The Discipline of Writing
@CRK109 (14556)
United States
May 23, 2016 11:32pm CST
When I lived at my last place, I had a separate room dedicated to my writing. It was sparsely decorated and even though I sat near a window, there weren't as many distractions as I would have imagined.
Now that I've moved, I don't have anywhere dedicated only to writing. Distractions are everywhere! So I need to be disciplined within myself to write when I need to. When a subject hits me, I shut off the tv or music so that I'm sitting in quiet. I consider the subject matter from different angles until I know what and how I will write. And then I dive in.
For me, I find that if I write as quickly as possible, the thoughts don't leave me hanging and I won't go looking for distractions. I can get the thing written down and then have time for editing and rewrites.
For those times when I need to write longer pieces, I often write those in chunks of time for the same reasons. I need to write quickly and if I suddenly lose my train of thought, I walk away from it. I go and do something else until the train comes back.
I know we all write differently and under different circumstances. And that's great! We need to celebrate one another for those differences. Writing is not always easy and it takes time and ability and discipline. And over time those don't get any easier, but we sure can learn to sharpen our blades!
-Claudia-
images from pixabay
10 people like this
11 responses
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
24 May 16
i'm constantly surrounded by distractions :) i can be writin' 'way 'n movement'll catch my eye through one'f the many windows'n i'm off with the camera, lol. i lack discipline greatly.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (51027)
• Canada
24 May 16
The television or music playing has never really bothered me. I hate to be isolated when I am writing, things just seem to flow easier with a bit of background noise, glad that you are able to find a way to get your train of thought going. There are a lot of adjustments going from your home to the apartment aren't there?
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14556)
• United States
25 May 16
Yes, a LOT of adjustments. But there are so many better things about living in a small space for me. I actually enjoy cleaning now because I"m in a space that I can keep clean for a change! Going back to the old house makes me cringe. Someone else is going to have a lot of work to do while I sit back and relax! lol
1 person likes this
@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
24 May 16
I do have a dedicated space, but I don't always use it. I have learned to shut myself off from distractions. As you say, throw yourself in and write quickly. When it comes to editing, I often take myself off to my favourite cafe, sit in a corner and get on with it. The voices blur into a hum and seem to keep me going.
1 person likes this
@Drosophila (16571)
• Ireland
24 May 16
ya I find some days I just can't write to save my life.
Like I can't string a sentence together at all, thats bad, as my work is largely writing!
So I just tend to give up on those days and make up in others
1 person likes this
@CRK109 (14556)
• United States
25 May 16
I love writing because I can use my imagination so much! And that's always fun!
@CRK109 (14556)
• United States
25 May 16
That's true. I don't even have one anymore. But I'm slowly learning where my writing works better for me and how to keep ideas coming. It's a process!
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
25 May 16
When I want to be serious about my writing I work in a quiet atmosphere. Then hubs comes in and turns on the TV, sigh he just doesn't get it!!
@CRK109 (14556)
• United States
25 May 16
thanks! sometimes it's exactly what I have to do to keep coherent ideas coming. :)
@CRK109 (14556)
• United States
25 May 16
Having an extra room is so great! A home office is wonderful, but the sky's the limit for how you can use it!
