A little over a month ago, I wrote a post about being a restless writer.
In it, I admitted that I’m a writer that has a hard time sitting still for very long. I sort of wince whenever I hear about writers with incredible discipline who sit for hours and write. I just can’t do it for that long.
Right now I have a lot of writing going on….actually I have several different deadlines. One is for a manuscript, one is for a full outline, one is for edits. So I really need to knock out a lot of work (and my apologies in advance if I’m not quite as active online for the next 1 1/2 months.)
In the last post on this topic, I mentioned some different ways I approach writing as a restless writer:
Do other writing-related tasks if you’re in a time crunch or under deadline. This is especially helpful for me. I can get work done that I’ve got to get done, but I can switch to writing the outline if I’m tired of writing, or switch to editing if I’m restless with the outline, etc.
Open up to the possibilities of writing on the go during the day. Write in dead time while waiting for something, write in my head as I do errands, write at a library.
Move around. Doing housework while writing is an easy multitasking win…because housework requires no thought. Somehow, it helps me brainstorm, too.
And:
Reduce up front the amount of time you’re writing before taking your breaks. Consider writing in 15 minute segments.
More on that last one now. I’ve read an interesting post on the Work Awesome blog about the Pomodoro Technique. This technique is incredibly simple to remember because there are only 5 steps:
- Pick a task you need to accomplish.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and start working
- When the timer rings, take a 5 minute break
- Repeat steps 1-3
- Every four cycles, take a 25 minute break.
Since I’m feeling a little under the gun right now, I followed this technique yesterday with the full 25 minute cycles and it worked really well. Ordinarily, though, I think I’d probably reduce the 25 minutes to 20 or possibly even fewer.
I think it would still be effective if the amount of time in the cycle is reduced, because you’re still in the writing zone. I think the hardest part of working on that cycle is at the beginning, when you’re just getting started for the day.
One additional note on the technique above—as a restless writer, I found that during my 5 minute break (step 3), I needed to do something really active that was not on the computer. I spent that time loading or unloading the dishwasher, folding a few pieces of laundry, packing the children’s lunch for the next day…you get the idea.
During the 25 minute break after 4 cycles were completed (step 5), then I checked social media (email, Twitter, etc.) Because it’s very, very tough to pull away from social media after only 5 minutes, but it can easily be done in 25 with a timer.
How do you eliminate distractions to focus on your writing? Or does it come naturally to you?
This sounds like a great idea. I’m a restless writer too. I’m so used to multi-tasking that it can be hard to focus on my writing for extended periods of time. I carry a notebook everywhere and write when and where I can. I think I’ll try your method though. Thank you!
Elizabeth – I like that idea of timing oneself. It sounds as thought it’d work beautifully. Thanks for sharing. Sometimes I wish I could eliminate distractions when I’m writing, but it’s not that easy. I find that I’m best off admitting that I’m not going to get more than fifteen minutes or so of writing done at a time without being interrupted, so it’s best if I write in those little dribbles of time.
All of those are great techniques, and as a matter of fact they work for non-restless writers as well, because sometimes you get the ideas flowing if you move around more.
IMHO, the really critical one is your admonition to move around. When I had an office which was set up for pacing, I was much more productive.
It was, unfortunately, not set up for good typing ergonomics, so I had to change it — I now need to find a better set up for both. I’m thinking a standing desk might actually do me better.
Heather–It’s very good to write on the go, isn’t it? I love feeling like I’m being productive, even when I’m out running errands. Good luck with it!
Margot–The distractions are tough to manage, especially if you’re working, too. 15 minutes is really plenty of time to get it done!
I like working in segments, too. I love it when I become so in the zone I spend way more than the budgeted time and don’t have a clue I’ve done so.
I love brainstorming during housework, but I can’t always get my brain to focus on the problem. Any tips?
I can focus (just ask my wife) but I often forget to take breaks.
I’m the master of 10-15 minutes here and there writing! I just cram it in where I can.
Good stuff! Will have to try the 25 mins on, 5 minutes off. That seems about right to me.
And yes, I love doing housework during breaks. A little exercise, and I still feel like I’m getting stuff done.
