Writing How to write when distracted?

[CL]

Hello! I have a question for all of you authors: how do you write when distractions are unavoidable?

As an example: I'm in pain. I can't read, let alone write, without experiencing pain (migraines). I do take medication for it, but they also cause me drowsiness. I sometimes drink to be capable of reading and writing, but that brings a whole different kind of impairment. This is my personal problem and I'm certain others have their own baggage to deal with. Well, so, how do you deal with it?

 

[Lorelliad]

You don't.

Unless you're in the correct environment, you'll find it hard to write properly.

I write in bed before I go to sleep, and the quiet environment allows me to finish chapters easily.

Meanwhile, when I try to write in the middle of the day, when it's very noisy (at least where I'm from), then I can barely get 100 words in after an hour.

 

[CL]

You don't.

Unless you're in the correct environment, you'll find it hard to write properly.

I write in bed before I go to sleep, and the quiet environment allows me to finish chapters easily.

Meanwhile, when I try to write in the middle of the day, when it's very noisy (at least where I'm from), then I can barely get 100 words in after an hour.

Thank you for responding and sharing your experiences. I can fully believe you and how an environment such as that will interrupt any coherent thought. I suppose there are ways to tune it out, but I don't know the full story and those methods could be inadvisable in that environment as well (I was thinking of noise-cancelling headphones).

 

[Deleted member 54065]

Hello! I have a question for all of you authors: how do you write when distractions are unavoidable?

As an example: I'm in pain. I can't read, let alone write, without experiencing pain (migraines). I do take medication for it, but they also cause me drowsiness. I sometimes drink to be capable of reading and writing, but that brings a whole different kind of impairment. This is my personal problem and I'm certain others have their own baggage to deal with. Well, so, how do you deal with it?

If something is distracting me, I don't write. I deal with the distractions first, then when I'm good, I write.

I think yours is a case of physical limitations, rather than distractions. Try to work around your limits, if that's the case.

For example, my limitation as a writer is that I write in short bursts of energy. As a workaround, I set deadlines for myself, before my laziness kicks in.

I'm in my 12th book now in the span of three years (and an average of 60k words per volume).

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Hello! I have a question for all of you authors: how do you write when distractions are unavoidable?

As an example: I'm in pain. I can't read, let alone write, without experiencing pain (migraines). I do take medication for it, but they also cause me drowsiness. I sometimes drink to be capable of reading and writing, but that brings a whole different kind of impairment. This is my personal problem and I'm certain others have their own baggage to deal with. Well, so, how do you deal with it?

weed

 

[Lorelliad]

Thank you for responding and sharing your experiences. I can fully believe you and how an environment such as that will interrupt any coherent thought. I suppose there are ways to tune it out, but I don't know the full story and those methods could be inadvisable in that environment as well (I was thinking of noise-cancelling headphones).

Oh yeah, for sure.

I don't use noise-cancelling headphones, but I supposed they'd work really well.

Important thing is, unless you're not in the right state, then you'll find it hard to get anything done.

Good luck

 

[PeacefulMyst]

weed

how about those white powder that you snort

 

[CL]

If something is distracting me, I don't write. I deal with the distractions first, then when I'm good, I write.

I think yours is a case of physical limitations, rather than distractions. Try to work around your limits, if that's the case.

For example, my limitation as a writer is that I write in short bursts of energy. As a workaround, I set deadlines for myself, before my laziness kicks in.

I'm in my 12th book now in the span of three years (and an average of 60k words per volume).

That sounds about right (concerning limitations) and your current record is impressive.

I'll see if I can get in some of those short bursts too. Any words is progress, I suppose.

weed

I'll ask about it. If I get it prescribed, I'll go for it.

Oh yeah, for sure.

I don't use noise-cancelling headphones, but I supposed they'd work really well.

Important thing is, unless you're not in the right state, then you'll find it hard to get anything done.

Good luck

Very true and thank you again.

how about those white powder that you snort

My family doctor (before the practice was shutdown) recommended that to me as a non-surgical means to deal with my frequent nosebleeds. I remember being told it shrinks the blood vessels or cauterizes them. But my workplace would disapprove, strongly.

 

[MyukiMruieast]

I just made do of what I'm able to achieve. I have bad toothaches and damn, it's not that easy to write. It throbs there and vanishes again before appearing like your enemy from hell. Inspirations gets distrubed and you find things Annoying.

