Some of my writing projects are intense—i.e., upwards of fifteen, if not more, hours spent researching, writing, and revising. When I face those kinds of projects, I have to focus. It’s almost like developing tunnel vision. I focus on one task, and one task alone.
It isn’t necessarily easy, and some projects are more difficult than others. Because of that, I take steps to stay focused. I share them here because they might help another writer who’s in the long middle of an even longer project.
- Write a list. I’ve written about lists previously and may be developing a reputation for them. Lists help me prioritize what needs to be done so that I have adequate time for each task. In addition, they help me decide how to spread the work out so that I can give dedicated time to the largest projects.
- Put the phone on sleep mode. Some people use special apps and techniques to stay focused, but I’m generally good with putting my smartphone on sleep mode. The other option is to leave it in a different room; however, I can still hear any notifications that are still active. Sleep mode it is.
- Watch the browser. I have the Internet open if, and only if, I’m pulling up research. As a side note, I’ve already done the research prior to starting any writing project, be it a blog post or a white paper. It gets my head in the right frame of mind and prevents interruptions to the writing work.
- Set up rewards. If I’ve made a certain amount of progress, I’m allowed to visit Twitter or Instagram. It’s a small reward, but it works. I’ve used Pinterest, too, but it’s too easy to lose half an hour to that platform.
- Take breaks. I can work for hours at a time, but I’ve learned the importance of breaks. It’s good to get away from the work for a while. It lets me see things more clearly when I come back. For example, “What was I thinking when I used that analogy?!”
- Put on some tunes. Or don’t. My music habits change according to the work I’m doing. If I’m doing some intense writing, I can’t have any music playing. Less intense work, soundtracks. Fun projects, such as drawing, vocalists.
- Sit down. At times, there’s nothing for it but to settle into the chair and sit there for six hours. The writing life isn’t glamorous, and it certainly isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. It requires an iron will to sit in the chair and write until the project is done, or at least well on its way to completion.
- Remember whom I’m working for. My writing, minus this blog, is for clients, but I must always, always remember that my work is for another. I write for an audience of one. Because of him, I sit in the chair; I do the research; I complete the tasks set before me.
Staying focused during a writing project can be a challenge, but I hope the tips listed above will help you overcome yours. I know they help me with mine.
Image: Alexander Liden (Creative Commons)
[…] days, the writing life requires you to sit in the chair. Other days, the writing life ejects you from it. The words won’t come, no matter how long you […]