The Distraction Factor
When I sit down to write the next scene of a story I’m working on, I know where I’m going, but sometimes I’m not sure how to begin where I left off and my mind wanders. It’s not so much a case of writer’s block, but more of an easily distracted state of mind. Suddenly, I remember that cobweb in the family room or the dust bunny next to the washing machine. If I go into the other room, to take care of the problem, I remember there’s laundry in the dryer to be folded that somehow can’t wait. Or perhaps, as long as I’m in the family room, I might as well look for that cookbook I needed to make dinner.
Here are a couple of ways to manage distractions, before they take me away. I try to have a pen and paper handy to make a list of things I should do later, so I don’t have to worry that I will forget about them. Another strategy I use is to end one day’s writing in the middle of a sentence, so that on the next I have to finish the sentence, which helps me flow into continuing the story before those other pesky thoughts can distract me!
Another distraction I may have is the rude character that intrudes into my mind and begs to written about. There’s only one problem: she is from a completely different story! If that character’s voice won’t leave me alone, I use it as a writing prompt. I take five or ten minutes to explore her thoughts in writing. Now, as I go back to the manuscript I was working on, the new character has to be quiet--at least for awhile. Also, I have another story idea brewing to begin after the current project is finished. Creativity breeds creativity.
What character is begging to get out of your head today and down onto paper?
How do you deal with distractions to your writing?
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Goofus and Gallant?)
I keep a tv playing all the time. The same predictable noise drowns out all the other noises and helps drown out distractions. Don't know what I'd do in a quiet room.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Linda. I play the radio in the background
Deletemost of the time. Thanks for sharing.
I'm following you, Kathy, but don't enter me in the drawing. I don't do e-books.
ReplyDeleteI deal with distractions by getting distracted. A lot. No. It's really not working for me!
Thanks for following, Pegg.
DeleteWorking in a noisy cubicle taught me to ignore my environment and focus only on my own task. It's a skill that helps with my writing--and drives my husband crazy!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a noisy cubicle trained you in selective hearing!
DeleteBut it can help ignore distractions for sure. :)
Ohhh, I'm doing the things you mentiioned. Just threw another load in the dryer. Went and put the dog in her cage because it's storming and she won't leave me alone. Actually, I think it's a flood outside! Anyways....I have the voice in my head telling me about the household chores and reminding me that in one hour I start my "kid pick up" at four different schools. Hmm, music helps in the background or perfect silence--with no dog yelping at thunder! Well, I think I need to go take my damp hair out of the clip holding it, so I can use the hairdryer on it--so I can get ready to go out in the pouring rain. So glad I fed and water the chickens and collected the eggs before it started flooding. Hmmm I was going to write.
ReplyDeleteSometimes animals take precedence--and definitely kids. It's
Deletealways a balancing act. Thanks for stopping by today, Karen.
Great post and ebook giveaway. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Kim.
DeleteHi Kathy, I enjoyed your post. I'm easily distracted too, and I'll let just about anything keep me from starting a new writing project. It helps if I break it down into really tiny tasks, things that only take about 15 minutes each, like starting an outline or a character page or researching something. But many days, I'm not so good at that either and distractions rule :/
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Peggy. Sometimes I have to keep my goals small,
ReplyDeletebut they add up as I complete them. Nice to know we're not alone. :)