Are we getting wired differently because of modern distractions? I’m not sure, but I know that it’s hard for me to sit still for very long. I just get very restless.
There are plenty of writers out there that have amazing discipline and can sit for hours at their computer each day, knocking out their word goals. I’m not one of them. I always make my goals, but I’ve had to meet them on my terms. In case you’re a restless writer too, this post is for you. :)
Here are some tips for handling restless writer syndrome:
Make a list of all the other non-writing-related things that need to be done before starting a writing session. For me, the more exhaustive this list is, the more emptied-out my head is and the better I can focus on my writing. On this list, I’ll include everything from household chores, to my children’s activities, to emails I need to send, groceries I need to buy, phone calls I should make, etc. The list includes whatever I can think of that might pop up and distract me while I’m writing.
I came across a post last week on the WorkAwesome blog: The Path to Productivity: Short Hours, More Breaks. The post quoted a recent study that found:
Rather than diminishing productivity, short breaks allow people to maintain their focus on a task without the loss of quality that normally occurs over time.
So taking short breaks sounds like a good way of approaching tasks (at least for some of us). But the article warns against checking Facebook, etc., during your break. They recommend choosing an activity that’s something you can easily break away from (and maybe setting yourself a timer as a reminder that your break is over.)
Do other writing-related tasks if you’re in a time crunch or under deadline. I’ll switch from the manuscript I’m writing to one that I’m editing. Or I’ll switch to a brainstorming activity for a new project. That way I’m still being creative, still getting all the writing done that I need to do—but I’m shaking it up a little. It’s good to also have a short to-do list of writing related tasks. Right now, mine has on it: edit chapter on next Myrtle Clover, brainstorm 5 minutes for outline, and add character descriptions to quilting WIP.
Open up to the possibilities of writing on the go during the day. If I told myself that my writing was only going to happen at a specific time of the day, on my laptop, then I wouldn’t get nearly as much done. I remind myself at the beginning of the day that I’m collecting sights, sounds, words, and characters for my story. It helps me be more observant.
Move around. Some of my better ideas happen when I’m moving around. I write in my head as I clean the house, run errands, garden, and walk. If I’m feeling particularly restless, I’ll try an activity that doesn’t require a lot of thought (weeding, vacuuming, cooking familiar recipe) and I’ll write my book in my head as I do it.
Reduce up front the amount of time you’re writing before taking your breaks. Consider writing in 15 minute segments. Will you lose your train of thought this way? In my experience, no. If I worry I will, I just jot down in the margin in Track Changes where I want the next scene to go. Then I run off and put the laundry in the dryer, start the dishwasher, and come back to the manuscript.
Are you a restless writer too? How do you stay productive?
Elizabeth – This is really a helpful post! I wouldn’t consider myself a restless writer so much as an “overbooked” writer. I think the tip that’s most helpful for me is to have realistic goals. If I complete fifteen minutes of work on my WIP I’ve accomplished something and I can also do the myriad other things I need to do. In my opinion, it’s a good way to stay sane and focused.
Great tips. Need them. I am especially interested in the last tip.
-T
I am a very similar kind of personality, Elizabeth. I am a listmaker and it helps me tremendously to empty my head. I do have to get chores done before writing. But I’ve learned to have a more laid back attitude about when and where my writing happens and it’s working.
Karen
I keep losing focus and drift away from my writing. This is a useful post. The funny thing is, during November in the NaNo challenge, I had no problems whatsoever.
Deadlines is obviously what I need to set myself, or get somebody to set them for me.
I agree with those who have said short breaks help. I cannot sit at my computer for more than an hour. I need to get up and stretch and unkink a back that does not like to be so stationary. One of the benefits of working at home is that I can get up. Go throw a load of wash in or take care of some other cleaning chore and come back.
I love this – it describes me :) When I list things I have to do, I no longer think about them and my mind can think about my manuscript. Otherwise, it thinks about all I have to do. I’m up and down a lot – dogs in and out, laundry, you name it.
I am a restless writer, and a restless reviser. The tool that has helped me immensely is using the ‘sprint’ idea which you go into in this post. I use mytomatoes.com to give myself 25 minute sprints. When I was on my retreat there was no internet (what of the true benefits of the place) but I found a kitchen timer and did my sprints with it. I set it for 25 minutes. When it buzzes I get up and stretch or go make tea or wander about a bit. Works a treat and the time adds up. I’m using it today too. Now back to my work!
