1. Reading internet sites about how to write.
2. Formatting my manuscript.
3. Blogging about other things, such as photography, Boise, Florida, etc.
4. My cat Dewey. Teaching him new tricks, like sitting up and begging for treats.
5. Reading the Facebook writer’s groups
6. Searching for more online writer’s groups.
7. Reviewing the various new markets.
8. Testing out new novel writing software.
9. Contemplating attending a writer’s group or writer’s conference.
10. Writing “My Top Ten Writing Distractions
I don’t know if this is a true story or not. And sadly, I cannot recall who it pertains to, just that it was a famous author at the time. It took place probably in the 1950’s. I want to say it was Hemingway, but I can’t be certain, and Google and Bing are letting me down right now. Anyway, there was some sort of huge writer’s conference, and the auditorium was filled with writer wannabes. The keynote speaker was this great and famously successful author. The story goes that after an introduction and standing ovation, the famous author walked to the center of the stage, looked out at the hundreds of writer wannabes, and said this. “Why aren’t you home writing?” And then walked off the stage.
Whether it is a true story or not, I think there is some validity to the concept that if we all spent more time writing, we might become more successful. I’m not saying courses and workshops are not important, as obviously one needs to learn the skills necessary to write well. I am saying that today, with the internet and cheaper travel, potential writers can become overwhelmed with so many distractions. Attending local writer groups, attending workshops and conferences, participating in online writer forums to name only a few.
An excellent real life example: I sat down at my desk about 9 AM this morning. It is 1:45 PM now, and so far I have updated the WordPress themes and plugins on this very website, visited several writer forums, tested out yet another novel writing program, checked email and Facebook, wrote this blog post, made a sandwich (Roast beef, cheese, onions with loads of mayo and mustard) and sadly, I have not even loaded my novel file!
Almost five hours sitting at my desk, and guess what? Not one freaking word written on my novel.
So, my goal is to schedule time each day where I am committed to nothing, absolutely nothing but writing my novel.
Wish me luck.
Speaking of luck, I was just on google and saw that…..well, never mind. Gotta write.
