OpenNovel update: editable story beats and visible AI drafting
This update is not a pile of new buttons to learn. It focuses on three things: making the next step in chapter writing obvious, making past decisions easier to revise, and making sure AI work never looks like the app has stopped responding.
Normal mode now has two clear stages
The chapter workspace in Normal mode is now split into Plan the beats and Write the chapter. While planning, the canvas stays focused on deciding what happens in the chapter. Once you start writing, the editor takes the main space instead of competing with a large outline panel.
A compact chapter route remains above the manuscript. You can check the beats you just approved without leaving the writing stage. Viewing the details and returning to edit the outline are separate actions, so a quick reference does not interrupt your flow.
Chosen beats are now genuinely editable
Previously, choosing an option made the rest of that option set disappear, and changing the exact description of a beat was difficult. You can now reopen any confirmed beat, edit its title and description, and see the full set of options that led to the decision. The current choice is clearly marked.
If another direction becomes a better fit, you can switch choices. Later beats are preserved instead of being deleted automatically, and OpenNovel reminds you to check continuity. Older projects without saved option history still work: their beats remain editable, and you can generate a fresh comparison set for a specific step.
You can see the draft while AI is writing
During chapter generation, the preview now shows text as soon as it arrives. Before the first paragraph is ready, the interface says it is preparing the opening. Once text starts coming in, a small status message makes it clear that the content is still updating.
The preview follows new output by default. If you scroll up to reread an earlier paragraph, it stops pulling you back to the bottom. On mobile, the live preview opens automatically when chapter generation starts, so you never have to wonder whether the task is still running.
A quieter workspace, including on smaller screens
Outline references, notes, generation settings, and revision tools now live in a more restrained tool area. They take less height and demand less attention from the manuscript. Chapter navigation, preview controls, and tools have also been reorganized across desktop, tablet, and mobile layouts.
You can also create a public reading link for a single chapter. It is a simple way to share a readable draft with an editor, friend, or reader without exporting the entire project or exposing your workspace.
Accounts and subscriptions feel like part of the same product
Signed-in users now stay signed in when opening Pricing, and the Account page reliably shows available credits, subscription status, and usage history. Creem subscriptions and credit packs are connected: you can choose a plan from Pricing and review or manage it from your account.
We also cleaned up sign-in, email verification, and password recovery. These features do not write the novel for you, but they should make getting back to your work uneventful.
What comes next
Refresh your workspace to try the changes. The direction remains the same: AI lays out possibilities; the author keeps control of the choice, the revision, and the final text.
If anything still feels unclear—or if your writing process needs a different kind of support—email us at support@opennovel.dev. We read every message.