cross-posted from: https://piefed.zip/c/nanowrimo2@feddit.online/p/1886328/penpoint-writing-software-free-trial-for-novel-november
Penpoint is a new program for writers with a similar concept to Scrivener, combining categorized note-taking with writing your manuscript. Currently you can test it for free until December 1st. The main app is local on desktop, and in November a sync option with mobile companion apps will be added, which will also be free for this event.
Disclaimer: I’m not paid by them, but I am an active beta tester. I wanted to share it as someone who uses it, but if the post is seen as an unwanted ad, I understand if the mods delete it.
Hey, hope you don’t mind me giving some answers, even if it’s a bit late 😅
Lol I checked the website and saw what you meant. I think that was poor phrasing and not intended to be a dig, we’ve got several fanfic authors in the community including myself.
So one of the dev’s main ideas for penpoint was that your files should be stored locally first without users having to rely on someone else’s cloud. The cloud service was an addition that came later since, well, people want to work on multiple devices.
Since they’re saved locally, you’re also able to just sync the files themselves with another service. But it’s a database file that will be corrupted if it’s open on two devices at the same time, so that’s not a good idea. You could however sync the automated backup folder and remember to import the latest backup of a book whenever you switch devices, and wouldn’t have to pay for the sync service. This won’t work for the mobile apps though, since that’s a software with different requirements and can’t use local files.
In the end, I agree that you should use the software that works for what you want. Penpoint’s strengths imo are its features to help you keep your notes organized and readily available next to your writing. If free and easy cross-device syncing is important to you, there can be better choices.