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Distractions will always happen. But how can we handle them without them derailing our writing career? Read to find out!
It seems no matter the time of the year, there is always a long to-do list for authorprenuers. Between marketings, selling, and managing a business, writing is on that list. The to-do list is all in support of our writing, yet somehow in the battle for time, our writing time so often gets put at risk. How should you handle distractions in your writing career? I want to be clear– I do plan to offer a few tips to answer this question. But I also want to offer a consoling viewpoint. Life happens. Distractions will always happen. And sometimes we shouldn’t be focused on avoiding them.
Bringing Grace into Our Writing Career
It is HARD to be a writer. It’s even harder to try and build an actual writing career where our livelihoods depend on our production. Which is why I think we need to occasionally cut ourselves some slack. I’m currently on a deadline and had a detailed editorial calendar for my new book. I had built in spots where I anticipated “life” that would interrupt my writing output. But then my dog passed away unexpectedly.
Not only, did the actual handling of that disrupt my plans, I’ll admit I’ve also been in a funk since his passing. I just haven’t been in the headspace to be as creative at the moment. Especially, since he’d always been my cuddly writing buddy. I first beat myself up over this. I’m off track, behind schedule. I should be writing. I need to be writing. But then I realized and accepted I also need to grieve. I can’t rush that process either. I needed to grant myself a grace period.
Letting Go of Should
Should is a dangerous word. We can drive ourselves crazy with shoulds. I should be able to stick to a schedule. I should be able to write faster. I should overcome distractions. Yes, in theory. But what works for some will not work for all. We are individuals with different life expectations and obligations.
I will complete my book. I’ve completed two already so I have faith in myself that I’ll complete this one as well. However, I’m also in a different place in my life and career than I was before. I am coaching author clients now which takes time. I also have other speaking engagements, marketing expectations etc. that demand my time for my business to be successful as well. My kids are also older and have busier schedules.
Writing is still a priority for sure, but I might need to alter my expectations from time to time.
Minimizing Distractions
To get to this acceptance point of the things I can’t control, I have built some systems to ward against the distractions I can control. Here are some successful things I’ve implemented:
- I create editorial calendars and schedules: As I mentioned above there will always be things that occur that will still blow those plans to bits. But for the most part, I can plan ahead to avoid the expected distractions and still maintain productivity. Like if family is coming to town to visit, I know I will not get as much writing done. I make sure I build in extra time the week prior or after to get what I need to get done.
- I put my phone on Do Not Disturb: Working from home is hard! I used to pick up every time a friend or family member called, but then I’d lose my flow. But I can’t expect my loved ones to be mind readers about my schedule. So, when I’m planning to write I put my phone on Do Not Disturb. Then I return calls and texts at another more opportune time.
- I work when my family sleeps: I’ve luckily always been a natural Early Bird and that comes in even more handy as a writing mom. It’s gotten easier now that my kids are at school and I can write while they’re gone. But when I’m exceptionally busy or trying to build in some extra time, I set my alarm clock earlier to get more distraction-free time.
What About You?
Those are some of my distraction combating tips. What have you found works for you? Please leave some of your own tips in the comments. Have a great weekend everyone!
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I love making calendars and schedules to help keep me on track!
I’m sorry that you lost your beloved dog, Joyana! Yes, you needed to grant yourself a grace period. It takes time to grieve and that’s totally as it should be. Good luck, and trust that you will get back into your regular rhythm! Happy IWSG Day!
Should is such a dangerous word. I am glad you’ve been able to give yourself some time and space to grieve your lost cuddly writing buddy. Love the idea of creating an editorial calendar/schedule – I shall look into that. My phone spends most of its time on silent these days, so people are used to having to wait for me to respond 😉
Debs posting today from Fiction Can Be Fun
Also found at Debs Despatches
Thanks for this insightful post, Joyana. Yes, we do need to learn to grant ourselves grace and time “off task.” As for techniques to help me focus, I, too, love calendars and schedules. And when I’m writing, I love the Pomodoro technique for writers: 53 minutes on with NO DISTRACTIONS, and 17 minutes off–where you can check texts, get up and stretch, or grab something to eat. Then back to the desk for another 53 minutes. It really works!