If you’re anything like me, you find it difficult to sit in front of your computer without checking out Facebook, posting to Twitter, or watching the latest Daily Show clip on YouTube. All that distraction can be a problem when you have a writing deadline. So how do you eliminate the noise and concentrate on the blank page in front of you?
- Turn off the Internet. Literally. Programs like Freedom let you disable the Internet for set periods of time, freeing your attention for your plot and characters. Other programs such as Anti-Social and Leechblock let you limit how much time you spend on social networks like Facebook.
- Change locations. Bring your laptop to a coffeehouse without wi-fi, or better yet, a park. Anyplace you can sit and focus without the constant distractions of 24-hour news and sports scores.
- Write without a computer. That’s right, go old school: pen and paper. Not only will putting words down in ink free you from the temptations of the Internet, but the different writing format may also liberate your muse. I’ve found that switching from typing, to handwriting, and even to voice dictation results in freeing my writer’s voice in surprising ways.
- Use a writing program with a full-screen mode. Programs like Scrivener, WriteSpace, Dark Room, and WriteRoom allow you to make the blank page your entire screen, blocking out menus, palettes, and all distractions. While facing the empty page can be intimidating, the lack of diversions can be freeing.
So what do you use to get rid of distractions? Or does switching back and forth from your work-in-progress to Google+ to HBOGO add power to your writing? Leave a comment and let me know.
Good advice. I’m surprised (and a little shocked) at how many writers say they can’t write with pen and paper and can only write on the computer. No, no, no. You have to be able to write anywhere.
Good ideas, all of them, now if I can only use your ideas instead of constantly checking my phone for messages, that would be a plus
Hi Ann! I agree – writing anywhere is important for a writer. I try to keep a notebook with me all the time. And when I forget, there’s always the notepad on my iPhone! But seriously, the paper version is a lot easier to write on. And that way I have a place to jot down story ideas before I forget them.
Hi Jeanne. I’m with you on the compulsive phone-checking! Sometimes I wonder if smartphones are a blessing or a curse. I’d love a version of Freedom for my phone that turns it into a “dumbphone” – at least when I want to control that compulsion!
HI Janet. You are s-o-o right about distractions. Checking and replying to email takes me over an hour each morning, and more time each night. Then in the AM, after emails I check stats on my books that are Amazon, BN, etc… and then I have breakfast… and then I have the day job (considered “real work” by some of my family).
And THEN I can write a few words in the time left to me before I exercise and make dinner for the family.
Sheesh. I’m only on Facebook as of this week! When is there time for working on that, besides Linbkedin, Bebo, all the writing loops associated with my publishers, etc?
I hear ya! So when I’m writing, it has to be in my little office at home, with the door shut. No music. No backgroud sound. Just me and my Muse, sharing quality time.
Cheers!
Linda
www. lindathomas-sundrtom. com
Hey, Janet!
You’re so right about e-mail…. I don’t do much game-playing once I’m in the flow of writing, but I’m always itching to see “what’s going on out there.” And good idea about going old school!
Hi Linda! I’m with you on the “no music” thing. I know some folks find it a boon to their writing, but for me, it’s another distraction. Especially music with lyrics.
I love Facebook but boy, is it a huge timesink! So many fun videos, links to follow, blog posts to read…oy. It’s a wonder anyone gets any work done these days.
I turn off my computer’s Internet and I often write old school but–
I use my iPad to look up spelling, grammar, research quickies. Just a peek or two. Of course the Facebook app is just a finger touch away and, well, then the CNN app is right next to it, and the Weatherbug, and the YouTube, and oh… Uhhmmm…
-Kara
Hey Christine! Thanks for stopping by. I find email the most compelling distraction too – because most of it is friends and family (I have a good spam filter.)
BTW just started Bloodlands on my Kindle and loving it!
Hi Kara! Great point on the temptation to use all those other web-enabled devices even after cutting off the computer’s internet. I love my iPad and the pull to look something up on it after I’ve used Freedom to turn off my Mac’s internet is really hard to resist. Especially the researching…I am a total research junkie and have to work hard to resist the temptation to fact-check when writing a first draft.
Have you tried iA Writer on the iPad? Nice simple writing app.
So far, my problem has been getting swept up in the writing for hours and forgetting everything else! Not really a problem, unless you need to walk the dogs or get ready for work. I think writing with paper and pen is important. There is something about being more connected with the writing physically that helps me connect more with the heart. Maybe all those years of poetry journals burned a synapse… : )
Hi Cris! Great point about getting lost in the flow of writing. I love it myself. The only problem I have found is my sore back and neck from hours bent over the computer! But I love the creative results.
Great post Janet!!!
When I’m heavy into writing I usually write in 30 minute sprints. Write as fast as I can, focused on only the book, then I treat myself with a quick check of email, twitter and facebook, then I jump back in for the next 30 minutes…
I’m so addicted to email if I cut myself off for longer periods of time I end up losing my writing train of thought because I can’t stop wondergin what might be in my email… I’m such an addict! LOL
Anyway half hour spurts seem to be a good compromise for me…
Lisa
PS – I take notes on paper, but I can’t actually write my book on paper. My brain goes much faster than I can write by hand so it gets frustrating as I accidentally leave out every 4th word! LOL
Janet,
Love these tips! I definitely get less creative work done when I’m constantly flipping to twitter or the internet during writing time.
One strategy I use is listening to a 60 minute white-noise audio track like “Rain and Thunder” on headphones. (Even if I’m alone in the house I use headphones to drown out all background noise.) When I hit “play”, I make a promise to myself to write until it’s over without stopping for any distraction…even a coffee refill. I’m so very productive this way.
Melissa
Hi Lisa! Love the 30 minute sprint idea – going to have to try that one.
Hey Melissa – the white noise idea is so creative. I’m going to have to try that one. I love nature sounds. I have a few CDs I can listen to. Thanks so much for posting!
LOL_ sorry I’m a few days late- just catching up on emails and blogs! LOL! This is a great post, I love that there are programs to limit social media time
. I’m trying the time limit with full restriction if not adhered to method- we’ll see how it works!
Hi Janet, I haven’t tried iA Writer yet. Just Pages. Thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out!
-Kara
We all have distractions and a million things pulling at us and away from our writing. I really love the way you simplified how to deal with those distractions, Janet. Very logical, very difficult to do, but very necessary. Onward!