Can’t find the inspiration to write that 10-page paper due at the end of the semester? Having trouble getting the words out for any writing project? Or maybe you just can’t sit down and write for more than five minutes at a time without a deadline looming over your head?

Write or Die, developed by Dr. Wicked, is a new, effective and free web application that “encourages writing by punishing the tendency to avoid writing.” Once you start typing in the box, you’re allowed a brief grace period but if you don’t keep typing, there’s consequences – varying in severity from an annoying pop-up box to the application deleting your words one by one.

As you can see, you can set both a word count goal and the time limit in which you want to achieve that goal. I’ve written upwards of 500 words in 20 minutes using this application – I’d recommend Normal mode for someone who’s used to web browsing as they write as Kamikaze’s consequences can be quite alarming (and annoying) during the first use. 

The application does not offer spell or grammar check as it is aimed to seperate the writing and editing process as much as possible. Version 2.0 also offers the option to copy your text to the clipboard in case you navigate away from the page accidentally, a victory bell when you reach your goal, and a pause button – it only works once, so be judicious when you use it!

It’s a fun application and I highly recommend it to anyone writing on a deadline.