Managing Distractions as a Writer by Turning Them into Idea Generators

Lisa Mason recently posted a wonderful article on how to manage a day to reduce distractions when writing as a Freelance Writer , "Avoiding Distractions to Write Better."

Lisa made some great points about managing a day that are appropriate when you can block the world out. However, there are occasions when you cannot or do not want to do that. Instead of viewing these distractions as interruptions, I have been trying to view them as idea generators.

Chunk uf the day in two hour increments

Every morning I get my cup of coffee, and I then check my email to see if I have any offers or payments. I then check my various publication sites for a) work due b) new assignments c) comments, and my progress. I get paid on the number of people that click or read my articles, and this residual earning share is called PPV or pay per views.

Sometimes I get frustrated if a site such as AC has technical problems and my page views from the previous day is not updated. I know the numbers are still being counted, but I use that count as my thermometer against my daily, weekly and monthly goals. If I hit less than I expected on a particular article, it means I must write more and vice versa.

With about 10 things that "must be done" and another 20 things that would be "nice to do", I set about my day and chunk it up. Reading takes two hours, writing takes 8 but I don't write in one sitting. I usually edit in the mornings but some days I feel a creative burst, and other days, I'm hard pressed to keep my eyes open. I try to spend a few hours each week getting to know new people and correspond with my existing friends.

Seasons change, moods change, focus time and creative time are all important

I allow my moods to lead me where I need to go within reason during the week, as long as I spend a little time doing each thing. If I'm burnt, I spend time growing my network or more time reading. Other times I might write 10 articles without coming up for a breath of air.

I start off by writing something fun, or easy. And then I begin with my assignments or featured contributor articles. If I capture an idea for an article along the way in my day, I will open a word document and write down some thoughts, or paste in a link that I want to go back to. I hit file save, and then file these in my to-be written folder that I review at night when I am in a more creative relaxed mode.

Spending time with family and friends, doesn't have to be "wasted time"

When I go out I find something interesting along my journey. I take photos and send them to my email for "future story ideas". If I'm out and about for a specific purpose, I try and think of an interesting angle for a story idea, like last week I went for a CT scan. I'll "report" on it, tying my personal life to my professional writing life.

When my sister phones, I think about the things she says, and I compare them with what I feel, or with what others have said. Is there an angle that isn't covered?

If I am on facebook, and I see an interesting story, I add my view to another "future story idea" and ctrl print copy; then paste to a word document for later analysis. If I see people bitching about something or "wishing" they could find a way to figure something out, I know there is a need, and I try to fill it. The ideas come at me faster than I can keep up.

Prioritize and find time for edits and writing, and relaxing

When I'm done with my 'must do's', I work on my 'want to's'. I edit things that are in progress, build on some of the articles I've started, or do some research. I try to post my articles at different times throughout the day. When they are published, I try and get them out on Google, Facebook, Twitter and other sites right away because I have found it helps me remember to do it.

After doing school, dinner, and family, I will return back to my computer often times to read other peoples articles, to participate in blogs, or upload photos until 1 or 2 am. .

Every where I look, there is content for 'everygreen' material on life's funny or special moments

When my daughter or husband "interrupt me" to talk about their lives, I think of it as possible content. I am also intensely happy that I'm around for a change, and a part of the household, rather than just the bread winner who went to work every day. It has given me a new perspective on things that have been all around me that I just failed to notice.

Some of the greatest comedians and writers have been the ones that take life's little disruptions and turned them around so that we could see how funny we can be. I think of Erma Bombeck, Andy Rooney, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Julia Child, and so many others, the list becomes too long to write. But I'm sure by now; you get what I am saying.

Changing the perspective, and managing our reaction to the disruptions, can give us the power we need to energize if we let them. Oh yeah, and thanks to Ron Hart for the idea on the article topic. Seems he was frustrated too.