Every writer has an arsenal of tools in their writing belt, so to speak, which help them make their WIP great. One of the greatest tools a writer has at their disposal is the world wide web. It’s great for researching, and the answers to almost all of life’s questions are just a mouse click away.
The internet is possibly one of the worst things a writer can have access to. Writers are notorious procrastinators, and I myself am guilty of this sin more often than not. And what better way to procrastinate than by web surfing?
Sometimes I am a little slow on the uptake. At the writer’s conference this past weekend, I had to manual connect to the internet. I didn’t really want the distraction of the web while in the classes, and I realized something. I could eliminate the distraction by simply not connecting to the internet. This is possibly the first time in my life I realized it is possible to be on the computer without being online.
I told you I am a little slow. I attribute this to my children.
This realization–that you don’t have to be online–has drastically changed my productivity. Now, when I get on my laptop to work on my WIP, I either disconnect the internet or pretend it’s disconnected. I forbid myself from accessing the internet for anything, even a writing-related question. It’s pretty much awesome.
I also learned about a writing app called Write or Die this weekend by Dr. Wicked. I am seriously considering buying it, because some writers whose opinions I value very highly swear by it. Time is something I don’t have a ton of (who does, really?) and so anything to boost my productivity is worth a shot.
Write or die has a free web app. Just scroll down and there is a little box that asks you what your goal is and how long you want to write. I totally swear by it. <br /><br />I found you on authors think tank and am you 1st follower! I went to storymakers too 🙂
Jennie beat me to telling you about the free version of Write or Die. I totally use it as well.<br /><br />I don't know what kind of computer you use but I have a couple ways to disconnect your internet just to social media as well. Here's my link http://writingwithshellyandchad.blogspot.com/2012/01/distractions.html<br /><br />I found you on Facebook as well. Hope to see more of you 🙂
Yeah, I tried out the free version for a few days and then decided to just pay the $10 for the desktop version…I LOVE it. In the three days I've been using it I've written so much more than I have in like the five years prior. And Shelly, thanks for the link! I didn't know you could disable just social media (which lets face it, is the real time waster). Speaking of being productive