Comments on: How to End Writing Interruptions

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 23 May 2019 02:48:30 +0000

It’s so hard for me to get things done when my wife is at home. It seems like every time I get in a flow, she asks me for a sandwich or some chips or a drink or something.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 16:57:58 +0000

In reply to Anne Wayman. Anne, I agree that we should make allowances for the right kind of interruptions, but they should be relatively infrequent.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 15:29:51 +0000

One of the reasons I work at home now is for fewer interruptions. And I’ve learned to tell folks I’m writing and train them to accept that and go away. Usually.

I’d also like to speak up in favor of being interrupted. After all a major part of the reason many of us became freelance writers was to control our own time. The right kind of interruption for me has included: a young candidate for our local city council – led to a column for me; comforting a friend; renewing an acquaintance… etc. etc. etc. And yeah, the trick is to balance these with productivity.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 16:13:43 +0000

In reply to Cathy Miller. I hear you, Cathy. We have to make priorities, and often family has to come before work.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 13:27:34 +0000

Sounds good, John, but family has its own dynamic – especially if it’s your mother. 😉

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 21:15:50 +0000

If home is too crazy, try a nearby library. I spend a lot of time at Southern Oregon University’s library, and also at the student union (which is mostly white noise, so I can block it out).

There’s software that blocks the Internet for a set amount of time, but I just usually put the Internet in airplane mode. Of course, I have more willpower than some.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 20:41:37 +0000

Enjoyed this post, John.

I find it very hard to write at home at all. With young children and other family and household commitments there is always something else I could be doing.

Boundaries are great, but you’ve got to be clear and firm.

re: The Internet – have you used any “blocking” software, or do you disconnect altogether?

Cheers!