Good Ol' Fashion Writing

Photo by bingbing

So, I have a problem when I sit down to write—my social addictions:

                                                   

email * facebook * blogging

My computer conveniently “dings” when I get a new email, and since some blogs and facebook are connected to my email, I am usually inundated with “dinging” as I try to progress in my wip. (And even if I hit the mute button, my lovely “mac” dashboard conveniently SHOWS me when a new email arrives.)
Usually, my time to write is precious, so I frustrate myself when I waste it on “social” distractions.

Self-control is not my strong fruit!

Photo by samthomsa

The other day though, I was rushing out to drop off my 4 year old at preschool, and then return a book to the library. Usually, I lug my laptop along with me and set up shop at Barnes & Noble or Panera to get some uninterrupted writing done (besides all the dinging and people-watching).

Well, I just didn't feel like it, so I grabbed my journal instead.

And I sat down in a corner in the quiet library, surrounded by books (actually the nook I was in was right by all the historical novels...convenient inspiration for my current wip!) and pulled out my journal and pen, and fleshed out some good ol' fashion writing without the distraction that my laptop brings.

It was so freeing!

I didn't have to depend on technology to assist my creative juice flow, I could just write, write, write, and get scene upon scene out on the pages.

Some may say, “well, now you have to go type it all in...” but the best part of this “extra” step is, I can edit during transcribing, and...voila...I have a more polished scene freshly typed in my wip!

Photo by JamesRoseUK

Do you have any tips on getting rid of the distractions that come with instant communication...emails, phone calls, i.m.ing during your writing time?