Lately, all I’ve wanted to do is write. I’ve been coming up with new ideas for my current work in progress and having a blast. But when I sit down at my computer, I can’t CONCENTRATE. Yes, I have ADD—but it’s never been this bad. I have always assumed that it’s easier to write on the computer. After all, everything I write has to get here sometime, right? But it turns out that this isn’t for me.
When I write, I need to write. Trying to type on my computer is too distracting. I never actually write. I go to Twitter, I go to Facebook, I go to Inkpop—anything and everything. No matter how badly I want to write, I can’t get anything done. (How I’m writing this blog post is beyond me.) However, when I write by hand into a notebook, I can write for hours. I don’t care that writing by hand gives me blisters or makes my back and shoulders hurt—I’m WRITING. This way, when it comes time to put it into the computer, I don’t actually have to think. Typically, I type it in while watching some of my TV addictions online. Today, for instance, I typed up two chapters while catching up on Glee. Does it take more time? Yes. But I get more DONE.
Some of you, I know, wouldn’t agree. You can actually type on a computer and get more done. I’m very jealous, just so you know. It would be more time-effective. What I want to know is, is there anyone who types an even more different way? Like, do you use speech recognition software? Do you use a typewriter? Quill and ink? Something else? What do you do to get your imagination on the page?
My Life is a Notebook 
I do use a computer, and I do have ADHD, and I do get distracted, mostly by email and twitter. (Which is how I found this blog post!) But I do little rituals to help me focus.
I use a writing app that makes typing noises as I write (yWriter). I listen to fast music with few or no lyrics. I have an ecig (electronic cigarette) with nicotine-free juice to puff on, and sugar-free candy, and sugar-free gum. Most importantly, I have my mug of tea on a warmer that I sip slowly. The slow-delivery of caffeine really helps.
I also watch the clock, and start to feel guilty if it starts to get late. When the time comes to Get Serious, I minimize everything but my writing page and WinAmp open with the visualizer on the second monitor. If I need to stare off into space to think, I find myself looking at the colorful patterns, which HELP my thinking instead of making me want to click to see that video link someone just posted on Twitter. 🙂
Speaking of Twitter, since I feel guilty when I don’t read *everything*, I keep my number of followers to a minimum. When I find it takes more than 30-60 minutes to keep up, I start unfollowing the most prolific or least interesting people, until it’s reasonable again. Same with email and unsubscribing from ads and mailing lists. Keeping the #amwriting tab open when I actually am writing is a recipe for distraction.
Thanks for the post!
Awesome, thanks for the reply! …I wish I was that smart with Twitter. I’ve just started using it, and I’m finding it addicting!
This one gave me a giggle. Was it suppose to?
If it’s any help to you, I can not ‘create’ on the computers. I must have pad and pen. Then I transfer to the computer to edit and rewrite–the laptop works better for me, mostly because I can move it to a comfy spot.
It was supposed to! I write to entertain! It’s nice to know someone does what I do–my friends tell me it’s stupid to do it that way. Shows what they know. 😀
We don’t think you’re stupid, we just think you’re weird! (KIDDING…mostly)
To answer the question, my anti-distraction techniques for writing or schoolwork or any other task that I need to focus on are as follows:
1. I check everything…all twitter, facebook, and email outlets and take as long as necessary to get myself up to date.
2. Once I know that I’m not “missing out” on anything, I sit down and get myself ready to write/work. One important point: if there is ANYTHING that is keeping me from focusing, I give in to it. I find that if I don’t, it just makes me crazy and I get nothing done. This is different for everyone, of course, but for me, that’s how it works.
3. I focus on my writing or school for as long as I can, and then, when I’m starting to wonder what someone just posted on twitter or if someone commented on my facebook status, I take a break, check twitter, check facebook, and then return to what I’m doing.
So, my methods aren’t exactly fail-safe, but the summary of all that is: I work best by giving myself small rewards for focus, instead of forcing myself to focus endlessly.
Great blog post, Gretchen! 🙂