When I took up writing again conditions had to be perfect for me to write. Home had to be quiet. I needed a lot of time to get myself "in a groove." Any interruption killed the desire for writing. Since being at home meant the exact opposite of those things the library was my writing sanctuary.
Over Christmas I tried fixing that problem. I wrote even when I wasn't in the mood or the kids were loud (within reason). My laptop was left up in case a window for writing opened. The result was mixed but I learned a few things. If I kept my story in the back of my mind then even after an interruption I might get back into it. If the kids knew what was up they kept a little quieter. The experiment worked. To a degree.
The best help I've found it writing often. For my critique group I've been forced to write more often, and that has helped me write better when life around me is loud and complicated. I think it's because I can tune things out better but also, I know the story really well. It is often present, and so it's not hard to jump into it. Some days I'm so excited for the next part I just want to get writing, even if I only have fifteen minutes.
What tips do you have for keeping focused on your story in less-than-ideal situations?
