Distractions from Writing
All authors have things/events that distract them from writing.
I'm going to tell about some of mine.
Life. Yep, you all know what this is, things that happen that take you away from writing. The not so good ones are getting sick, going to doctor appointments, having to take care of the chores of life such as doing your taxes, housework, laundry and cooking. Because I like to eat good food, I really enjoy cooking--most of the time.
Family. Because family is more important than writing, I love seeing my family which as most of you know is very large. I usually don't babysit because I think I've gotten too old, especially to take care of the little ones. However, I do babysit in emergencies. Recently I had a great-granddaughter come here after school because mom had to work. She's a delight and I enjoyed having her around.
Telephone Calls. I usually don't get many and I don't make many because I don't really like to talk on the phone. Once in awhile I get one from someone who has a paying job for me to do. Even then, I'll get an email address and take care of the details through emails. Saves me time, and the person has in writing what I need from them.
Doing the Job. When I'm paid to do a job, I tend to that right away. My writing incomes is slow to come in and I have to pay for my traveling somehow.
Having fun with hubby. At least once a week, hubby and I love to head down the hill and eat lunch out and go to a movie. I've always loved movies and I'm so glad he likes to go too.
Doing promotion away from home. This could be a one day event like speaking at a nearby library or it could be going to a mystery or writing conference or convention. I know some authors write while they are at these events--not me, I love visiting with authors and readers. While I'm away from home, I'll be busy socializing.
Ah ha, a biggiie is writing blogs like this one. (And of course there's Facebook and email.)
I'm sure you can think of more. What's one of your distractions from writing?
Marilyn
I'm going to tell about some of mine.
Life. Yep, you all know what this is, things that happen that take you away from writing. The not so good ones are getting sick, going to doctor appointments, having to take care of the chores of life such as doing your taxes, housework, laundry and cooking. Because I like to eat good food, I really enjoy cooking--most of the time.
Family. Because family is more important than writing, I love seeing my family which as most of you know is very large. I usually don't babysit because I think I've gotten too old, especially to take care of the little ones. However, I do babysit in emergencies. Recently I had a great-granddaughter come here after school because mom had to work. She's a delight and I enjoyed having her around.
Telephone Calls. I usually don't get many and I don't make many because I don't really like to talk on the phone. Once in awhile I get one from someone who has a paying job for me to do. Even then, I'll get an email address and take care of the details through emails. Saves me time, and the person has in writing what I need from them.
Doing the Job. When I'm paid to do a job, I tend to that right away. My writing incomes is slow to come in and I have to pay for my traveling somehow.
Having fun with hubby. At least once a week, hubby and I love to head down the hill and eat lunch out and go to a movie. I've always loved movies and I'm so glad he likes to go too.
Doing promotion away from home. This could be a one day event like speaking at a nearby library or it could be going to a mystery or writing conference or convention. I know some authors write while they are at these events--not me, I love visiting with authors and readers. While I'm away from home, I'll be busy socializing.
Ah ha, a biggiie is writing blogs like this one. (And of course there's Facebook and email.)
I'm sure you can think of more. What's one of your distractions from writing?
Marilyn
Comments
Malcolm
Marilyn
This question of distractions really caused me to think. In truth, I think I find it harder 'to' write than 'not to' write, even as much as I love writing.
Life and work certainly get in the way. Can't avoid those things. But I also find it's a 'mood' thing. When I get in that mood, all I want to do is write. But then I find that my wife feels like she's being neglected (which is pretty-much true I suppose), and that makes me feel guilty. If I'm in the writing mood, I get so focused that I don't want to do anything else. Those who do write understand the 'zone' you get into.
But it's hard to ignore the many non-writiing distractions and keep the focus. I found years ago in graduate school that if I sit down with a glass of wine, my brain seems more able to find the focus I need. Not that I recommend getting sloshed when writing, but in moderation it does help me keep my mind on one thing. I don't always do that, but sometimes it seems to help when I have too many distractions, but really want to get a chapter or two done.
I have also found it takes a lot of perseverance and self-discipline to keep working and keep the focus. Whatever it takes, writing is one of the most incredible things I've ever done. You get started and the only restriction on where you go is your own creativeness. I'm working on "FBI Diary: Field Profiler," and if I had my way I'd do nothing else. But, gotta pay the bills and get to work every day! I think when spring break at the college arrives in several weeks, I'm going to spend as much of that week writing and see if I can get this thing to the point of completion. And then get to work on another one!
Pete Klismet,
PSWA Member