We all struggle with focus in our increasingly busy and “always on” lives, which can make it hard to write a paragraph–much less a book! With so many of us writing at our computers, the distractions increase: email, IM, blogs, FaceBook, Twitter… the list goes on and on. Sometimes, we need to remove the distractions so we can focus on our task. Here are some free tools to help you focus on your writing by eliminating distractions and in one case, punish you for not meeting your writing goals! Dark Room is a full screen, distraction free, writing environment. Unlike standard word processors that focus on features, Dark Room is just about you and your text. Requires Windows XP / 2000 / 2003 & .NET Framework 2.0 (free) jDarkRoom is a popular, simple full-screen text file editor with none of the usual bells and whistles that might distract you from the job in hand. If you are writing a speech, novel, essay, thesis or just need to be able to concentrate on your writing, then JDarkRoom may help you. Works on Windows/Mac/Linux, requires Java 1.4 or greater (free) Write or Die is a web application that encourages writing by punishing the tendency to avoid writing. Start typing in the box. As long as you keep typing, you’re fine, but once you stop typing, you have a grace period of a certain number of seconds and then there are consequences (from  a polite reminder to a ear splitting noise). Online – works with any modern web browser WriteMonkey is zenware for full screen distraction free creative writing. No whistles and bells, just empty screen, you and your words. WriteMonkey is light, fast, and perfectly handy for those who enjoy the simplicity of a typewriter but live in modern times. Requires Windows XP / 2000 / 2003 & .NET Framework 2.0 (free) If you have a favorite way to focus on writing, please share!