On occasion , I like to wander over to the New York Times’ blogs and read about what the writing elite have to say about the world. Every now and then, I run across an article that sort of gets me and gets what I’m looking for at the time.
In an article entitled, “Upside of Distraction,” the writer Benjamin Nugent describes how when he finally had the opportunity to immerse himself in writing and only writing…it grew stale. It wasn’t until that he allowed for a variety in his life that his writing flourished and managed to grow and get better.
Last week I blogged about being n a rut, and I think after reading some of my comments and then reading this article, I realized I needed to give myself permission to get distracted. It isn’t like I’ve immersed myself in writing lately (ha), but it isn’t like I’ve been having the time of life these days either.
I think I just need to find a way to balance my writing self with everything else. I need to cut back on the have-to’s in my life as much as I can, and add in more things I enjoy without feeling guilty for enjoying something other than writing. Because after all, it will only end up helping me in the long run.
Has distraction ever helped your writing? What is your favorite writing distraction?
Nicole I wrote a similar post on Wednesday about writing yourself a permission slips to not write.
Absolutely! If you keep kicking yourself over not writing once, you'll do it again, and then you'll end up with little more than bruises to your pride.
I'm checking it out now! 🙂
I find it difficult to write when family members need my attention. I'd rather be with them, physically and mentally present. If I am too inspired, this doesn't work 🙂
Oh same here, that is my ultimate difficulty – when I'm around family they can get my full attention very quickly!
Your absolutely correct….balance is key!! 🙂
Yup! I just have an awful time finding balance! 🙂
Amen, Nicole. Get distracted! 🙂
I was distracted today while in a marketing and publishing workshop, and while sitting in this workshop, I got an idea for chapter 18 of my novel.
What do you think I did during 10 minutes of this workshop? I jotted down my chapter idea! lol
Great post to remind us we're still on the right path, even if we stray a bit.
Ha ha, that sounds good to me!!! I got distracted on the bus ride home today, I thought…hey, I really like that story I was working on a couple of months ago! 🙂 Never a bad thing to get distracted!
I think women fall into the trap of doing for others before they do unto themselves–like finding a distraction, doing something they enjoy, and taking time out to do that one thing, whatever it might be.
I've had to make time for myself, working f.t. and with several irons in the fire (4 books in various stages). I had to re-do some edits (and still waiting for the book to be published by publisher).
Taking naps is one of the things I fall on too. I find it clears my mind, relaxes me and I'm ready to get back to it.
I happen to belong to a facebook site with the very same name. We do distract one another, but also we support each other as well.
OH how cool! I think that's awesome you found that type of support system! You are so right, I think it's the hard time of saying "no" to new projects and prioritizing your existing projects. I've done that a lot lately, I'm really really trying to find a balance with my current jobs (my full time jobs and several part time!).
I LOVE naps! And Lifetime movies. 🙂
My friend was over today. That definitely distracted me. Ah well, at least she promised to purchase Earthbound when it is published!
Hey, you have a reader! That's what matters!! 🙂
Distractions help me take a break, especially when I'm stuck. The I can come back and look at a difficult passage with new eyes or overcome my block.
Yup, it really does help you get a new perspective when you can take a step back!
My favorite distraction from writing is surfing the internet. I can get inspired from the images I find that connect w/ a particular feeling I am experiencing. Distractions can definitely be healthy when it fuels our inner-fires.
~Dee
about.me/deyanira