I am easily distracted by things on my computer: email, blogging, IM etc. (More tips on how to concentrate on writing in my recent post.) Several people have recommended using a back-to-basics fullscreen word processor. Here are a few alternatives:
- Mac: WriteRoom
- Windows: Dark Room
- Java (should work on Windows, Mac and Linux): JDarkRoom
- Microsoft Word: Amit Agarwal has some tips to make Word run like WriteRoom
I’m going to try writing an article with one of these and I’ll report back on how effective it was.
Related posts:
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DarkRoom sounds a lot like the late, much-revered XyWrite, the only word processor developed for writers (journalists, originally) rather than for secretaries. I reluctantly abandoned XyWrite only after I upgraded to the XP OS; it was in almost every respect the perfect writing program. I’m eager to see whether DarkRoom approaches this nirvana!
Neat idea. For linux users, as an alternative to using the Java program, try the tty[1-6] screens. If you boot straight into X/Gnome/KDE/XFCE/etc, use Ctrl+Alt+F1 for tty1, or Ctrl+Alt+F2 for tty2, and so on until tty5 or 6 depending on your config. These terminals are text only, and once you log in using your usual username/pass, you can use vi or emacs or pico or any other console text editor of choice (mine’s vi) for distraction free writing! And all that without all that Java bloat!
I just started using DarkRoom this week, using it to transcribe an interview, and I’ve found that the totally distraction-free interface is ideal for that particular purpose. I’ve not used it for anything else so far–mos of the projects I’m involved with right now involve a good bit of formatting as well as text manipulation, so I need the rest of the tools that a full WP program offers.
Your experience with being easily distracted tallies with mine!
I’ve downloaded Dark Room today – and so far I think it’s helping with getting writing done without undue distraction from other things on my PC.
Thanks for the tip
Hi, just thought I’d mention for Matthew and anyone else after a full screen and uncluttered Windows based WriteRoom or DarkRoom style app that http://www.MightyFineWork.com do one.
It also splits the document into chapters for structure purposes, but other than that it does virtually nothing but let you edit.
It’s actually both a full-screen text editor and still a genuine Windows app!
Is this the Simon Wakeman who has a manuscript on Rumi? I want to talk to you about it. (I know Tony Blake)
Hi Mathew,
You have a very informative site. Thanks for the information on the distraction-free editing software. While checking these out, I also found Q10 (http://www.baara.com/q10/). I installed it and briefly tried it. It also looks very good.
I will be coming back for more of your writing tips.
Thanks,
Desika
Hi Matthew,
Sorry, I missed a ‘t’ in your name. I apologize.
-Desika
http://conscience.netsons.org
a new distraction-free writer in alpha stage of dev.
I love DarkRoom, keep it coming.
Recently I started this new project:
http://code.google.com/p/coderoom/
It isn’t as mature as DarkRoom, but it supports syntax highlighting, which I really missed for writing Latex. I’m still using DarkRoom (or PyRoom) for most of my writing though.
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