whispermoose asked:
This isn’t really about motivation problems or writers’ block or any of that. Often, I *can* get myself to sit down and work on something, but I can’t *keep* my attention on it. I find I can only write a few sentences before my mind starts wandering. Eventually, I force myself back to writing, write a few more sentences, and my mind wanders again. It’s not that I’m not interested in what I’m doing, because I am. I just find that I have difficulty focusing my attention.
This isn’t really about motivation problems or writers’ block or any of that. Often, I *can* get myself to sit down and work on something, but I can’t *keep* my attention on it. I find I can only write a few sentences before my mind starts wandering. Eventually, I force myself back to writing, write a few more sentences, and my mind wanders again. It’s not that I’m not interested in what I’m doing, because I am. I just find that I have difficulty focusing my attention.
Does anyone else have this issue and what are some ways you try to improve your focus and self-discipline? How do you keep your mind on what you’re doing long enough to really accomplish something?
Mary
Sara
I take my ADHD medicine
Carter
okay i’ve been writing for TEN years and i’ve only finished one story of mine. i get distracted so easily that i just keep writing different stories every day. but i’ve been getting better and i can keep on a story a lot longer than i used to. my trick is that i tell my friends about my stories and ask them to read it. if they like it they urge me to continue to write it so i have a motivation to keep on writing. and if that doesn’t work out i write two different stories at the same time. it’s really hard but if i get bored with one i can move to the other one and move back to teh other one when i’m bored with the second on. sometimes watching movies or listening to music helps me focus. it’s just all about what you prefer to do while your writing that helps you to focus. hope that helped.
answer mine please:
Carlos
Make sure the area around you is clean and completely free of any distractions. I also find that it helps to stay away from the computer/notebook for a long time and just think about the story until I can’t help but write out what I’m thinking. It might help you, too, if you know where you’re going with it. -shrug-
Kyle
Im always so distracted when Im writing! I think it’s because at the time it always seems like there’s something more important to do and writing can be put off. What I do when i find myself getting distracted, I take all my stuff (notebook/laptop, pencils, paper, an apple, and a desk lamp) and go to the crawl space in my basement or my closet and write till I get at least a page done. Another thing Ike to do is wake up at 5:30 (when no one else is up) and start writing. Above all, I attempt to have fun with writing. I try not to turn it into just another chore. If you do, chances are you’ll give up on the idea of freelance writing very quickly. And, if that happens, you’ll just feel disappointed in yourself again for failing to follow through on your dream.
Zoe
I usually set the mood which means playing some music that fits the scene or if its a night scene like a dream or just night I like to close the blinds shut the lights off and light some candles if you really get into it not just in your mind but physically it really helps
Good luck!
Dominic
honestly, i’m suffering from it right now. I am writing a screenplay and have the entire story mapped out. All that is left is to get in written. (of course, dialogue and such do need the creative touch, but that’s not the problem.) I just can’t seem to sit and write, and I don’t have a solution for you. I go through these phases and then knock out 50 pages in a few days. Just like I don’t have an answer to the never ending How do you come up with your ideas? I don’t have the elusive answer to your question.