What to Expect… •  The coolest writing apps to make you take action. •  How to stay focused, motivated and keep your writing

groove. •  Tips and tricks to eliminate those pesky distractions. •  How to best use your writing “space.” •  When to edit and when NOT to edit. •  And more!

Get In Your Writing Groove

The Best Online Writing Productivity Tools… •  CalmlyWriter.com (Free)

–  White background in a tab (Chrome) –  No distractions –  Right in browser –  Select text to format –  Cloud saving via Google Drive

Get In Your Writing Groove

The Best Online Writing Productivity Tools… •  Ilys.com (Free trial, then membership)

–  Set word count –  Can’t see words as you type (ninja mode!) –  Forces you to NOT edit as you write

Get In Your Writing Groove

The Best Online Writing Productivity Tools… •  WriteBoxApps.com (Free)

–  Browser extension –  Mobile –  Seamless sync –  Links to Dropbox and Google Drive

Get In Your Writing Groove

The Best Online Writing Productivity Tools… •  KeepWriting.BoxJar.com (Free)

–  Chrome browser extension –  Typewriter –  Won’t let you delete –  Autosave –  Windows only

Get In Your Writing Groove

The Best Offline Writing Productivity Tools… •  FocusWriter.com (Free/donation optional)

–  Timers/alarms –  Autosave –  Daily goals –  Spell-check –  Zero distractions

Get In Your Writing Groove

The Best Offline Writing Productivity Tools… •  WriteOrDie.com (Free trial)

–  Ruthless –  Encourages discipline –  Keeps you from overthinking –  Increases overall flow –  Also available online

Stay In Your Writing Groove

The Best Anti-Distraction Tools… •  Anti-Social.cc (Free trial)

–  Removes social media distractions –  Hard to turn off –  Blocks ANY time-wasting website (customize) –  Timer

Stay In Your Writing Groove

The Best Anti-Distraction Tools… •  FreedomApp.us (Free trial)

–  Simple—only blocks internet –  Forces you offline –  Reboot to get back online (before time is up)

Stay In Your Writing Groove

Distraction-Eliminating Tricks… •  Turn off Spell Check. •  Close the door (DND sign). •  Schedule special “writing” time. •  Change your environment.

Stay In Your Writing Groove

Writing Apps… •  Writing.com (Fee)

–  Writing Prompts –  Character Prompts –  Party Prompts –  Art Prompts –  Dramatic Music

Stay In Your Writing Groove Writing Apps… •  Writer Lists (Fee)

–  Character traits –  Personality –  Settings –  Plots –  Genres –  And more…

Stay In Your Writing Groove Writing Apps… •  Hanx Writer (Free)

–  Typewriter (traits) –  Share PDF –  Save documents –  Just plain FUN…

Make “Space” to Write

Design Your Writing Space… 1.  Brainstorm your ideal space (possible or not). –  Colors –  Materials –  Equipment –  Utensils

–  Chair –  Collectibles/Toys –  Music –  Etc.

Make “Space” to Write

Design Your Writing Space… 2.  Look around… –  How can you apply your dream space to your real space? –  Move pillows/art/etc. from other rooms. –  Arrange a distraction-free zone with desk and chair. –  Make it comfortable.

Make “Space” to Write

Design Your Writing Space… 3.  Get up and MOVE! –  Set a timer. –  WRITE. –  Get up. Dance. Move. Sing. Re-arrange. Play. Stretch. –  Go for more!

Week 2: Writing Homework

Do this! Use Checklists and Worksheets… •  Play with one distraction-free writing tool. •  Install free trial of Anti-Social or Freedom. •  Print worksheets and checklists. •  Sit down. Set a timer. GO. •  KEEP writing!