Tips for creating a focused writing environment.

• Go somewhere where nobody will bother you. If you live with rowdy folks, see if you can sneak to the library for some quiet. 

• If you cannot escape a busy household, explain to everyone in it that you’re going to need an hour or so to get some writing done: no interruptions unless someone’s dying. 

• Hang up a “Do Not Disturb” sign if you must.

• Find a spot with internet connection and a table. 

• Clean off that table.

• (Only keep resources on your table that will help you write – a computer, books and articles, and maybe a pen and paper. If the table is cluttered, tuck everything under the desk for a while. Just get it out of your way.) 

• Turn off your phone & sign out of all social media. Don’t turn it back on until you’re done writing for the day – 1-2 hours. (If you’re tempted to “check in”, just remind yourself that you have the rest of the day to do it. Let this time be uninterrupted.) 

• Get rid of anything else that makes sounds.  (Unless you're OK with a little music.)

• If you come to a dead end in your writing or brainstorming, just let yourself stop for a moment. Practice your deep breathing. 

• Now get back into it with a  free writing activity.

• If nothing seems to work and you’re feeling drained, let yourself stop. But set another time when you will start again, and stick to it.