Web-stractions: Don’t Let Virtual Diversions Stop Your Writing January 22, 2009

While my writing year has started off on the right foot, I’ve been dealing with a lot of web-stractions (web-related distractions) lately.  For instance, earlier this month I was writing a scene for my novel and became stumped (one of my characters is the head chef of a Senegalese restaurant in Brooklyn).  Instead of letting the story flow I decide to stop writing and begin a quick Internet search on traditional Senegalese food.  That was my first mistake.  I was researching when I should have been writing.  It took one idea to push me into a completely different direction.  Now hang on tight because you’re about to join me for the rest of my virtual roller coaster ride.

As soon as I began searching for information on Senegalese cuisine I found loads of interesting stuff to use.  I ascended high in the web-straction roller coaster ride with a pile of information and newly created bookmarks.  Since I was already online I decide to check my email messages.  I spotted an email from my editor about a potential assignment and sent her a reply.  I did some twists and loops on my virtual ride as I looked up sources for a few other ideas.  At some point I hung upside-down for a while checking out my favorite blog sites before I headed back down to what I was initially doing.  What was I doing again?  Oh yeah, I was writing.

It’s amazing the amount of time I lost becoming sidetracked.  Right before my eyes my one-hour writing schedule became a three-hour ordeal.  Although I eventually met my daily goal it wasn’t without interruption which also created an unsteady writing flow.  So now I’m in the habit (at least doing my best) of dedicating my full attention to writing without engaging in web-stracting activities.  There’s time to surf the web after I’ve done what I’m supposed to be doing.

The Internet is a phenomenal playground of information right at our fingertips.  However, using the web ineffectively adversely effects my productivity.  So I had to tack on some ground – actually virtual – rules when I’m in writer mode.  Check them out:

1. Just write!  It’s a simple notion but very hard to do when an abundant source of information is just one click away.
2. I’ve created an accountability writing schedule.  It’s a calendar that I created using Gmail and I share it with a few people.  Its purpose is two-fold: They know when I’m unavailable because I’m writing and my friends keep me on track by checking in on my writing progress since they have access to what I should be doing.
3. To avoid checking facts and information online when I’m writing I just type “QM” (meaning question mark) in the space and return to them later.
   
4. Most importantly, I keep my Firefox web browser closed until I’m done writing.  That way I’m not tempted to check my email, read blogs or worse hear the chime of my instant messenger.

What’s your web-stracting kryptonite?  Do you have any tips on how to avoid distractions while writing?

Share them here.