But, when I discovered the free version of the program, and then the newer version–which you pay for on a donation basis–I decided to try it out. Honestly, I thought the program sounded cheesy. When I heard about OmmWriter’s special features-document background colors, as well soundtracks and sound effects-I was a little suspicious. This full-screen program prevents users from using other programs-like an internet browser-at the same time they’re using Ommwriter. It’s a “minimalist,” full-screen word-processing program, one that lacks the clutter of the tool bars, rulers, and menus that most of us see in Microsoft Word. I heard about OmmWriter from a friend of mine who is a poet, scholar, and artist. And, as it turns out, I’ve found a new, strange one that I actually like. I’ve since learned that people use a variety of word processors. Because I’m not a computer geek (or, rather, I’m just ignorant when it comes to computers), I wasn’t really aware that anyone used anything other than Microsoft Word when they’re writing on the computer. Today, I enter the world of alternative word processing programs. In a previous post, I discussed the possible benefits of writing some, if not all, early drafts by hand. At the time, this seemed like an extreme approach, especially because there was only one computer in my life. When you’re writing, and you’ve come to a difficult moment in the draft, how easy is it to check your email or Facebook, to read that Twitter feed (“I can’t believe she said that to the public!”), or to click aimlessly from link to link? When I was a graduate student, I went to a writing talk where an author suggested un-installing the web browser on the computer that you use for writing. These might include your day job, other people who live in your house, and-the trickiest of all-internet. It’s just a little snag, but it’s quite noticeable in an UI that’s normally so good and so fluid that you take it for granted.If you’re like me, the greatest threat to your writing-besides lack of confidence, or lack of inspiration, and all that-is getting distracted by other things in your environment. That said, there is just one minor complaint I have about OmmWriter: if you leave the cursor alone for a while to think or grab a Coca Cola of Inspiration, it can take a few seconds for the app to catch up with you when you start typing again. I find it a much bigger treat to sit and type in front of OmmWriter than it is to load up Pages, Word, Writeroom, or Notational Velocity (although finished pieces always end up in NV at the end of the day). I’m not claiming that the minimal UI and extra sound effects make me a better writer, but they certainly help me to enjoy the entire process of writing more. There’s something very interesting about OmmWriter’s approach to creating a writing atmosphere. Some of the new backgrounds are dynamic, adding a new level of digital trippiness to an already (admittedly) alternative application. I’m quite happy with the purchase so far, and have found the extra features (extra keyboard sound effects, mood music, and backgrounds) well worth the price. I posted on the free version of OmmWriter Dāna a little while ago, but I was so taken with the software that I decided to pick up the paid version ( OmmWriter Dāna II) for an easy $5.00.
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