A screen capture of the Omm Writer interface
I recently happened across a peach of a writing program—just a simple text processor that brings back the peacefulness to writing. It’s called, Omm Writer. (Currently in Beta V2 and only available for Mac users, sorry to you PC folks out there.)
I knew I’d love this application when I went to the home page, and the first words read, “Your Mind, A Wild Monkey.”
Yup, pretty much right on the money.
It’s just a simple text processor, which can be used to capture your copy, write chapters of your book, or even to construct blog posts, and helps to tame the monkey mind because of its simplicity. You have the option to save your work either as an *.omm file for use within the application or the work can be saved as a *.txt file that can be imported into other applications like MS Word, etc.
Here’s the warm fuzzy about this treasure, the imagery is gorgeous (see my screen capture at the top of this post) and it also comes with several options for background music: chirping birds, a bubbling brook, chimes, etc. It gives me the feeling of using rich, creamy oil paints to craft my prose.
The introductory scene looks like what you see below, the text box and other option buttons disappear in a few moments fading to a scene like the top of the post, leaving the writer free to craft. Also, there are a few wallpaper options, but I love this snowy field view. It’s really a treat to be a writer with these types of tools at our fingertips.
Another screen capture showing initial view
To see a live demo, check out the omm writer website where you can view a video of the software as it is being used (very cool!).
Oh, and I can’t omit the fact that this is a FREE download. If you want to give it a try, it’s a very straightforward process and I highly recommend trying out this software. Also, for FCC compliance, I should tell you that I will not make any money for recommending this to you.
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Cool! I love it! It looks so peaceful and serene, I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Perfect Time =-.
I thought you might like this little gem, Jay.
And, how can anyone resist trying it out — with it being a free download? I’m glad I have it and use it often.
Have fun with it and let me know what you think, hero. I’m waiting patiently to read your masterpiece.
~xo
I’ve experimented with this program a little. I suspect it may find more use on the hands of fiction writers but I may be wrong. Have you considered using it full time?
.-= Spirituality Minded´s last blog ..Why I didn’t watch the Oscars =-.
Hi Kevin,
Since I think I do actually have a sort of monkey mind, I tend to switch applications a lot. I hop around from icky MS Word, to just a txt editor, to Scrivener, to Omm Writer, and sometimes a good ‘ole notebook is perfect.
I think it depends on what I’m working on and my mood. (I rarely write fiction, btw, but still quite enjoy Omm Writer.)
For big projects (i.e., the book I’m working on), Scrivener is probably the best — but I’ve used Omm to write sections and then paste the content into Scrivenener.
Thanks for stopping by — oh, and I did NOT watch the Oscars, either.
Hey Lori,
You are tempting me, here, aren’t you??? Hmmm…as soon as I switch to Mac…I am all set! And you could sell this product! (of course, at a cost of free, that’s not a whole lot of profit, is it?!?!?).
And that snow scene….you dream of snow, don’t you???? Now, if I could just figure out how to transport some to you!
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
I was thinking about my dear, dear PC friends when I was writing this — you don’t know how BAD I want to just shell out the dough, if I had it, and buy all my buddies Macs.
(Yeah, I’m one of those really annoying proselytizing Mac owners, I can’t help it, but I NEED good design and a pleasing workspace, it brings me joy. Omm Writer is just one tiny example.)
About the snow, I think you’re right about that! I really, really miss making snow angels, snowwomen, and cross-country skiing to work. Maybe I just need to transport me to YOU!
Enjoy your day, sunshiny Lance.
Hi Lori! The scene is gorgeous – that alone would have my own wild monkey drifting into the etherland. No Mac here – I’ll just bumble along.
hugs
suZen
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Too Much of a Good Thing =-.
Hi Suzen,
Sorry for posting about a non-PC thing, shoot, I didn’t realized how many of my friends out there were PC owners.
The scene is so beautiful, though, absolutely. I’m sure there are a multitude of screen savers and pleasantries out there, one doesn’t have to have Omm Writer to survive, ha.
Always great to see you, lovely.
Lori,
Waaahhh. I’m locked in PC hell. It looks like a wonderful place to write, but I have to wait until they do a PC version.
Thanks for sharing this with us, I can’t wait to give it a try!
George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Read An E-Book Week =-.
George,
Dooh! Please don’t tell me your a PC man — shoot! I was hoping you’d be able to use this program to further unleash your writer mind.
Well, like I told Suzen, I’m sure there are plenty of scenes and tools out there for PC that you don’t need Omm Writer. And, Omm Writer is still in Beta version, so I’m sure they’re working on a PC version.
Hope you’re having a great day!
