Writing apps can be a lifesaver for authors.

Especially if you’re like me, and you sometimes need a little push to avoid all the distractions that can keep you from writing, some of these writing apps really help.

For the record, this is not a sponsored post. No one has paid me to write this, and the opinions here are my own, from personal experience using these apps.

This is one of the most hardcore writing apps. Write or Die means business. Think of it as your personal writing drill sergeant.

Not only does the app have a fullscreen mode to help you avoid distractions, but it comes fully-equipped with motivational sounds and background images to help you achieve a high word count goal.

The dashboard allows you to set a custom timer and word count goal.

“Stimulus mode” is my preferred writing mode in this app. You can set ambiance sounds, such as ocean waves, and a background image. The “stimulus” only stays up as long as you keep writing.

You can set a reward in “Reward Mode,” such as chimes that play every time you reach a word count milestone that you specify.

If you need a coach yelling over your shoulder to keep you writing, “consequence mode” might be more your style. This includes settings such as your screen changing color or Angry Cat appearing on the screen to glare at you if you stop writing. You can also set alarm bells and sirens to jog you out of your latest reverie.

For the truly hardcore (those of you who really want a writing drill sergeant), this app also offers “Kamikaze Mode.” Kamikaze Mode deletes everything you’ve written if you stop writing for longer than the (adjustable) grace period.