Tech Matters
Head B: These tried and tested applications will get you procrastinating less and writing more.
Head C: Write or Die
Body: Program developer and sadist Dr Wicked has come
up with an application designed to bust your writer’s
block. Write or Die delivers pretty much what its name
suggests – a tough love approach that I would best
describe as slightly terrifying. Write or Die operates on
a punishment principle, allowing you to select your
level of penance, from low level annoying to full-blown
Kamikaze.
The app begins with visual warnings when you stop
writing, progressing to abrasive sounds and alarms. The
third and final stage of kamikaze mode will see your
words slowly deleting themselves off the page if you
don’t keep typing. It is motivational scare-tactics at their
most effective.
Head C: Focus Keeper
Body: One of many apps that employ the Pomodoro tech-
nique, Focus Keeper delivers exactly what it promises.
Yo u c o m m i t t o 2 5 m i n u t e s o f p rod u c t i v e w r i t i n g –
watching the countdown timer on your phone – and
then the chime tells you to take a five minute break.
Good in theory, right?
The free version of the app doesn’t allow you to
choose how many hours you’re committ ing to write
for or what sounds indicate it’s time to go pee – going
pro for $2.99 lets you choose your pace and gives you
access to “10 premium ticking sounds” and “13 beautiful
alarm sounds”.
Ignoring the fact that I never did see myself achieve TALK12/12 stages present in the free version – the Pomodoro
technique did make me more productive and got me
moving around in my five minute breaks.
Head C: Trello
Body: Whether you’re a Type A Personality or trying to orga-
nise a group production schedule, this clever app is
worth adding to your writ ing ut ility toolbox. Trello
lets you organise your thoughts by making lists in an
intuitive and creative way. Designed to be used individ-
ually or collaboratively, the app is perfect for working
in a group environment or managing your personal
Schedule.
For someone with multiple projects on the run at any
one time, Trello is a great way to keep all your deadlines
at your fingertips. For chronic to-do-ers and those with
organisational aspirations, Trello is a great anti-procras-
tination tool.
Head C: Coach Me
Body: If you need help staying accountable with forming a
new habit – whether it is to get fit, learn a language
or write more every day – this app can help. It lets you
join a group of people all starting a similar habit and
then track the days you did this task. You can also ask
questions of the other group members and see how
they are tracking as well. So far this is free, though there
is also a paid option where you get a coach who you can
message for help. Coaches also check in on you and
offer advice, tips and tricks.
I have only tested the free component of the app
and I have to say it is useful, as you know that there are
other people taking on the same challenge, and you can
set reminders for what you are trying to accomplish. It
worked for me. I have been reading more as a result of
using it, so this one’s a winner.
Head C: Relax Melodies
Body: If you’re looking for an app that’ll help you concen-
trate and finally finish your writing project, then Relax
Melodies isn’t it. With dozens of sounds that users can
customise to layer different tracks, the app promises to
help users relax and concentrate on the task at hand.
But Relax Melodies fails spectacularly to achieve this goal, predominantly because the sound asraen’t, well, relaxing.
Rather than soothing the soul, the rain sounds are incredibly loud and abrasive, while the orchestral sounds are more ominous than comforting.
There are several tracks specifically designed for focusing, but these are either too distracting or so quiet that you forget it’s even on. I wouldn’t even recommend this app for sleeping as most of the sounds are downright terrifying (who wants to listen to a vacuum cleaner or a monk chanting to fall asleep). 1/10 and wouldn’t recommend.