Writing While Distracted
Ten ways to claim back some time to work from your cute (or not so cute) distractions
If you subscribe to my author substack you’ll know that I got a new coworker last week who is very distracting. If you don’t, here she is!
In my newsletter I shared a pretty tongue-in-cheek list of all the ways she was stopping my writing. But there was a truth along with the humor, despite her small size, she is definitely a BIG distraction.
And let’s face it, our whole world is one big distraction these days from breaking news to social media.
So here are ten ways to deal with distractions when you’re writing. Even if the distraction isn’t as cute as mine.
Rest is still important even if you feel like you’re not doing enough writing. Whatever you can do right now, is enough.
Have a schedule - having specific times blocked to write, walk, workout etc. can help you prioritize the writing and focus when you need to get your work done.
But if a schedule doesn’t work, try a rhythm. I remember when my kids were little we had less of a schedule and more of a rhythm. Nap, eat, play and repeat. The times might have varied but certain things happened in a certain order every day. My days with a puppy are starting to look very similar and I think a rhythm might be my best bet right now rather than a strict schedule. I write when the puppy sleeps and I play when the puppy plays.
Take breaks when the writing isn’t clicking. Even if I had all the hours in the day to write, I still wouldn’t be able to write nonstop. And the same is true in this season of my life. I take a break to walk (with the puppy in a sling for now!) and I always sit down for a lunch break and watch a show or read a book. I don’t beat myself up for not working every opportunity in the day. Rest is still important even if you feel like you’re not doing enough writing. Whatever you can do right now, is enough.
Co-workers taking a walk together for a break from the writing Turn off other distractions like social media and phone notifications when you sit down for writing time if you can. I’ve been going through phases of deleting social media entirely from my phone and using a website blocker on my laptop.
Write in the gaps. This was something I became very good at when my kids were young and a skill I’m remembering now. Find the times in your day when you can write. What can I work on in twenty minute intervals? Can I write while watching my youngest at her ice skating lesson? How about when everyone is in bed? I used to write on my phone a lot in those small gaps. For example, it’s taken me three days and a lot of short chunks of time to get this post written!
Set goals that are realistic for this time. If, like me, you have to find time between caring for a new family member be it a puppy or a baby, adjust your goals accordingly. Maybe writing every day isn’t doable but writing three times a week is. Instead of having a word count maybe you have a goal to think about your story every day and write a sentence. Every little counts and eventually you’ll have a finished piece of work.
Have accountability partners who motivate you. Is there someone you can check in with once a day to share your goal? I take part in a writing sprint with friends (virtually) once a week and having that checkin really helps motivate me.
Ask for help from other people if possible be it a partner, kids, or a neighbor. For example, when my kids get home from school I can hand over the puppy to them to play and get some more writing done.
Leave the house (if you can) for a change of writing scenery away from distractions. Take your laptop or notebook to the library or a coffee shop.
Fancy drinks to fuel the writing Know that things change. This phase of life likely won’t be forever and your days will change again. You might need a new schedule (or rhythm) next month, new goals, and a new normal.
And finally, my favorite photo of May so far because she is adorable and we all need more adorable in our email and feeds.
Over to you, what is distracting you lately? And how do you deal with it?
At least your distraction makes for an adorable substack post!
Love your posts, Christine! I always come away with fun and useful tidbits. And puppy power is real ☺️