by Paty Jager
 |
| My writing area |
I’ve found that writing comes easier if I unclutter my mind.
To do this I write a list of the things I need to do that pertain to writing. Writing blogs, preparing for a blog tour, promotion, research…all these things need to be tackled and either written or placed in order of need. Once I’ve determined what has to be written now and what can wait, I can then write what needs done and then focus on my work in progress.
I have a dry erase board that I write down the blogs I need to write and the topics. As I get them done I erase the blog and send them off to the blog moderator.
Another thing that clears my mind and helps me write is to clear my writing area of any research books, maps, or other items that don’t pertain to the WIP. I can get easily distracted and if the only items around me have to do with what I need to write then I can stay on task and get the words on the pages and keep the story moving in a forward motion. But set a book about Gunslingers on my stack of books about Aztec ruins and I get pulled toward the gunslingers and forget the sacrifices and bloodletting that moments before had me enthralled. Yes, I’m like a magpie and forget my goal if a shiny new object catches my attention. Especially if I’m struggling with the story I’m working on. I can get distracted easier.
I participated in a Feng Shui workshop for writers several years ago and the thing that helped me the most was the fact you need a tidy area to work to keep your thoughts unclouded. I use that as a means to keep my space as clutter free as possible most of the time. With only my working research and necessary items on my desk.
I also can’t write if I have an event coming up unless I’ve taken care of all the details for the event. Books boxed up, posters made, newsletter sign up made, bookmarks, give-a-ways ready. Once all that is settled then I can put my mind back in the story.
Even though I beat myself up over not making self imposed deadlines, I can’t work on a WIP until I’ve cleared my mind of other tasks.
What about you? Can you write if your writing life is in chaos or do you need a semblance of order?
