Hugh Howey presents NEO, a lightweight novel-writing app he’s developed and refined over a decade and is now offering free with no data collection or server uploads. Everything users write is saved locally with a daily backup saved for two weeks and optional linking to iCloud or Dropbox; one‑click email copies are available. A landing page and short walkthrough video explain acquisition and installation. Howey emphasizes he isn’t profiting from distribution - his aim is simply to remove barriers so rough drafts get written and books that might not otherwise exist find readers.
NEO’s key mechanics are designed to eliminate formatting friction: a single ENTER-based system creates paragraphs, section breaks, and chapters, while exports go to Word (for tracked edits), PDF, or epub with table-of-contents and Amazon-ready formatting. Motivational and drafting tools include word-count progress bars, daily goals, a 30-day history, timed sprints, quick notes for interruptions, and a “Darlings” area to stash unused text. Community responses praise the simplicity, request mobile/iPad/Android support (a Linux build exists), and suggest features like a chat-to-document drafting mode, indicating active uptake and ongoing interest from writers.
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