Even the greatest author or writer world has problems with productivity. After all, why do you think articles and books on author tips or breaking through writers block are so popular? Any tool that works is s good tool, and myWriteClub is a great one. This site allows you to write in their word processor using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minute sprints with 5 minute breaks) and race with other writers around the world. The fun competition will spur on your writing, and the short 25-minute chunks of time are a tiny commitment to make in your day. Use the site regularly and you can increase your productivity dramatically.
How to Join
There are no elaborate sign-up rituals and the site is absolutely free. Put in an email address and choose a password and user name. You've got the option of uploading a picture or icon to represent yourself; if you don't want to do that, you can use one of the stock icons the site provides. Once you've signed up you'll be taken to your home page on which you can set a word goal for the week, the month, or any length of time.
Making it Work
Click on the little running man icon at the top of the page, and you'll get to the heart of the site: the sprint pages. Join in the worldwide sprint to give yourself a little boost. Wait until the timer runs down on a break, then begin writing when everyone else does. You'll see your word count climb on the graph on the right, in a column with other writers and their word counts. Pick a writer and race to beat her, or just see how fast you can do on your own. Sprint to the finish line; it's only 25 minutes with no interruptions. You might be surprised at how many words you can write in that short of time. At the end of each sprint you'll see how many words you contributed to the total created in the room.
Racing the Home Team
A lot of the fun on this site comes from your ability to create your own custom sprints. Invite a group of writers to race with you and create your own separate room. You'll only see your group's word counts instead of those of all the writers in the world. Make a daily sprinting date with half a dozen other writers and you'll encourage each other into upping your word count each day. It's great for mastermind groups, writing forum members, and any other group of writers who want to commit to seriously working on their productivity. Keep the room open at all times for anyone who wants to drop in, or make an effort to all meet at the same time. Either way, you'll help each other to increase your daily word counts and finish those next books faster.
Keep the Faith and May the Force be with You