Writing on a laptop with WiFi is so sub-optimal. There are myriad distractions. When, every Sunday, Rescue Time, an app I use, tells me how much time I have spent on Facebook, Twitter, other people’s blogs and online newspapers and journals—“consuming ideas,” and how much time writing—“creating,”-I am totally horrified.
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Anyway, here are a few ways I trick more writing out of myself.
1 Switch Between Two Pieces of Writing
Sometimes, when I think I am mentally tired, I am not really. My conscious has worked as much as it can on what I am writing. I am bored, or have hit a wall. I need to put it aside now for an hour or two to let my unconscious mull over it.
However, taking up a new piece of work will give me fresh energy and passion.
I find I definitely get more written if I can switch between two pieces of work.
2 Set a Timer
When I don’t feel like writing, feel sleepy, tired, lethargic, sluggish, then putting a timer for just 15 minutes, or just even 5, gets me going. The timer goes off and feels like an intrusion. I want to continue writing.
The trick with writing, as with exercise is just starting.
3 Take a Short Break
After a few days of serious work, my spirit protests. I feel as if I want a break. It really, really helps to just declare a Sabbath. I garden, I exercise, I tidy up, I pray. I watch a movie. The well refills. Inchoate thoughts jell. And then, after a few hours off, I am delighted to get back to work.
If, on the whole, you love writing, and occasionally really don’t want to write, don’t. Do other things, do something physical until the underground springs bubble up again like a geyser.
What are your favourite tricks for tricking writing out of yourself?
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marthasway says
You found me just in time! Kheer in the slow cooker fills the morning with the incense of cardamom. I cannot help but write, after I finish my morning internet disciplines, that is.
Anita Mathias says
Oooh, sounds wonderfully aromatic!
Andrea says
Good stuff, right here. 🙂
Anita Mathias says
Thanks much, Andrea!
Samuel D. Stephens says
Good thoughts. I am a new writer and it isn’t easy for me. One of the reasons has definitely been the distraction with wifi. I am taking your advise
Anita Mathias says
Ah, try the free app AntiSocial or RescueTIme which turns off distracting parts of the internet Glad you liked the piece.
http://anitamathias.com/blog/2012/11/17/7-bits-of-technology-which-have-enhanced-my-life/
Sue says
I do write on my laptop, but I shut off the TV, put cell phone away, and only open my blog page. I pray first, then get writing. If i get stuck I take a break, make a cup of tea, come back and pray and start again! God is good in helping me with my thoughts when I wrestle with writing 🙂
Anita Mathias says
Praying before writing! Thank you for the reminder. I had forgotten about doing that! 🙂