Now this one is probably going to work directly against me since I am about to direct your gaze off of my page; however, this tip will work directly FOR you (which is the purpose of these tips), but be sure to read the whole think and “like”/comment before you sign off!
In our day, technology is a wonderful, magnificent part of life. With just a few clicks we can access a world of information, speak to friends across the country, and learn more about our colleagues than any high school reunion could accomplish. We can also join groups and promote our own work. As writers, and hopeful published authors, social media is a blessing through which we can market directly to our targeted audience. So don’t get me wrong, social media has a LOT of positive attributes.
However, social media can also be DETRIMENTAL for your writing. Let’s be honest, writing on its own is already difficult, but when we add in distractions writing becomes nearly impossible. How common is it for us to be writing and all the sudden our phone lights up. We think, “I’ll be quick. This will just take a second to check.” Well before we know it, we’re twelve cat videos in watching a bride stumble into a pool and wondering how we got so far away from our writing.
So here’s the tip. Do your best to limit your distractions. Now I’m not saying to go off the grid and work in a bunker until you have finished your novel. What I am saying is this: when you set aside time for writing turn your phone on silent. Or if you really can’t help yourself, turn your phone on airplane mode so that no notifications come through to distract you. When that temptation to check your phone “real quick” rises, do your best to squash it. Those notifications, dog videos, and clowns will still be there later.
So today I encourage you to click LIKE, perhaps leave a comment, and then sign out, log off, or whatever else it is called and dedicate some distraction-free time to your writing.
*If you enjoyed today’s Writing Tip be sure to check out additional tips under the “Writing Tips” category on my home menu!
Happy Writing Everyone!
Get to your writing! 🙂
***If you enjoyed today’s Writing Tip, be sure to check out more tips under the “Writing Tip” section on my home page (after you’ve finished your writing time of course)***
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Hehehe, this is homourously so true. Thanks for sharing KaylaAnn and I hope you remember your prompt to finish that book too 😉
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You’re welcome! Yup, trust me, I’m doing my best to apply this to my own writing. I try to give myself one hour to get on WordPress, update, and check out other blogs before I shut it down and work on my own stuff.
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In my case, I had to get rid of ALL distractions, even writing projects that do not go with your purpose. Anything that takes your plan into a never ending detour should be tossed out
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It’s good to keep things separate. For example, my mornings usually go one hour for online stuff (like WordPress), two hours for writing, one hour for writing class curriculum
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exactly….I set hours apart to only write and keep my blog going…and also keep my twitter account going
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I haven’t looked into Twitter yet as I find it challenging enough to manage my current social load. Do you find it helpful in building a community and building your platform?
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yes madame…it is a matter of patience….i am making terrific friends and contacts there….you are one of my best contacts since you are an exceptional blogger…
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Why thank you for that kind compliment!
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sure madame
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because you are highly dedicated to your writing job
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I am definitely am but it’s very nice to receive compliments from others.
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I’ve just finished my poem !!, so I can comment on your writing tip today, and yes, what a great tip, and I’ll definitely try to remember and follow up on your sensible idea…. My poem
https://ivors20.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/clear-blue-jar/
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Glad you liked the tip, I’ll be sure to check it out!
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Thank you for the tip, Kayla Ann! I hope your writing is going well. 🙂
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You’re welcome, I’m glad to see you around! It is going (who knows if it’s well?)
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Same to you. XD
The most important thing is that you’re writing. 😀
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I love distractions, except when they…SQUIRREL
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Ha, yes my thoughts EXACTLY.
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My problem is I can get rid of a distraction, such as my phone, and then proceed to just find a new distraction. They never truly go away for me. Haha
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Lol, Yea, I have to like sit facing a wall to make sure I focus.
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I use Forest, as a timer with an incentive built in.
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Oh that sounds interesting! What is Forest?
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It’s an app. Basically you plant a tree, but if you check your phone before the timer goes, the tree dies. It’s surprisingly effective!!
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WOW, That is seriously nifty! I’ll have to check it out
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Thanks for the tip, KaylaAnn. When I find a quiet time, I will write as much I can and save it in a Word document. Then I have several pieces to choose from when I am ready to publish. Since I write for others, this helps me tremendously. Make it a great day.
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Thank you Eugenia! It’s definitely a good idea to take advantage of the creative juices once they get flowing!
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I actually can’t write without music. I usually have one or more songs on repeat so that I’m not distracted by different songs.
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I find background noise of some sort can be helpful as well but like you said, it has to be something that won’t distract.
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