Written to Distraction

"Where to write?"

That is the question that has been floating around my mind lately. I've recently signed a book contract with a fairly aggressive deadline. Like many of us, I also have a "day job", so finding the time to write isn't exactly a picnic, either. But it is still much easier than finding a location.

I live alone, so a noisy spouse, or children, or even a pet parakeet isn't an issue. Right now, I'm sitting here at my kitchen table, writing a blog entry, when I really ought to be working on my manuscript! (or maybe sleeping, as it is almost midnight on the West coast). But I'm not.

I've let myself eat up hours of time, just surfing, and giving half of my attention to the TV in the background. Oh, sure, I haven't come up with a total "zero" on my word count, and I've made up a couple diagrams that I needed for this chapter (it is a technical book, by the way). But I am really upset with myself for not fully concentrating on my work.

Back when I was in college, I found that the best way for me to concentrate on writing was to park myself at the counter of a local diner. In some respects, that was easier back then, since my whole level of "high tech" at the time was a Pentel automatic pencil and a pocket calculator. Now, because of the nature of my task, I need to have my laptop computer along for the ride. (At least it doesn't need a cup of coffee, too).

I did that the other night - took my computer off to the local Denny's, and managed to find a spot at the counter that had access to a plug. I think I got more done that evening than in the prior month! We won't worry about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years - along with their requisite travel, parties, shopping, etc... There was still plenty of "slack" time when I could have been writing, and really was just slacking.  

So, what is it about sitting at Denny's that is more effective than sitting at Cafe WoodyWindy? I think it is because of the very fact that I'm NOT at home, with the TV, and Internet access, and dirty dishes, and any number of other procrastination opportunities calling me. Taunting me. Saying, "Woody, why work on that book, when you can come and play with me?" Then, as pure as my intentions are, I succumb to the siren song of doing "anything except what I should be doing."

I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Some of you, "out there," (assuming you even read this obscure little personal blog entry), must also be fighting the distraction demons. How do you do it? Do you float them away on a sea of old diner coffee? Or is there another way?

- Woody -
Irrational Sanity is the genesis of creatitivity!