How funny! My daughter must have seen that idea somewhere because the other day when she had to write a synopsis she wrote for 20 minutes, had a break, wrote for 20 minutes etc. She did a terrific job of it – so perhaps her mother can do something similar.
I used to be able to sit for hours and focus on my writing, but in recent years, I’ve had problems doing this.
I’ve discovered that part of the problem is my back. Sitting compresses the spine which causes enough mild discomfort that I have to hop up and walk around a bit.
During that break from the computer, be sure to do some stretches while you are taking that thinking break so your own back won’t protest.
Alex–And that’s the VERY best–when you’re in the groove so much that you forget to take breaks!
Diane–I think it’s the only way to write. Of course, Stephen King disagrees in this book “On Writing.” But I think I must be more hyper than Stephen. :)
The Daring Novelist–It’s almost like our brain speeds up to match our physical activity, doesn’t it?
I’m pretty tall so I think a standing desk would be tough for me! I’d have to stack books on top of it to put my laptop on, or something. I’ve written at the kitchen counter before, though, and that worked out well.
Esri–Isn’t it great? I feel like I’m accomplishing a ton! It makes me very smug.
Carol–Well, my tip is pretty nerdy, but I’m such a list nut that I make a list of all the little issues that I need to work out–where was Suspect #1 during the second murder–is the alibi the truth or a lie? What would be a good way for the victim to meet his fate–blunt force trauma/gun/”accident”? Or even little issues–where should the next scene take place in the book–the book needs a change of scenery. How should I introduce a particular character to the protagonist? Then I think on just that one area. I think if I make the list if issues REALLY specific, I do better.
I like the suggestion of setting the timer for a task. I will try that on Monday when I am back to work. Thanks for the tip.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I’m a list nut, too, but I hadn’t thought about being so specific about things to brainstorm. Great idea.
I really like the technique that you’ve mentioned, and am definitely going to try it. With my work, I do something similar–I design websites, and maintain online marketing projects, working on several different jobs any given day, and I find that when I take small breaks in between, it helps my mind to unwind from what I was just working on, and move on to something new. I find that I end up “binge writing” after work, to catch up on my writing tasks. I think it’s time to use the same technique and integrate my writing into my workday on a more consistent basis. It makes my day feel more well-rounded, which ultimately adds to my motivation level.
Dorte–It’s been getting a lot of buzz on the web lately, for some reason. The person who came up with the technique has an ebook on it–and it’s free. :)
Maryann–Oh, I LOVE my timer! Almost as much as my lists (I probably need therapy for my Type-A issues, but I do really love a good timer.) :) And–hope you had a great break! We missed you.
Carol–Hope it helps!
Krissy–Hope the technique works as well for your writing as it does for your design work! Seems like it would. I can do almost anything for 25 minutes, especially if I know a break is coming. And pacing myself (instead of the binge writing you’re describing) seems to work well, too.
I am a very restless writer and I’m not sure if that’s because I write short picture books and poems or just me.
I’m relieved you are saying it is olay to be restless and not that we have to strap ourselves to the computer for four hours at 5am or something. Short stints is all I have right now. I get a lot done in those short stints though and thankfully I’m not a novelist!
The timer thing sounds very interesting. I can see it being quite productive. But I’m one of those people who zones out for about two hours at a time when I write. Once I’m in, I’m in. And when I’m really in the rest of my life suffers, so 15 – 20 minutes is a very short amount of time. My house is quiet after Ten at night and I don’t work till noon so I get a solid four or five hours to myself, daily. Thanks for the post
Catherine–Sometimes, honestly, I wonder if I’m hyperactive! I’m high energy, anyway. I work so much better in spurts–my productivity and also, I think, the quality of my work, increases.
Aronald–I’m envious! But I think you’re saying that although it’s good for *writing* to work in your long stretches, it’s not as good for the other areas you’re neglecting to be able to write. I do think the timer is worth a try. The one that I linked to in the post has an old-fashioned alarm-clock type of ring to it. Actually, it startles the heck out of me! Just what I need to break away and take a breather from the writing. :)