How Not to Write

I find all sorts of things that prevent me from writing those fascinating articles that everyone wants to read. Here’s a list of my top five excuses for not writing.

Sometimes I think I’m not really a writer. I’ve written articles and blogs online, and for newspapers and magazines in print, but I don’t always feel like I have something just bursting to get onto the page. Writing is hard work for me and sometimes it's just hard to sit at the desk.

I live alone with my two dogs so I shouldn’t have too much distraction. No kids, no phone calls, no one at the door, just the occasional dog walk. Somehow I still manage to find ways to get out of writing. Here's some of my favorite excuses.

1. I'm Hungry

Fortunately for me, I can always eat a little something. Unfortunately, without a real income, there’s not much in the cupboard to eat. I have a good supply of canned corn and green beans. Oh, how ever so tasty. (Yes, that was a little sarcasm.) The message here is I’d better get busy if I expect to continue to eat real food.

2. My Back Hurts

My Chair

This chair is way too hard and I have to stand up every so often and move around. That in itself is not a bad thing. But getting up every five minutes sometimes has a negative effect on the thought process. My more comfortable chair broke and I need to put a bolt in to fix it. I’ll try to stick it out until I absolutely have to move.

3. Noises Outside

I hear noises outside and have to look out the window to check it out. That’s not really necessary since I’m living in a trailer park at the moment. There are always noises outside. There are people coming and going, talking, cutting the grass, walking their dogs and really, they can do all of this without my supervision.

Willis RV Park

4. Things to Do

My Todo List I just remembered something I need to do. Well, that happens a lot. Mostly it’s looking for things that I can’t find, like my truck registration or seeing if, by some miracle, my cash has multiplied in my wallet while I wasn’t looking. Or maybe I should fix that chair. I now keep paper and pen by my computer so I can write myself a to-do list.

5. Social Obligations

I need to check my email and Facebook and see if anyone has left me a message. I need to check my other writing sites and see if my stats have changed, or if anyone at all is reading my stuff. I need to check Etsy and Redgage and my new Zazzle store and see if I made any money, since I’m not making any writing. I need to calm down. Maybe I should just watch a movie.

movies

^{all photos by Lana Pettey}

Do You Ever Get Distracted When You are Writing?

Some Things Writers Might Need

	Laptop Desk with Built-In Cushion LED Light and Cup Holder Ideal laptop surface for use any time any placeProduct InformationThe Finelife Lap Desk is portable lightweight and easily creates workspace for writing doing your homework work... Only $27.99
	Boss Black LeatherPlus Executive Chair Boss Black LeatherPlus Executive Chair. Ergonomic office chair with lumbar support and pneumatic seat height adjustment. ~~$226.09~~ $85.63
	1899 Parker Jointless Lucky Curve Fountain Pen Print Ad (Memorabilia) (50431) An original vintage magazine ad removed from a magazine printed in the year shown. Print ads make unique gift items that can be framed as artwork. Shipped flat un-framed in plas... Only $13.95

Some Inspiration

Writer Niven Busch Lying on Sofa with Newspaper over His Face as He Takes Nap from Screenwriting

Poster

Poster

Updated: 06/29/2012, Ragtimelil

Thank you! Would you like to post a comment now?

What Are Your Solutions to Distractions?

Only logged-in users are allowed to comment. Login

Ragtimelil on 02/19/2013

I suppose so. We'll have to make the best of the situation.

Ragtimelil on 02/18/2013

Ha. I could really use one. Know of any good donors?

Ragtimelil on 07/13/2012

I've got all my windows covered to keep the sun out and keep it cool in here. I have to run to the window and peek through the curtains. Really!

Pinkchic18 on 07/13/2012

Your line, 'And really they can do that without my supervision' made me chuckle. I know the feeling, I often get distracted by the window in front of me too.

Ragtimelil on 07/09/2012

If it works, then it's the right thing to do!

cherylone on 07/09/2012

I usually play a quick game like Free Cell to clear my head and then back to work (well, I try anyway) it usually works.

Guest on 07/08/2012

I took a look and do have some suggestions....will message you privately...

Ragtimelil on 07/08/2012

Good heavens! 8-) I do have a blogger blog on crafts - as cheaptwills. Let me know what you think. I think I've put up almost too much advertising. I have two web sites too on Weebly. I'll have to study your post and get back to you.Really, thanks so much for the comments.and advice.

Guest on 07/08/2012

Lana,
I just visited your blogs and I just have to say this...:) - Your unconventional lifestyle, dogs, hobbies/etsy make you the perfect candidate for blogging...because people will feel your passion. You are, as someone mentioned, one of the wittiest writers I've encountered. Your lifestyle is unique and similar to mine in many ways...which gives me unlimited topics to write about and see results, too.

I won't be hypocritical, my rv blog is self hosted so I "own my real estate" etc...but I am doing VERY well with my 2 Blogger blogs (just back up your writing in case they ever shut you down).

Your wordpress.com blog can't be monetized due to their TOS, but blogger could be...and the content you have over there is what will draw people in! I would do a blogger blog on dogs, one on weaving, one about your lifestyle...do related articles on writing sites like this plus promote those blogs. You would get an audience that keeps coming back because of your passion in your storytelling, and being "real."

Geez...I probably should have just emailed you :) - But your life is full of interesting niche areas that people would love to tune into daily, to see what you have posted.

Maybe it is hard to rank one article at a time on individual sites, but blogger blogs to date have had heaps of google love for me...and once you have many posts up, you gain authority on the topic and rise in rank...make sense?

Also, once one is up, it is super easy to apply for Adsense (once they see you aren't just about sales, etc...write good content, submit that one site for approval...once you have Adsense, you can use it on any future blogs).

So maybe this will inspire you and you won't have distractions!! I started with Blogger and had a fantastic Adsense/Amazon holiday season, and it was only about 6 months old at the time. Totally pleased with them to date.

You can promote your other sites in the sidebars, etc. The only tip is to not put an outbound link to the same url in every post...you need to mix it up...there are plenty of helpful articles about blogger.

Ok...I'M DISTRACTING MYSELF from working/writing...too funny!

Ragtimelil on 07/08/2012

So true. I try to picture myself as one of those people who can sit and write and ignore whatever is going on around me.

Show all comments (28)

From Casual Writer to Professional Writer

The transition from occasional writer to one who is serious about making it a...

10 Ways to Keep Creative Writing Ideas Flowing

Tips and tricks to keep those creative juices flowing. If inspiration refuses...

Disclosure: This page generates income for authors based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google and others.