Have you heard of the Insecure Writers Support Group? Started by author Alex Cavanaugh, it’s a monthly blog post to vent our fears and share our dreams! Join us here, where you can also find great content to help your writing.
Today’s co-hosts: Victoria Marie Lees, Kim Lajevardi, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine! Thank you–you’re awesome!
May 1 question – How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?
This question reminds me of strategies I review with athletes and other performers to help them focus. The first step to overcome distractions is to identify the ones that plague us most–external and internal.
External distractions may include cell phones, social media, noise, people, and obligations. My biggest external distractions? Busy day job that drains me, four email accounts, Facebook, American Idol and other TV shows, audiobooks, construction noise outside my new-build home, decorating said home, helping my 87-year-old dad adjust to a new state, and cleaning up cat barf.
Internal distractions typically include thoughts and emotions like frustration, anxiety, and INSECURITY (*points to the name of our group*). I imagine that physical and mental health issues could also distract us. Of all my internal distractions, I think that perfectionism slows my writing and derails me most.
How do I deal with distractions? Not well. I’ve written about one paragraph a month this year! But when the writing flows better, I take long walks to the beat of music instead of audiobooks, which frees my mind to plot novels. I keep in touch with my critique partner and schedule writing sprints with friends. And I carve out time for writing, mostly on weekend mornings.
Jennifer Lane Books 
Great list of distractions. I’ve got a few of those too.
Lee
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Hi, Arlee, thanks for stopping by. *waves*
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Distractions ? Is there an upside to no signal still ? People complain that I don’t answer my phone. If at home, this would involve a 1,000 ft climb , or drive, or walk to a signal.
Husband ( simplest word ) has one ancient email address, apart from day job, refuses to sign for more.
Cats ? Apart from mess from either end, the presents, especially if still breathing.
But around 2 a.m, thought of a title at last for my WIP. Still there this morning.
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So many lovely aspects to having cats, for sure, Esther. Sounds like you do a nice job of disconnecting from distractions!
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Now that you mention it, perfectionism can mess me up. That’s why I hate the first draft as it’s far from perfect.
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Yeah, re-reading and editing prior chapters delays the start of writing new chapters, and I also seem to edit every sentence I write while writing it. *sighs* I guess that’s my method!
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I think we all go through those times when life gets too busy to write, especially when we have a day job. The important thing is to get back to your writing at some point, like when your dad is more adjusted to his new life.
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Thank you, Natalie. I drove my dad to the county auditor’s office, then back to the BMV, and he is now a proud owner of a South Carolina license plate! He’s getting settled bit by bit.
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Hi,
Long walks do help clear the mind. Also, writing a pararaph a day or a week is okay when you’re bogged down.
Take care.
Shalom shalom
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I shall strive for more than a paragraph today, Pat! Have a wonderful May. ❤
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Some great insights, Jennifer! I struggle with perfectionism all the time! I never considered it as a distraction before. It’s more like a deep compulsion. I even angst over comments on blogs. I’m trying to get by that by attempting to visit every member today. Happy IWSG Day!
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Your comment is just perfect, Louise! 😀 That’s impressive that you’re trying to visit every member today–thanks for supporting us.
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Hello Jennifer. It’s nice to be back in the group. Life’s challenges did derail my writing of novels. Instead, I began to research my ancestors’ lives. That is a rabbit hole that can take you on a shocking journey. I’ve been encouraging everyone I know and meet to write their biography. Seriously, this is important, maybe not for the current generation but it will be fascinating to family who arrive in another one hundred years. My objective was to expand the details of birth, death, etc. to include photos, stories, and more precious are the letters. Are letters still being written? So much more authentic expression was being said in those letters than what we find on facebook or other social media. Consider writing your ancestors’ bio and, especially important, your own. Blessings
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Hi, Feather, I’m glad you’re enjoying writing your biography, no matter how many times you fall into ancestral rabbit holes. Biographies aren’t my thing, but I did learn about a bombshell when I submitted DNA to ancestry.com!
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Bombshell? And you’re going to leave me hanging here with no further info? Jennifer, that’s cruel, LOL.
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Hehe. I found out I have a half-sister! It’s been awesome.
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You might be in a dry patch but know this: it will not last forever. Take care. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Rain will visit my dry patch one day, Anna!
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Great cartoon illustration of the distractions that plague us. The picture says it all.
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Hi, Olga, I’m not sure if you’ve heard of Pixabay, but it’s a great place to find free images. 🙂
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