Children: Go find a place and hole up. If your kids are older, tell them you need an hour of no distractions (you tell them that means unless someone is bleeding to death, etc, STAY AWAY!). For younger kids, hire a babysitter for an hour or two to bust some words out. Another way to get some writing in without the kids nagging, write before they get up in the morning or after they go to bed at night. (this could also apply to your spouse if you have one).
Internet: You know when you're writing, and you just need a few minute break, so you open Facebook and somehow two hours have passed? Close it. Shut it off. Disconnect. That's the only way to be sure you'll stay away from those status updates, Mafia Wars, Farmville and the like.
Phone calls/text messages: Leave your phone in another room or simply turn it off. Now, I'm talking about a cell phone of course, but I don't have a land line anymore. Either way, let the voice mail take it or let your significant other or kids answer in case it's important.
Everything else: Take off for a weekend alone. Let the hubby/wife/grandparents watch the kids for a weekend and get yourself a hotel room in a quiet place. I've done this a few times (planning on doing it again in a couple weeks) and I'm always productive. ALWAYS.
These are just my own ideas of course, you may find other things that work for you. (I haven't quite mastered the whole internet thing yet) Everyone deserves an hour of quiet. Take yours and write.
Oh, and one more thing the dishes, laundry, general cleaning will all be there when you get back.
I've gotten so much more productive as my kids have gotten older. I began writing when they went to bed, then as they quit reading with me, added that time. Great tricks to making the time.
ReplyDeleteI can always tell when distractions are going to win in the end. Today is one of those days. Although these tips are familiar, I needed the reminder. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! My favorite way to get rid of the distractions is go to a coffee shop without wireless. No kids, no internet, no husband, Just me and my laptop!
ReplyDeleteI have a really hard time staying off the net. I need to get disciplined. I can't wait to get out of town and catch up on my revisions and marketing.
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