Digital Quills: A Software Guide for Modern Writers

Find tools that inspire, organize, and protect your work.

This time I'm putting on my tech nerd hat and librarian cardigan to talk about the writing software landscape. I know that at least a couple of authors follow this newsletter, and probably just as many readers want to be writers one day.

The current political, economic, and technological landscapes obligate savvy writer to know their tools' IRL lore as much as their own novels'. This is a pain in the butt.

This is why I have put together this very quick primer on popular or promising writing tools I've come across. Let me know what you prefer using and why! We could all use a community to navigate these interesting times.

Microsoft Word

Strengths

• A longstanding, industry-standard word processor with a comprehensive set of features.

• Robust formatting and editing tools suitable for complex documents.

• Offers both desktop and cloud-based versions through Office 365.

Weaknesses

• Subscription-based model for the latest features and cloud access.

• Some users may find the interface cluttered due to the abundance of features.

Category

• Full-featured word processor.

URL

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word

AI and Data Usage

• AI Integration: Microsoft has integrated AI features like Editor and Copilot into Word.

• Data Usage: Microsoft has clarified that it does not use customer data from Microsoft 365 apps to train its AI models.

Ulysses

Strengths

• Offers a clean, distraction-free interface conducive to focused writing.

• Provides robust organizational features, including a library to manage all your texts.

• Seamless synchronization across Apple devices.

• Supports various export formats, including PDF, EPUB, and DOCX.

Weaknesses

• Exclusive to the Apple ecosystem; not available for Windows or Android users.

• Operates on a subscription model, which may not appeal to all users.

Category

• Long-form writing and organization tool.

URL

• https://ulysses.app/

AI and Data Usage

• AI Integration: Currently, Ulysses does not integrate AI features into its platform.

• Data Usage: There is no indication that user data is utilized for AI training or content monitoring.

Scrivener

Strengths

• Highly customizable with a plethora of features tailored for novelists and researchers.

• Facilitates detailed outlining, research storage, and scene management.

• Offers a distraction-free writing mode to enhance focus.

Weaknesses

• The extensive feature set may present a learning curve for new users.

• Requires separate licenses for different platforms (e.g., Windows, macOS, iOS).

Category

• Comprehensive writing and project management tool.

URL

• https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

AI and Data Usage

• AI Integration: Scrivener does not currently offer AI-driven tools within its software.

• Data Usage: User data is stored locally, minimizing concerns about data being used for AI training or monitoring.

Ellipsus

Strengths

• Emphasizes creative authenticity without the use of AI.

• Provides tools designed to enhance the writing process naturally.

• User-friendly interface tailored for writers.

Weaknesses

• May lack some advanced features found in more established software.

• Being a newer tool, it might still be developing certain functionalities.

Category

• Writing tool focused on creative authenticity.

URL

• https://ellipsus.com

AI and Data Usage

• AI Integration: Ellipsus has a clear stance against generative AI and does not incorporate AI into its tools.

• Data Usage: The company is committed to user privacy, ensuring that user data remains private and is not used without consent.

Google Docs

Strengths

• Free to use with a Google account.

• Facilitates real-time collaboration, making it easy to work with editors or co-authors.

• Accessible from any device with internet connectivity.

• Automatically saves work to the cloud, reducing the risk of data loss.

Weaknesses

• Limited offline functionality; requires internet access for full features.

• May experience performance issues with very large documents.

• Instances of content being flagged as inappropriate, leading to temporary loss of access. (Notable Example)

Category

• Cloud-based word processor.

URL

• https://docs.google.com/

AI and Data Usage

• AI Integration: Google has integrated AI features, such as grammar suggestions, into Docs.

• Data Usage: User data may be utilized to enhance AI functionalities; reviewing Google's privacy settings can provide more insight.

Campfire

Strengths

• Comprehensive Writing Platform: Campfire offers an all-in-one digital binder, allowing writers to write, plan, and share their stories seamlessly.

• Robust Organizational Tools: Features include customizable notes panels, the ability to reference notes as you write, interweaving plotlines and story arcs, creating detailed flowcharts, and making interactive maps.

• User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be intuitive, making it accessible for writers at all levels.

Weaknesses

• Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features, new users might experience a learning curve to fully utilize all functionalities.

• Limited Customization: Some users have noted a lack of options/preferences for the program, with the only customizable feature being window/project themes (example).

Category

• Comprehensive Writing and World-Building Tool

URL

• https://www.campfirewriting.com/

AI and Data Usage

• AI Integration: Currently, Campfire does not integrate AI features into its platform.

• Data Usage: Campfire collects specific user data to enhance the user experience, including log and usage data, device data, and location data. This information is primarily used to maintain the security and operation of their services and for internal analytics and reporting purposes.

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Housekeeping

For more information about this newsletter’s spice and star system, check out this newsletter’s About Me page.