We've been exploring a variety of indie author tools that facilitate collaboration, creativity, and focus. Of all of those tools, WriteMonkey is possibly one of the best for writers who simply need to focus on writing without any distractions.
WriteMonkey is "a Windows zenware* writing application with an extremely stripped down user interface, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your words. It is light, fast and free. With an array of innovative tools under the hood and full Markdown* support, it helps you write better."
While the software is advertised as having no bells and whistles - just a free software (donations via PayPal are always appreciated) that gives indie authors a distraction-free interface for writing well, it actually has fairly robust features, including:
- A search function
- A preview
- Thesaurus
- A timer
- A scratchpad
- A highlighter
- A corkboard
- The ability to create hidden/passworded notes and files