RAVE: WriteMonkey / WriteRoom
by boh3m3 on Sep.04, 2008, under Raves!
This is the first time I’m using a writing program that is fundamentally different from Word (or even notepad, for that matter). The program is called “WriteMonkey” and as far as I’m concerned it’s likely the last program I’ll ever use for basic writing.
The gist of the program is this: Zen writing space. I use that term not to imply it chimes Buddhist temple bells every so often, or that it aims to help you reach a level of enlightenment by celibacy and devout servitude. Although now that I think about it, one of those orange and red robes might go well with the vibrations I’m getting in my chakras… CHAKRA KAHN!
Through the most elegant means, WriteMonkey brings simplicity and focus to the writing experience without the hefty Macintosh Cult indoctrination price tag. As a matter of fact there isn’t a price tag at all, although donations are being accepted.
It seems funny to me that something so simple can cause a stir in how I feel about writing. Up to this point, I couldn’t identify what it was that repelled me from writing on my computer. Somehow the basic needs taken care of by this program have thrown it into sharp relief.
Needless complexity.
I look at MSWord and see a window chock full of buttons, options, menus and random doodads. Things that most of the time go unused in my writing process, yet still remain to nag me with their presence. Try as I might to ignore them, they still gnash their teeth in the twilight of my writing focus… little bastard animals in the night.
For the longest time I found myself inexplicably jotting down my thoughts in Notepad. I assume it was the same desire for simplicity that caught and held my attention at gunpoint.
Of course this program won’t replace Final Draft for my script work, but I think that it’s allure will bring about more daily writing from me. I figure at minimum I will be able to post more blogs through regular use, at maximum I’ll be able to make more satire articles like the roommate piece and an upcoming “Day in the Life of…” that I have been itching to get to work on.
Oh and it makes really nifty old-school typewriter noises while you type (w00t!)
So if you’re in the mood to dabble in some free software that just might change your view on the otherwise intimidating and sometimes nasty business of writing on a computer, the link will be posted below. Be forewarned: the website colors are horrendous, but luckily the program itself allows for user-defined colors and font choices.
Enjoy!
WriteMonkey (for Windows)
WriteRoom (Same concept, Mac only)
Question of the moment!
What is your morning ritual?
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September 4th, 2008 on 6:36 am
i get up and hit the deck for a hundred push ups. eggs and sausage, and then look at my day and see what business i need to attend to.
September 4th, 2008 on 10:59 am
Well, look who’s getting all proliferous! This WriteMonkey thing clearly works for you. I’ve heard of it before and I think it’s an amazing idea; some people just work better this way. I confess I’m always opening up notepad to get an idea rolling, and I do have a typewriter (£5 second-hand, and love of my life).
As for my morning ritual, the question doesn’t apply since these days I rarely get up before 12. Sailor V, as the French say…
September 4th, 2008 on 5:57 pm
Well, hey, look who’s quote is on the homepage… that’s cool but I can’t quite identify why.
September 4th, 2008 on 6:22 pm
Trying it out… HOLY CRAP IT GOES ‘DING’! IT DINGS, BEN!!
Sorry, spamming the crap outta your blog here, but I’d be grateful for inane chatter on mine so I selflessly assume that you’re like me. :p
September 5th, 2008 on 12:51 am
ok….soooo im a fuckin retard when it comes to anything computer related. how the fuck do i download that shit. it says unzip the files…what the fuck does that mean?
September 8th, 2008 on 2:00 pm
I went and got the monkey thing. It’s pretty cool. I have my set to brown paper with pink writing. I rule! Thanks for sharing.
September 9th, 2008 on 12:44 pm
@Merr : Ugh… well welcome to the fold, but what a color choice!
September 9th, 2008 on 1:30 pm
That WriteRoom (I be a Mac user) thing is really useful, especially for revising test material. : P Never known concentration like this. I also managed to get more plotting done for my strange space biopunk story in the last 30 minutes than I have in the last 7 days combined.
I think I’m going to start using this thing on a regular basis. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with us.
September 11th, 2008 on 7:52 am
I went for brown with purple, it’s actually pretty easy on the eye.
September 11th, 2008 on 6:00 pm
@Thiefree : Focus is a wonderful thing. I can’t seem to turn the program on without my muse breathing down my neck.
September 25th, 2008 on 3:46 pm
I’m adding on to an old post, only because i realized I never got around to thanking you for mentioning this little writing gizmo.
I’m sticking with the default nasty green and yellow…its clearly working as I’ve been writing more since I downloaded this little program than I have the year preceding it!
Thanks! most awesome simple writing gizmo ever!