A Week of Writing in Austin
Writing is a passion, and it’s one of the three pillars of my Life Plan. So I’m intentionally planning times of intense writing.
This is the second time I’ve gone out of town for a week of writing. There are certain things I do to make it a successful week…
- I go where no one knows me and there are no expectations. I’m not going to disappoint anyone if I skip a meal or stay up late.
- I find a place with a refrigerator and a microwave, and I stock up on groceries the first night. I don’t want to have to stop writing to eat a meal.
- I go “dark” for 3 to 4 hours at a time. That means I close my email application, turn email off on my phone, close Facebook, close Twitter, and turn off phone notifications for text messages. No distractions, just focused writing.
- Then, I come up for air for about an hour at a time to eat, check email and Facebook, and sometimes go for a walk or sit outside for a change of scenery. After an hour or so, I go dark again.
- I have a friend who can track my every step. He is able to log on and see the exact location of my iPhone at any given moment–and I’ve asked him to text or call me anytime he wants to make sure I’m with my phone. That keeps me focused and on the straight and narrow.
- I also keep a Google doc constantly updated with my schedule and my whereabouts. My friend and my wife both have access to it. Writing down my schedule, and knowing others are looking at it, helps me continue to take steps toward my goal.
- Once or twice during the week I’ll go find a Best Buy or Buckle store to walk around in. It provides a nice diversion and a little exercise.
- I don’t listen to music or turn the TV on. I bring a fan to provide white noise in the background.
- I have a goal of writing 8 to 10 hours each day.
- I track my word count every day. Sometimes it feels like I’m not getting anything done until I see that I actually wrote 3,000 words in a day.
Those are my tricks–totally based on my wiring and personality. What do you do when you want to focus on writing or working on a project?
Posted by Tim Stevens
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10 comments
Cory
I appreciate this post. Why the whitenoise?
Tim Stevens
It drowns out the typical hotel noise (people walking down the hall or in the room next door). Plus, I tend to be ultra sensitive to clocks ticking and air conditioners creaking–so a fan makes everything go away.
Lee Cummings
Great stuff Tim. That really helped me think about my process a little more. For me, certain music helps inspire and keep me from going stir crazy. Also, I drink a lot of water. I love coffee but if I get to wired, I can't sit still.
inspiringworship
Very helpful insights & ideas that I will consider when planning my next writing/music project!
Rob McQueary
I prayed for you as soon as I read this post… and will keep praying for efficiency and clarity.
Tim Stevens
I'm so grateful for your prayers Rob.
Dave Ambrose
Sounds like a great book I read: How to Write A Lot. Great advice!
Eric
I like the advice on writing. I've been wanting to try something like this and I appreciate you including your system and process for writing. It can be intimidating to do something like this if you've never done it before.
acceptingresponsibility
If, as part of the New Normal @ GCC, I believe that writing is my missional impulse, it would be great to connect with other writers (and wannabe writers) there to encourage, equip and support me as a writer. I need tips like those found in this post. I need to hear from others who are now where I believe God is leading me to be.
Eleanor
That's a great system – it just sounds utterly dreamy to get away for that kind of focus. Personally, I've finally had to accept what distractions email, etc., can be. Every afternoon, I close email, log out of Facebook and Gmail, and turn off my phone, so I get at least two hours of concentrated writing in. It's harder than it should be, isn't it?