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?
My life is riddled with less-than-idea situations having 4 kids and a husband who's never home to help. Being a mother, there's no end to the children demands. (Mommies are in higher demand than daddies, too.)
ReplyDeleteI make time to write, that's all there is to it and that's an important factor in keeping focused as well. As I go about my day, I put the story idea on the back burner, always tending to it by bits so when the kids have been tucked in at night, my mind is brimming with thoughts.
Best wishes, Rich!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!
PS--congrats on your new critique group! You have yourself a great group of gals! <3
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I love the idea of tending to the story in bits while you can't write. It is something I'll try harder to do. When I sit down to write and struggle to get started, it's frustrating. Thanks for the idea. (My critique group rocks, and they have helped my book a huge amount.)
ReplyDelete