Writers are the category that is extremely exposed to all kinds of distractions: when creative work becomes routine, the search for inspiration easily turns into a time-wasting activity. So how can you reclaim your focus while having to write a lot? These distraction-blocking tools for writers help many people stay creative and productive.
1. OmmWriter Dana
This program is a distraction-free text processor that creates a meditative work environment where you can concentrate and enjoy single-tasking. OmmWriter is not intended to replace any of the existing text processors, so it doesn’t have many text formatting features — just to keep all possible distractions to the minimum.
The tool offers various visual and audio effects that create the atmosphere for focusing on the work. Seven themes in different colors are available, and you can try them out right at the website. Audio tracks immerse you into an environment where you can hear your inner voice and stay creative throughout the working day.
2. Cold Turkey Writer
When you ask yourself how to avoid distractions at the workplace, the most appropriate answer would be go cold turkey on them. That’s exactly what the app offers. Its Writer edition basically turns your computer into a typewriter, blocking everything but your text editor until you finish the work.
Set up goals to achieve — in time spent on writing or in number of words. The progress bar shows you how many words or how much time has left to reach your goal.
The Pro version offers additional productivity-boosting features: soundtracks and themes help you concentrate on your writing. Other Pro settings include such productivity tricks as disabling the delete button, which turns out to be helpful when preparing drafts.
3. Write or Die
This service turns writing into a multi-user virtual game, with achievements, intensity levels, and leaderboards. The online leaderboard is shown on the developer’s website, but those who don’t want to be shown there can just leave the nickname blank.
If your toughest struggle is the struggle against your laziness and procrastinating habits, you’d probably appreciate the customizable stimulus feature of Write or Die. Write more to avoid annoying sounds, or don’t stop typing in fear of a spider, or whatever scary or disgusting thing of your choice. Rewards are provided too, like seeing a cute puppy after reaching the set goal, or keeping the nice and comfortable environment while you keep typing.
4. Written? Kitten!
This is a simple and funny motivating tool. The service shows you a cute kitten, a puppy or a bunny when you reach specified number of words. The image is randomly selected from Flickr pictures tagged with the search term you have chosen. The project is open-source, and the authors welcome any improvements and suggestions from the users.
5. WriteRoom for MacOS / Darkroom for Windows
One of the simplest tools for writers to get all distractions out of the way. The app creates a full-screen environment to help you write better and finish your work faster. The default theme wouldn’t fit all, but you can choose from many other themes and download them on the website.
This app won’t help you with page formatting: its purpose is “simply get words on the page”. However, those who write a lot would appreciate a full-screen text processor without any distractions that helps focus on the work.
6. FocusWriter
A special tool for writers that helps maintain your focus and eliminate online and offline distractions. It creates a simple writing interface with customizable visual themes instead of the usual clutter of many windows and browser tabs. Typewriter sound effects are an optional addition to your customized work environment.
The app allows you to set goals and track your daily achievements. Timers, alarms and live statistics are part of the app’s functionality designed to track your results during the current session.
Didn’t find the tool that motivates you to write from day to day? Submit it at productivity@actitime.com.