I can focus once I’m writing and go for long stretches, but I have no problem writing in short bursts here and there, either.
I’m definitely a writer who grabs words on the go. I have a pad and pen in my purse at all times.
Like yesterday, on the way home from church, the Lord gave me some gems while I tried to nap. I popped up every few minutes and clicked away on my Blackberry! My husband just shook his head:)
Awesome list of things to do! I like the making a list thing. Everything always seems more doable and less of a bother when it’s out of my head and on paper! Thanks!
Thank you for such a great post! I am definitely a restless writer. I work at home full-time as a web designer, so it becomes difficult to balance everything out, since it is sometimes virtually impossible to mentally divide my time between my priorities. Taking short breaks has definitely helped me transition between my various projects, and I also have three different notebooks on the go: one for my writing, one for my blog, one for my work. Only having the notebook open for what I am working on, and the other two closed, has given me a symbolic technique to help me focus too. I really appreciate your comprehensive list, and will be keeping it on file as a reminder. :)
Margot–I think it would work really well for an overly *busy* writer, too! I don’t see how you fit everything in.
Teresa–Hope it helps! Thanks for coming by. :)
Glynis–I’m under deadlines, but still have a really hard time focusing some days. I read once about the creative personality type being especially prone to distraction. I believe it!
Jan–Great idea! And those 25 minute sessions really add up, too.
Karen–Being laid-back would be VERY helpful! It probably helps you get more in touch with your creative side, too.
Alex–That’s a good point–if I’m really on a roll with my writing, I can get a lot farther. But to get *started* with a writing session, I have to tell myself I’m writing for 15 minutes. Otherwise…I just can’t seem to get going.
Colene–I love lists! :)
Maryann–It’s nice, isn’t it, to be able to move around? I don’t even know if I could sit still for an hour…I think 20 minutes is pushing it for me. Good thing I don’t have a job that requires me to sit at a desk! I’d be wandering around the office building, if that were the case.
Krissy–I really like your tip for having 3 different notebooks. I have different notebooks, but I lump blog posts, random descriptions, ideas for character names, etc. all in there together. Not a helpful method! I’ll try your way…sounds like it makes a lot more sense.
Carol–I’m glad I’m not the only jack in the box here! Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I have ADHD….
I do this all day long, but it means I get the dishes and laundry done, while writing!!
Jan… love mytomatoes.com; thank you so much for pointing it out! I just used it for the first time and love it!
Thanks for your post! Many women (and men) are natural multitaskers. There’s no reason for us to approach writing as if we’re not. It took me years to cast off the assumption that I should be working on one project with a tunnel-visioned productivity focus. The process just wasn’t me. Now working on writing is like cooking, tending a garden, or any other task where lots of things are happening all at once and I am much more productive.
My name is Tracy and I am a restless writer :-) All this time I thought I was the only one. It’s nice knowing that others are in the same boat.
Setting realistic goals is key. I tend to set them so high that I often set myself up for failure. That does nothing but hurt my self-confidence.
I’m definitely going to try the brain purge before sitting down to write. Great advice!
-Tracy
Victoria–It’s nice to get other things knocked out at the same time and have a more *productive* writing session at the same time. :)
Tamika–You never know when inspiration is going to strike!
Nath–It’s a shift in thinking. You’re right–why *should* it be treated any other way than our other tasks? Why should it be a static activity?
Tracy–You’re not the only one!
Realistic goals are vital, too. When I was writing my first book, my goal was a page a day. I could manage that, even with a baby. If I tried to make my goal any more challenging, I’d fail. Psychologically, I *needed* a goal that low.
Brain purge! Yes, that’s exactly what it’s like. :)
This is me! I think the best advice it to avoid the social networks on your breaks ‘cause five minutes turns into an hour to quickly. I’m going to try out your advice starting tomorrow.
Wow, this is definitely me – I get so restless and focused on other things. These tips are very practical and have already helped me to focus!
Thanks!
– Liz
These are all great tips. After having kids, I found that I had to completely adjust how I slotted in time for anything. We have to seize the moments when we can, and as you say, some days are more geared to editing, others to writing, and others to market research. Thanks for all the reminders, and it’s good to know others are finding this is the only way to remain a writer!
This was a great post for me tonight. I was just a bit restless, but this really refocused me. Others sould follow this advice.
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