Many writers have long considered Scrivener the king of novel-writing apps, thanks to its robust organization features and flexibility. However, not every writer feels at home with Scrivener’s complex UI or pricing structure. As a result, more and more novelists are seeking alternatives, particularly those that come highly recommended on writing forums like Reddit.
TL;DR:
If Scrivener isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you’re not alone. Reddit’s novelist community frequently recommends four solid alternatives: Dabble for a user-friendly cloud-based experience, Campfire for worldbuilding-heavy projects, Obsidian for its powerful note-linking, and LivingWriter for its intuitive UI and compatibility with cloud services. These apps offer varying strengths that suit different writing styles and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the top Reddit-approved options to consider.
1. Dabble – The Accessible Cloud Companion
Dabble has earned a loyal following, particularly among users seeking a cloud-based, distraction-free environment. What stands out most on Reddit threads is Dabble’s intuitive interface, minimal learning curve, and auto-save functionality, making writing and plotting a quicker and more pleasant experience.
Redditors often point out that Dabble excels at combining simplicity with essential features like plotting tools, character sheets, and scene organization. It’s a favorite among planners and pantsers alike due to its ease of use and visual organization model.
- Key Features:
- Cloud syncing with autosave
- Inline plot grid for story structuring
- Daily word tracking and goal setting
- Works on all platforms including mobile
- Pricing: Starts at $10/month with free 14-day trial
Despite its subscription-based model, many Reddit users argue that Dabble’s consistent performance and ease of access on multiple devices make it well worth the investment.
2. Campfire – Worldbuilding for the Detail-Oriented
Campfire is the go-to choice for novelists working heavily in genres like fantasy, sci-fi, or historical fiction—essentially, any genre where rich worldbuilding and complex character webs are paramount. Reddit’s writing communities appreciate how Campfire allows them to track timelines, societies, magic systems, and more, all from a clean and connected interface.
Campfire originally gained traction as a tool for dungeon masters and RPG players, but it has found a massive fanbase among novelists striving to build immersive universes and narratives in a visual way.
- Key Features:
- Modular system for building characters, maps, timelines, and more
- Collaboration tools for co-writing projects
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Cloud-based with offline options
- Pricing: Free-to-use base with individual module upgrades
Its visual-first approach makes it especially appealing to those who think spatially or visually. Redditors often highlight the modular pricing system as a plus—pay only for the specific features you use.
3. Obsidian – For the Digital Zettelkasten Enthusiast
If you’re the type of writer who thrives on interconnected notes or has a background in personal knowledge management, Obsidian might just be your holy grail. Reddit threads frequently show writers using Obsidian to plot, worldbuild, and write using its Markdown-driven, bi-directional note-linking system.
Rather than offering a traditional manuscript approach, Obsidian allows users to treat their writing like a web of ideas. This is particularly powerful for character relationship mapping, nested story arcs, and dynamic outlines.
- Key Features:
- Markdown editor with bi-directional note linking
- Custom plugins for word count, templates, and export options
- Graph view for visualizing story connections
- Local storage with optional syncing service
- Pricing: Free for personal use, optional Catalyst license for insider builds
While it has more of a learning curve and lacks publishing features out of the box, Redditors praise Obsidian for offering unparalleled flexibility and depth for those willing to invest the time.
4. LivingWriter – Streamlined and Modern
LivingWriter is often described on Reddit as “what Scrivener should have been in 2024.” It provides contemporary solutions without overwhelming the user, making it perfect for writers who want power tools wrapped in a clean, modern interface.
This cloud-based solution has templates built with popular story structures (like the Hero’s Journey or Three Act Structure) and lets users rearrange elements with drag-and-drop simplicity. The word processor itself is minimal and user-friendly with a real-time word count and outline sidebar.
- Key Features:
- Story templates like Hero’s Journey and Snowflake Method
- Collaboration and cloud access on all devices
- Easily export to Word and publishing formats
- Simple and effective outline and chapter management
- Pricing: $9.99/month, with 14-day free trial
Redditors frequently mention that LivingWriter hits the sweet spot for writers transitioning from Word or Google Docs who want “just enough” structure without the complexity of learning Scrivener.
What Makes These Apps Reddit-Approved?
It’s important to understand what makes these tools surface time and time again in Reddit’s writing communities. Here are a few traits they all share:
- Community support: Each app is regularly mentioned in subreddits like r/novelwriting and r/writing, where users provide real-world feedback.
- Ease of use: Compared to Scrivener’s steeper learning curve, each of these alternatives offers more accessible functionality.
- Cloud-based storage: Modern writers often switch between devices, and these apps understand the need for real-time syncing.
- Active development: Users highlight that most of these tools receive regular updates and new features based on feedback.
FAQs
Q: Why are writers turning away from Scrivener?
A: Some writers find Scrivener’s interface outdated or too complex, especially when newer cloud-based options feel more intuitive and easier to use across multiple devices.
Q: Can these Scrivener alternatives export to publishable formats?
A: Yes, most of these tools offer exporting options such as .docx, .pdf, and even publishing-ready formats for platforms like Kindle or IngramSpark.
Q: Are these tools suitable for long novels or series?
A: Definitely. Apps like Dabble and LivingWriter support series-level planning and organization, while Campfire and Obsidian are particularly strong for multi-layered, complex worlds.
Q: Which of these is best for fantasy authors?
A: Campfire takes the lead here due to its worldbuilding modules, timeline features, and ability to manage sprawling universes with ease.
Q: How does Obsidian compare with traditional writing apps?
A: Obsidian is best suited for those who want to link ideas non-linearly. It’s not a traditional manuscript editor but excels in early planning and complex narrative mapping.
Q: Are there free options among these?
A: Obsidian is free for personal use, and Campfire has a base free tier. Dabble and LivingWriter offer free trials but are ultimately subscription-based.
In conclusion, while Scrivener continues to serve as a heavyweight in the writing world, there are now plenty of alternatives that better meet the needs of modern novelists. Whether you’re pursuing fantasy epics or contemporary fiction, there’s an app out there to match your workflow and writing style.
