I hesitate to share this here, because it involved embedded Microsoft Office code, which might flip out users that are concerned about security. That said, this little program that I've written really helps me keep my pace up when writing during November, so...here goes.
I have written a tiny Macro for Word that prompts me when I first open my manuscript to enter a short-term word goal (default is 500 words more than where I currently stand, rounded to nearest even 500 words). The macro then checks my word count every minute, and if I've reached my goal, it congratulates me and asks for a new goal.
I like this program because I don't have to set a timer or constantly check my word count. I just write until the program alerts me that I've made it. Then I click OK, enter a new goal, and go again.
Click image for larger picture:
Here are links to the Word2007 version and the Word2003 version. I use Word2007, so I can't verify that the 2003 version works correctly or not, but it should. To use the file, just copy and paste your manuscript into the Word document, save it, close it, and then open it back up. That's it!
2007WordCounter
2003WordCounter
Download at your own risk. No warranty provided or implied, etc. etc. If it works for you, let me know!
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65,585 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 21 20
I have a similar device. I call it, the sun. when the sun comes up, I write until my arms cramp up, or I fall asleep. Anybody can feel free to use my system too.
Of course, Ted's seems much more humane somehow.
49,089 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 21 25
17,437 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 22 12
I downloaded the trial version of scrivener for november and it has a fantastic feature that is a running word and character count at the bar below the word processing window.
Of course the downside is the trial version runs out before November is over! So I have to start getting ahead before I lose the awesomeness!
ps - the other downside is that this program is only for mac os I guess :(
----------http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.html
49,089 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 05 01
47,177 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 08 10
I'm using Word 2004 for Mac and I've got a counter at the bottom of my document so I can keep track. I insert footnotes when I'm done writing for the day and keep track of my daily total in an Excel chart.
Simple and not as demanding as Dave's, but not as cool as Ted's. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle, but it's working for me.
17,437 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 08 13
Awesome! I never noticed that before. While I had word open I tried to instally your macro, but the file wouldn't unzip on my mac for some reason. ----------
47,120 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 08 49
I'm with Dave, although not as extreme. I look at the clock, write for an hour, count my words. If it's less than my daily word count goal, I write until I meet it.
The only time I ever get crazy with word count is when I'm at write-ins! And the laptop I use has Open Office, not Word.
; P
Still, very cool!