Welcome to our fifth IWSG Day of the year for 2024.
IWSG is a writers' support group created and led by Alex J. Cavanaugh.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
This group is an immense help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities and successes or giving others encouragement and support.
So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Submissions: None
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and the hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Victoria Marie Lees, Kim Lajevardi, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!
INTERRUPTIONS AND DISTRACTIONS
Fifteen years ago, I realized that I would have to make a significant change in my life if I wanted to take my writing seriously. At that time, I was constantly interrupted by the telephone, friends, and neighbors. I also was distracted by text messages and emails because I had chosen to be notified whenever I got an email or a text message. It was horrible. Each time I would get in my flow, something would interrupt it.
I decided to do something dramatic and stopped all notifications, turned off my landline and mobile, planned certain days to go shopping, stopped using television to eliminate my dull moments, and developed a few other rules I won't mention here. It was challenging to adjust my life around what was important, but I knew I had to do it. Amazingly, these rules have become habits, and I still do them. For example, I go on my landline and mobile at noon.
My family and friends know if they need to reach me, they can text me and will hear from me after twelve PM.
Since then, I have written six days a week and had writing experiences where I am highly satisfied.
Have a lovely month of May.
Shalom shalom
Pat Garcia
That's awesome that you cut out the distractions every day so you can focus on your writing. It shows a real commitment to your writing.
ReplyDeleteWow! I’m not sure I could do that, Pat. You have wonderful self-control and determination!
ReplyDeleteI love how you disciplined yourself, Pat. That took fortitude and determination. It's what separates serious writers from the rest. I'm awed by you. Happy IWSG Day.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Pat! You made your schedule work for you, and you've experienced real satisfaction with your writing. My family and friends know to text my husband if they really need to contact me. I rarely notice a notification alert, and I forget to check my emails and phone. Happy writing in May!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great plan, Pat! Good for you.
ReplyDeleteNice. The part about family and friends knowing when to expect your response is great. No one need worry about you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
You are very disciplined. I admire your determination.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you made your strict rules work for you.
ReplyDeleteThank heavens I've never set my email to notify me whenever something new comes in. I could see it driving me nuts.
ReplyDeleteGood idea. Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteWow. It's hard to imagine having to employ changes in a point of life and gradually making it a habit. Have a nice month as well:)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great habit to maintain. I'm guessing it helps not only your writing, but your whole life.
ReplyDeleteWay to take charge of your writing life, Pat! I also love turning off notifications.
ReplyDelete