UPDATE: I discovered this a few days into using the app and I probably should’ve done more research but you can only write 10 projects a month. And it turns out there are other limits I don’t care to look into. The long and short of it is that it costs $99.99/yr and that’s way too much. I also realized I should just be using the Scrivener app on my phone. The word count is right on top, front and center.
The ONE-TIME cost is $23.99 and more than worth it. Also, iPod Touch? Seriously? Who’s still using that?
So, unless you want to pay $100/yr don’t read any further.
Do you set out to crush a goal, feel over confident as you sit down at your computer or desk with your notebook, and then WHAM! (no, not them) your confident deflates like a inflated balloon without a knot.
Now I’m distracted. Their staring at me waiting for the words! AAHHH! Okay, try not to get distracted by their piercing eyes looking deep in your soul and FOCUS on my words…
I am an app addict. Well, not like those people who have hundreds of apps on their phone they never use and it’s years later and they wonder how they no longer have enough space on their phone to get the latest update. Nope, I’m not that crazy. In fact, once a month I go through my phone apps and delete any I haven’t used. But, as often as I delete apps, is as often as I will add something I think is worth trying out.
And since I started on this kick to write 100-Word Stories, I felt I needed an app on my phone where I can store these stories. Sure, I could use my iPhone’s Notes app or even just use Google docs on my phone. But both of those don’t have something I desperately need if I’m going to really commit to this task: word count. Yes, Google doc has it, but I have to stop writing and click into several menus to see it. It’s not “right there” like I would prefer it. Then I found it! An app I had previously downloaded and for some reason deleted long time ago. But, it’s back and so far it’s great. There are a few UI issues I could do without, but it has exactly what I want.
Werdsmith is meant to be “the cure for writer’s block” with the various AI tools it includes. I’m not here for that, though the “prompt” feature can be helpful to get me started if I’m ever stuck. The real excellent part is the word count and stats feature:
The Stats include things I wouldn’t even think I’d want to know, like how many words did I write, and delete along the way? How long I spent writing the story? And how long it would take the average person to read my story?
Another feature they have which I’m this 🤏🏾 tempted to check out is that I can publish my stories and have them viewable on a Werdsmith website. Right now it’s empty but it’s very clean and you can check out my EMPTY page HERE.
I should probably mention that this app appears to be only available for Apple iPhones. Sorry Android users. I haven’t been able to find anything that says if they intend to make one for you, but you never know…
If you’re looking for a handy app you can use, here are some other reasons why you might want to give it a try:
Free app to download and use right away.
Generates prompt of ~30 words to get you started.
Set-up “rituals” to ping you everyday at a certain time of day to write.
Backups of whatever you write are logged daily.
Archive of anything you delete.
There is a “paid” membership but it’s not necessary to enjoy anything I just mentioned. The paid feature is just for their “ghostwriter” aspect which I would never consider using and is pretty pricey to have access to. Just enjoy all the free parts (cause it’s more than I ever need). Oh, and have you signed up for the 100-Word Stories Substack yet? You should do it and tell your friends! You’ll develop a skill you never thought you needed.