivingWriter is a specialized writing application designed for authors working on novels and screenplays. It functions as an alternative to general-purpose word processors by combining manuscript organization with story-specific structural tools. The core value proposition centers on drag-and-drop manuscript management, character/location tracking via auto-suggest functionality, and integration of established story frameworks (Three Act Structure, Hero's Journey, Dan Harmon's Story Circle). The AI features are positioned as optional creative assistants for breaking through blocks rather than replacing human creativity. Notable technical features include self-contained chapter architecture for fast loading of large documents, cross-platform cloud syncing, and granular sharing controls for collaboration with editors or co-authors. The tool handles import/export workflows for authors transitioning from other platforms like Scrivener.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop chapter and subchapter reorganization with persistent hierarchy
- Multi-board system: Plot Board, Outline Board, Research Board, Elements Board for different manuscript aspects
- Auto-suggest feature that surfaces character, location, and object details during manuscript composition
- Pre-built story structure templates including Three Act Structure, 27-beat chapter plotting, Hero's Journey, Dan Harmon's Story Circle
- Multi-level goal tracking: chapter-level word counts, manuscript-level deadlines, per-session tracking with auto-capture
- Cloud-based syncing across iOS, Android, and desktop with offline capability implied
- Stash feature for temporarily removing text from manuscript without deletion
- Granular sharing controls enabling selective sharing of chapters, notes, or entire manuscripts with view/edit permissions
- Direct export to Amazon KDP format alongside PDF, DOCX, Google Drive, and Dropbox
- Light/dark mode and custom theme support
Use Cases
- 1Fiction authors plotting multi-chapter novels while maintaining detailed character bibles and location databases
- 2Screenwriters organizing plot points and story beats across acts using visual boards and established screenplay structures
- 3NaNoWiMo participants tracking daily/chapter word count goals and maintaining momentum toward manuscript completion
- 4Authors mid-project migrating from Scrivener or other writing software while preserving existing manuscript content
- 5Co-authors and editors collaborating on the same manuscript with granular sharing permissions for chapters and notes
- 6Writers managing research-heavy projects by organizing research materials, images, and documents in dedicated boards
- 7Authors creating complex storylines with multiple timelines using freeform Elements Board for family trees and chronologies
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Genuine time-saving organizational features like drag-and-drop chapter reordering and on-screen sidebar reduce friction compared to managing separate documents
- Auto-suggest functionality for characters and locations during writing is genuinely novel—it bridges the gap between worldbuilding notes and active manuscript without manual context-switching
- Integrated plotting frameworks (Hero's Journey, Three Act Structure, 27-beat plotting) provide structural scaffolding immediately accessible within the writing interface, avoiding tab-switching
- Fast manuscript loading even for 100k+ word projects due to self-contained chapter architecture addresses a genuine pain point for writers using traditional word processors
- Seamless export to multiple formats (PDF, DOCX, Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon KDP) and import from Scrivener reduces switching costs for migrating authors
Limitations
- Pricing structure is not disclosed on the public website—only vague 'no credit card required' messaging appears, making cost-benefit assessment impossible for prospective users
- AI features are described as 'optional' but their actual capabilities and limitations remain unspecified; claims about creative block assistance are unsubstantiated
- No information about collaborative conflict resolution, real-time co-editing, or how simultaneous edits are handled—critical for multi-author workflows
- Limited integration ecosystem mentioned; primary focus on importing from Scrivener specifically rather than broader document format support
- Marketing copy emphasizes what the tool is 'not' (a word processor) without clearly defining what writers lose if migrating from Microsoft Word or Google Docs for non-fiction work
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available. The website mentions 'No Credit Card Required' multiple times and indicates AI features are '100% Optional' but provides no pricing tiers, free trial limits, or subscription costs.
Who is this for?
Fiction authors writing novels and screenplays who actively use story-specific organizational tools; authors transitioning from Scrivener seeking modern cloud collaboration; writing groups and editors collaborating on manuscripts; NaNoWiMo participants; authors managing complex multi-timeline or worldbuilding-heavy narratives. Less suited for academic writers, non-fiction authors without rigid structural needs, or teams requiring document-level granular permissions.