Michelle Thompson's List: Writing Software - Timers & Wordcounts

This is the direct link to download the free Cool Timer software. This sits on your desktop, can set alarms for certain timings, has a changeable interface (small or huge) and various alarm sounds.

WriteChain is an iPhone writer's app created by the author of the blog, How Not to Write. It features a wordcount function which adds up your wordcount on writing projects day by day, notifying you when you forget to write (or break the chain). Available through the ITunes application store, with instructions on this blog.

FocusWriter - Create a distraction-free environment for writing.\nIf writing is something that you do on a regular basis, it's incredibly useful to have an easy way to create a distraction-free setting. FocusWriter re-creates a word processor-like environment, blocking out absolutely everything on your screen except for the words you type on a simple grey background - all menus (date, timer, dock, etc) are tucked away until rollover. Despite its pristine appearance, FocusWriter does have the usual rich text editor features, such as spellcheck and word count. Plus a few bonuses like a daily writing goal (word count or writing time) and very gratifying typewriter sounds for each keystroke.

Writertopia has several simple progress meters showing word counts for writers. These can be displayed on blogs and websites.