A writer’s battle against the -tions: procrastination and distraction
Writers hate a lot of –tion words–particularly procrastination and distraction.
Procrastination isn’t my worst enemy. At least it’s not as a formidable a foe as distraction.
Distraction is a shape-shifter: it takes many forms. Mostly, it takes the form of something that ends with .com, and is accompanied by its favorite –tion travel pal: justification.
- Chapter 1: I’ll just check my stats on my blog. That’s legitimate. I need to make sure things are going well with my site.
- Chapter 2: Oh, and while I’m at it, I’ll just pop over and check my twitter. That’s important too.
- Chapter 3: I’ve been meaning to look up… for my novel. I really should understand that better before I finish that next chapter.
You see, justification helps distraction until I have wasted 1, 2, or 3, hours without getting to the task at hand.
But, I, too, have a secret weapon.
It’s the off switch on that little internet box. Bye bye, demons. Cell phone’s in the other room. I am perfectly safe to sit down and write those query letters, which is exactly what I am doing right n… Hold on.
Ergh. Distraction, you’ve shape-shifted again. At least you helped me into a useful
–tion: production, accompanied by inspiration.
Those aren’t such bad –tions, after all.
And the query letters await.
What are your best procrastination and distraction techniques?
Social media, games via social media and television.
Excellent point, Amber. These can all be major distractions.
Excellent post. I find I am trapped by distraction and procrastination, too. But I don’t think the problems are particular to writers: everyone I know has to deal with distractions at some point during their day. Makes me feel better! 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy. I am glad this could be helpful to you in some small way. What are you writing?