P.S. To anyone reading the comments here, please check out George’s ebook, “The Writing Experience” — it’s an engaging read.
Hi Lori .. me too – PC .. for the moment.
However I am chuffed with one part of the demo .. they too use ellipses – so thank you to them for that plus mark!!
Being able to type without interruptions – I must get into the habit of that .. turn off emails .. but I do dot back and forth when I’m writing: though in time I may not do it as much, but I can’t really see that.
The snow picture is lovely and calm .. but I went to see a film society movie last night – American – “Frozen River” about the frozen St Lawrence .. and I came out and promptly said “I don’t know which is colder – the film, or our weather” .. and now you with your snow picture .. I need some daffodils, tulips, fresh green leaves, hazel catkins, hawthorn and blackthorn flowers .. just colour!!
Interesting to hear about the Omm .. lovely name – have a good weekend .. it is coming! Mother’s Day here .. different to you – yours is May .. bye .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Fussbudget .. a bore, or a boar … =-.
Hi Hilary,
Interruptions can be quite unsavory and distracting — not to mention (for me) a prime means for procrastination.
I know what you mean about wanting color. My desktop wallpaper is actually very colorful, so I think that with the contrast with the snowy scene really quiets my mind when I need to write.
Happy Mother’s Day to you over across the pond! I’m sending you huge hugs!
Bye for now.
Looks interesting…I’ll be waiting for the PC version of this. For now I’ll insert my CD with sounds of a Babbling Brook. I like the simple aspect to this which allows you to do the most important stuff: write. In any case, thanks for letting us know about this…very cool.
Hi Tim,
I had no idea so many bloggers out there were PC people, if I’d have known, maybe I’d not have posted this.
I hope they come out with a PC version soon, I really enjoy the program.
It really does support a wonderful writing environment, Tim. Thanks for stopping by either way — you’re the bomb.
Wow, what a good day for me to click over to you, Lori. My b-day gift to my husband was a new, shiny iMac. Well, it’s for both of us, actually. I’ve taken over the MacBook, so it’s really not fair to him. I love the idea of blissing out in omm-land and experimenting with how it might affect my writing. So thanks a bunch!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..At the End of the Day, A Poem About Happiness =-.
Hi Patty,
How fun! Have a great time with your new toy — and let me know if you decide to try out Omm Writer. What an awesome b-day gift for your hubby!
I hope your are having a great weekend — take care!
Hi Lori,
I like Lance can’t partake. Am I writing everyday…how about 5-6 days a week. I Have To Give Myself a couple of days off. That’s what works for me…
What I need to do is write in my journal more. I used to do that often as well and now catch it sliding more and more.
Happy Monday!
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last blog ..The Rewards of Honoring Commitments =-.
Hi Tess,
I usually take a day off (or two) every week, too. I think you have a great plan. You’ve always seemed quite balanced to me, and now I see why.
I don’t write in a journal, per se, much anymore. My daily writing is more just a hodge podge of navigating words, or random stories, or working on my book, or blog posts or what not. Sometimes I simply like to write about how something smells or looks or feels.
Happy Monday to you, too! Great to see you again.
Hi Lori
Sounds like Microsoft Word… but with a soul.
It obviously works for you “It gives me the feeling of using rich, creamy oil paints to craft my prose” – wow!
If it will help me to write like that when I’m writing speeches, I’ll give it a go..
.-= Keith Davis´s last blog ..A helping hand… =-.
Hi Keith,
Ha ha, good one. Yes, that’s it! MS Word with a soul. That’s a keeper.
If you try it out, let me know what you think. I’ve been using it about 1/3 of the time I’m writing so far. It gets me to that right brain when I need a boost.
Have a great St. Pat’s Day!
Thanks for joining the conversation and I welcome you here anytime.
Hi Lori
I will certainly keep in touch.
Thanks for taking the time to pay me a visit… and leave a lovely comment.
.-= Keith Davis´s last blog ..A helping hand… =-.
Dear Lori,
Sounds like very appealing software, especially where inspiration and imagination reside. I can just imagine having this software and all of a sudden having an urge to complete my ‘sit’ in Historical novel that has been dipped to one side for a year.
Glad to see its of use to you and that you are enjoying it.
I shall have to have a play with it someday soon.
Thank you
Your blog is truly delightful.
.-= Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Inner Guide =-.
Hello Ana,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving your truly delightful comment.
When you have time to try out OmmWriter, please let me know what you think. I’ve played around a bit with many writing environments — and I find it amazing that things such a my Mac wallpaper, music, or even a cup of hot tea can make such a difference for my writing time, quality, and enjoyment.
Go for it, Ana, I want to read what you’re writing!
Enjoy!
~xo