30 Days of Encouragement for NaNoWriMo (and other writers, too!)
If you’re using a computer to work on your novel, as I imagine most of you are, I’m sure you’ve been distracted during writing sessions by the siren call of Google Reader, Twitter, news feeds, or Facebook by now. I’m guilty of checking Facebook six hundred times in a row just so I don’t have to get back to what I’m supposed to be doing — it’s a perfect timesink. Luckily, there are remedies for people like me.
During your writing time, make a commitment to not browse the web or check email. Turn off any program that gives you pop-up notifications so you won’t be tempted to take a look. You can even use something like LeechBlock (a Firefox Add-on) to block certain sites for a set period of time.
Another great tool is a simple writing environment that’s designed to be used in fullscreen. I use Ommwriter but WriteRoom is another good one. There’s also DarkRoom for Windows users. These programs can block out any other distracting windows and leave you with just your words.
Turn off the phone, shut down the wi-fi, and put on your headphones. It’s time to work!