The writer’s life in 2011 requires a web presence – most of us accept that as a given. But, I’ve
written before of the Dreaded Web-sucker (left). Perhaps you remember Jonathan Franzen’s writing space and requirement of writing on a computer sans web hook up? If you’ve forgotten, see Jeffrey Ricker’s blog post. When I am in writing mode, I don’t open my computer’s web browser. Period. I can’t write and create with the world wide web open at my fingertips. It’s too distracting for me. I lose writing time if I forget and open that browser. Simple as that. There are times for online browsing, reading and communicating, but when I’m hanging with my characters, creating their worlds, the webbified world is not invited.
In a great post, Victoria Mixon writes about 9 Ways to Find the Time to Write –
and what’s
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number one on her list?
UNPLUG UNPLUG UNPLUG UNPLUG
It’s not rocket science people. If you’re feeling you’re not concentrating and focused when you’re writing, have you logged off???? Don’t let the web keep you from your stories. Use the web to share and promote your stories, not to hide from them. That’s called procrastination, people. Let’s not go there.
21 Comments
Yup. Agree. Really, you didn’t leave room for arguing, did you?
)
Thanks for the neat links.
You’re welcome – hope you can check out Victoria’s site. Well done.
wouldn’t dare disagree! – I find the characters do still have a hold over me stronger than cyberspace but on those days they have gone walkabout the web serves me well with friends to gossip to. It’s called research and seriously it is I have learnt almost all I know of networking from being there on line watching and absorbing. I also need to go online researching for the Sefuty Chronicles . But you’re right – do not connect if WIP is to progress
I agree – you have to be online to build a web presence. But, your last line sums it up – “do not connect if WIP is to progress.”
I do find myself temped to look things up, check my site stats, check Twitter when I have the web open. I try to make myself do my morning pages before looking at anything online (other than the 750 words site I’ve been using for my MPs). When I’m working on a blog post, I might need to look up something quickly. But I feel how easy it is to slip off on a tangent.
Those tangents are dangerous, eh?
That’s true, but I can not concentrate just about anywhere. Probably a short attention span like so many other people.
I like the idea of unplugging and focusing on just writing. Yes, there are too many things going on when you are online to get distracted to write properly. Thanks for the post.
You’re welcome – and I know, it’s sometimes easier said than done.
So true with me it is games too. I find by limiting myself to nothign but writing until I make my word count goal for the day helps. But sometimes I use the game to allow my mind wandering room to think how to play it out.
I’m embarking on a new project and will need to return to the word count goal — thanks for the reminder!
I try to do this, but sometimes my inner editor forces me kicking and screaming to look something up or check a fact before she clicks off and allows the next word to be written. I hate her sometimes.
When I get those urges while I’m drafting, I’ll put a parenthetical note to myself in red type to go back and look it up after drafting – I know it can’t always be done, but might be worth a try.
Crusader *finally* getting round to visiting the blogs. Yes, I agree, unplug the Internet connection and write. Although, I don’t do as I preach and really should!
Try it, you’ll like it.
The web is a huge time sucker. So many cool things to read and learn and do.
As long as you’re not writing.
The web is a huge time suck and a valuable resource. It is best to turn it off while writing.
Agreed. (Now if I just remembered to always do it…..)
This is great advice. I need to remember this and have the will to do it.
Me too, Cindy, me too.