 

[CL]

I just made do of what I'm able to achieve. I have bad toothaches and damn, it's not that was.

That is sort of what I've been doing; just enduring before the pain becomes too much.

 

[greyblob]

As an example: I'm in pain. I can't read, let alone write, without experiencing pain (migraines).

i don't think that counts as a 'distraction', more like a medical condition. might want to get that checked out. i have a friend who gets constant migraines, and it turned out to be something genetic that runs in the family (his grandfather also had it). for a regular distraction (not being able to focus), you remove the distractions, and go do something to reset your mental, cook, clean, bath, etc.

 

[CL]

i don't think that counts as a 'distraction', more like a medical condition. might want to get that checked out. i have a friend who gets constant migraines, and it turned out to be something genetic that runs in the family (his grandfather also had it). for a regular distraction (not being able to focus), you remove the distractions, and go do something to reset your mental, cook, clean, bath, etc.

I understand and... And this is why I preach to a lot of writers to stop pushing themselves and prioritize their health first. I have been checked out before and received no alarm bells, but I also know how unreliable one diagnosis can be (let alone six specialists). When I have a better financial opportunity I may revisit this avenue.

Sleeping would be my go-to for a good reset.

 

[greyblob]

I understand and... And this is why I preach to a lot of writers to stop pushing themselves and prioritize their health first. I have been checked out before and received no alarm bells, but I also know how unreliable one diagnosis can be (let alone six specialists). When I have a better financial opportunity I may revisit this avenue.

Sleeping would be my go-to for a good reset.

also you might need glasses (even if you feel like you don't). headaches when reading and writing are a common symptom

 

[CL]

also you might need glasses (even if you feel like you don't). headaches when reading and writing are a common symptom

Very good point. I'll certainly ask about that one when I next pay a doctor a visit.

 

[Topgun1908]

Hello! I have a question for all of you authors: how do you write when distractions are unavoidable?

As an example: I'm in pain. I can't read, let alone write, without experiencing pain (migraines). I do take medication for it, but they also cause me drowsiness. I sometimes drink to be capable of reading and writing, but that brings a whole different kind of impairment. This is my personal problem and I'm certain others have their own baggage to deal with. Well, so, how do you deal with it?

If you really want or need to write at that exact moment and you can't get rid of distractions the best thing to do is just do a more basic version of your writing. Just kind of simply write without worrying too much about what the end result is and then when you don't have distractions you can go back and review your work while changing something you didn't like or adding a detail you forgot to add. This might only work with my writing style though since I tend to come up with ideas on the spot so being extremely tired and not being tired will produce different ideas that I can change depending on which is the better one

 

[CL]

If you really want or need to write at that exact moment and you can't get rid of distractions the best thing to do is just do a more basic version of your writing. Just kind of simply write without worrying too much about what the end result is and then when you don't have distractions you can go back and review your work while changing something you didn't like or adding a detail you forgot to add. This might only work with my writing style though since I tend to come up with ideas on the spot so being extremely tired and not being tired will produce different ideas that I can change depending on which is the better one

That is a well thought out idea and good practice to have for any writer. From my perspective, I see your method as writing a first draft and returning to make corrections while fleshing out the details. But, yes, I do worry about how it looks a little bit too much and try too hard to write perfectly the first time. Yeah, that is an obvious performance issue that should end if I ever want to progress with any story.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions and having shared your experiences. All those tips will help either myself or whomever else is searching for a way out of their distracted life. Thanks!

 

[TotallyHuman]

It's pretty clear you're not experiencing just a distraction. I can't stop you if you really want to, but if your condition is that severe, I recommend you avoid writing until you resolve it. Don't fuck with your health

 

[Sacred_Night]

This literally happened to me the other day. I actually woke up with a headache and had it for the entire day. I tried to push through it but I couldn't. So I did a little editing. Did a little plotting. Cried. Then I tried to sleep it off but that failed lol.

 

[Noel_Elitia]

I reread my just the previous chapter and then there is a sudden willingness to continue

 

[bananapink]

In case of physical discomfort, stop writing.
I have written while tipsy before because there was a sudden surge of idea. Every time I feel inspired the surrounding doesn't matter. Vice versa, when I'm lacking the drive nothing can push me to write. Not even a nice cosy spot.