What writing software really needs to do
For a novel, the most useful features are straightforward: a chapter and subchapter tree, character and place sheets, chronology, backups, search and standard exports. Secondary features should never get in the way of the text.
Why manuscript and notes should be separated
Mixing character facts, plot reminders and final prose in one document quickly becomes inefficient. Dedicated sheets let you check an age, place, relationship or event without leaving the chapter you are writing.
Think about export from the beginning
A manuscript must be able to leave the tool. DOCX, RTF, ODT and PDF make it possible to continue with Word, LibreOffice, a proofreader, a publisher or a printer. Good writing software should not lock the author into a proprietary format.
The free callen-jf.com Writing Studio
The Studio brings these tools together in the browser: writing, chapters, sheets, timeline, co-writing, export and book preparation. The account is free and the manuscript remains private until the author chooses to share it.
Put these ideas into practice in one workspace
The callen-jf.com Writing Studio lets you move directly from advice to practice: write, structure the manuscript, prepare characters and chronology, then export and format the book. The account is free and the tool remains separate from the public pages of the site.