Sometimes writers require a dark room too.  However, this room is on their computer.  More specifically, it is a software program that completely blacks out the computer screen.  When there are no buttons and features visible to distract you from what you’re writing, the creative energies are free to flow.

When it comes to writing, I am no different.  In an attempt to find a way to help me write better, longer, with the least amount of internet distractions, I decided to see what freeware I could find.  That is how I stumbled upon: JDarkRoom.

I guess there are some paid options that do the exact same thing and a freebie that requires a .NET passport, but it appears to me that JDarkRoom is more than enough for the task.  For those that don’t really like the green on black color scheme, they allow you to customize it.  Furthermore there is no toolbar filled with random buttons.  All you could need comes in a series of keyboard shortcuts instead.

While the lack of spell check could be a problem for some, I see it as a blessing.  Writing out the base article isn’t a time to care about your spelling and how your sentences are formatted.  You simply need to get your idea written out first.  The grammar, spelling, and general editing comes after you’ve finished writing the rough draft.

Think typewriter.  The screen is a blank page and you simply put words on it.  The only difference is that it’s your computer screen, not a piece of paper, and it will automatically save your work for you.

The more I use it, the more I love it.  If you spend a lot of time writing at your computer, I’m willing to bet this will become a must-have software for you too.