Distractions. The big D. The bane of most writers.
I deal with it a lot for two reasons. One, I never got in the habit of writing every morning, like I should do. If I did, I would probably have a ritual that eliminated a lot of those distractions. Or maybe not. Secondly, I practice immersive writing, which is harder to do when I am teaching classes in the daytime and dealing with three other people in the house at night who want to talk, watch TV, and have me do things like take out the garbage and mow the lawn.
Oh, the trauma of real life! But what are you gonna do? You can’t just abandon real life, even though when you are on a writing project that is the one thing you want to do.
I have a colleague–well, my partner-in-crime/collaborator–Celeste Perrino, who struggles as I do. Writing smaller projects are easier, such as this blog. And I could consider this posting a distraction, because it really is. For several years, Celeste was a full-time stay-at-home writer who also happened to have a family. And she found the same thing that I did. Those who don’t write see your time at home when you should be writing as FREE time. “Oh, since you’re home with nothing to do, can you…(fill in the blank here).”
And then there is the issue of procrastination, which is what I am dealing with right now. My answer for procrastination is, well, I haven’t found an answer yet. As you see, I am still writing this blog instead of writing on my book.
There are two voice in my head. One, the grown-up voice, “Get on your project. It won’t write itself.” The other voice, the kid voice says, “Sure I will. Just as soon as I do these thirteen other things…and then think of thirteen other things to do.”
Seriously, though, the real answer starts with a D as well: Discipline. As my long-time editor friend said once upon a time: “Anyone who is going to write will find a way to do it, one way or another.” You have to want it enough to pay for it. It’s like eating your spinach before you can have your ice cream. At some time, maybe you’ll even like spinach.
And in the end, your body will thank you.
