The pandemic has had a real impact on my ability to concentrate - and not in a good way. When once I found it fairly easy to read an entire book in one sitting, or write 1000 words in a session, now it takes much longer for me to find my rhythm. Between WhatsApp groups, news sites, zoom calls, homeschooling, and everything in between, the constant switching of gears has become a habit, almost an addiction.
If you're struggling to get the most out of whatever little pockets of writing time you have, here's a few suggestions that may help.
The Pomodoro Technique
This is out there on most productivity gurus' lists' and is one that I personally find quite effective.
Set a timer for blocks of 25 minutes, with a 5 - 10 minute break between those blocks, You get a longer break after the fourth 25 minute block so it's quite a good incentive to keep going.
The science behind this technique cites short, intense bursts are a great way to focus the mind, especially if you're trying to reprogram your brain after the last three years of the pandemic.
Write out of order
I call this inspired writing. This works really well for me although it can mean a bit more work during the edit phase trying to get it all to flow. Writing the part of the story that I feel most inspired by during a particular writing session is where my best writing comes through. I tend to write in a conscious stream of consciousness when writing this way which in turn keeps me writing, which then leads to a finished story.
Remember it's easier to edit words that are on paper rather than ideas or words in your head! More importantly, the next time you go back to that paper you have a landmark in the story to aim for and which helps guide your writing for that next session.
Plan your writing session
This is probably the most obvious and most prescribed by writing courses but it's effectiveness really depends on whether yoy're a planner' or a 'fly by the seat of your pants' kinda guy or gal.
If you're firmly in the latter camp, taking a few minutes to plan your writing session can help you maximise your time. Focus on the NOW, rather than the destination and plan a few pages at a time.
If you're a firm plotter, with a really detailed plot line and outline for your story from start to finish, have an objective in mind for your writing session and zoom in on the particular, scene or chapter you'd like to finish. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the big mountain of character descriptions, scene settings, etc. etc. ahead of you.
A great tip from Mr. Hemingway himself is to finish each writing session in the middle of the scene so that it's easy to pick up the thread the next time you sit down to write. Personally, I'd be too scared to lose the momentum, flow and inspiration to stop mid-scene, however, this is a good little piece of advice to keep in mind if you trust yourself to be able to maintain your writing momentum the next time you sit down to write.
Most importantly, set realistic goals. If you know you can only write for a limited period of time each day, don't set yourself a lofty 2000 word target for the day. You want to set yourself up for success so that your brain is less likely to resist the next time you sit down to write.
Make yourself a magical writing playlist or .......write in Total Silence
Growing up were you one of those kids that studied for exams in a quiet library or did you prefer group study and always need some background music on?
Chances are you probably like to write in the same way - in the quiet of your home or a library or in a busy cafe playing your favourite tracks.
Many writers cite music as productivity-enhancing, an aid to get them get into the zone. If that's you, summon your characters and scenes to paper using your favourite classical tracks or film scores. I hear anything by Ludovico Einaudi will bring you magical, wonder and adventure - perhaps just what you need to bring to your stories.
Beware though, searching for the perfect track could eat into that precious writing time, so procrastinate within limits : )
Happy Writing!
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