The Writer’s Tools—Tips for Beating Distraction

by Melissa Corliss DeLorenzo

A part of writing is not writing, or not being able to write because of distractions. I don’t think there is any way to eliminate distractions—they will always be there; they will always arise. Instead the task must be to learn to work around them. To work in spite of them. However, it is better to work actively against them, if only to settle your mind into its writing space. Here are a few thoughts on eliminating and beating distraction.

Recognize that the distractions that keep us from work are known as “welcome distractions”—why do we want to be distracted? Because getting into the headspace for writing is difficult and uncomfortable. It’s like training a puppy. You have to be persistent and let that puppy know who’s the alpha dog. Train your puppy.

Know that you will procrastinate. You will empty the dishwasher, you will seek out dust, you will develop a burning need to reorganize your spice cabinet. So, accept the fact that you will procrastinate and put it to good use. Instead of looking around for things to keep you busy during this uncomfortable settling time, write up some notes on different writing projects than the one your trying to work on. Organize your work space a little. I enjoy making lists—they sort of get it all in perspective. Or maybe plan out a submission schedule. Things that will at least be useful to your writing endeavors.

Simple things such as de-cluttering your writing space (eliminating the “need” to clean up), having your best tools handy (your favorite kind of pen and paper, your stickies, your project notes) can be useful for some. Unless, of course, clutter helps you. Make sure you’re comfortable. Essentially don’t give yourselves any excuses to keep from doing the work.

Help yourself out: turn everything off. Whatever it is that you can’t resist. For me, it’s email. Not that I can’t resist email—it’s just the first thing I go and look at when I hit a little writing bump. Turn it off. I cannot tell you how much this helps me get into that writing groove.

Do one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is overrated. It doesn’t work very well. Allow your mind to flow in one direction for a while, keeping your goals in mind.

Do a little experiment: for one writing period, maintain a list of everything that distracts you. (Warning: doing this task will be distracting, but it’s just for one day.) Then you will have a better idea of what to avoid going forward.

Try not to get too attached to the particulars of your “perfect” writing environment or circumstances. Don’t get tripped up or blocked when your circumstances or environment aren’t “perfect.” Try to be flexible. It’s about the work.

Be present. Figure out what works for you. Be determined. All the tricks in the world will not work unless you dedicate yourself to writing.

Please do it joyfully!

What are some of the ways you beat back distraction?

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