I don’t know how but I landed on this writing app called ‘The Most Dangerous Writing App‘. I think someone in my writer’s group on Facebook had suggested a writer’s website, and while browsing through that website I came across an article about this app.
Apparently, the app erases everything you’ve written if you pause even for 5 seconds. For me, this was scary and frightening; not to mention annoying. How dare they erase whatever I write, I thought. I decided to try it out.
Below is the screenshot of the results after a frenzied 5 minutes.
At the end of the 5 minutes, my relief and elation were unparalleled. 😀
My skepticism has now turned to belief. It works! To be honest, I did have one eye on the timer and it was the fear that everything would wipe out if I stopped that kept me going.
So much so, that even when 5 minutes were up, I was in full flow and just didn’t want to stop.  I think I could have probably  managed to churn out a few more words if not lines. Then the urge to write a proper, streamlined post came over me. The editing instincts I had kept in check until then kicked in and I ended up saving it as a draft for later. That’s when I realised that I just had to share this with you all.
I think it would be perfect in curing writer’s block. What do you say?
Do try it out. And tell me how it worked for you. 🙂
I don’t like the idea too much. Maybe it works to get one into the habit of writing or write a stream-of-consciousness kind of post though.
I however like to take my time. Read things over. Edit. Re-edit. Because that’s half the fun 🙂
Not to mention the cookie ( I don’t do coffee, so sugar is my drug of choice) breaks. 😀
I know what you mean. But the editing part comes later. You can save what you’re written like I did. This was of course random and free flow, but will probably work even with a specific theme.
Hmm…really not sure if unstructured and unthoughtful writing could be of much help…but I guess worth a try 🙂
True. It may or may not work. But at least you’ll know … 😀
I guess this will help people who are afraid to start writing, not so much for Writer’s block. Either way, it is good for practice.
Sometimes random thoughts may trigger off brilliant ideas. I had fun trying it out 😀 It was like a race, the tension was enjoyable. 🙂
As someone who’s just dabbling with the idea of a daily discipline of continuous writing I can see its a useful “prod” in the right direction. But for me that’s all it is – a cattle-prod that will punish me for not writing swiftly enough. As a writer I can punish myself quite enough without having an app to do it for me:)
PS love your invitation to comment – refreshingly different.
Thank you! 🙂 I know what you mean. The same technique can be used offline (without the app) and then whatever you’ve written stays safe. 🙂
I tried it out with the five minute timer. I can see where it might help someone learn how to quiet their inner critic. The five seconds pause and it’s all gone I didn’t care for as things happen. An alternative would be to use a timer set for 5 minutes and a blank page. Then if something happens at least it’s all saved.
Exactly my point! 🙂 Thank you for visiting and commenting.
I just might have to try this app. I do have a tendensy to correct mistakes and edit as I go, bt there is no reason why I shouldnt do that later. Of course I know I will be angry if/when my text gets wiped out… ;-p