How to Avoid Distractions?

[Stormcat]

I use an online app for my writing. I like it because I can quickly look at other information online very quickly. Unfortunately, that very same internet access provides an endless supply of distractions.

Any advice on how to block out the distracting stuff and utilize the internet better for writing purposes? I can't block sites like Facebook and Pinterest entirely, because I use them as research tools as well as social media.

[Ralph Rotten]

You just have to learn self discipline.
...says the guy who is screwing around on a writing forum when he should be writing.

[ArrowInTheBowOfTheLord]

Try designing a reward system. Like, "if I spend this 1-hour block of time writing, and only writing, then I will watch such-and-such video. Or, after 1000 words, then I will check such-and-such social media."

For me, personally, I write longhand to keep myself focused, so I don't know if this would actually help or not. It's just an idea. It's how I make myself do homework, sometimes. . .

[Jeko]

My general ethos is 'If I'm distracted while writing this, so will the reader be while reading it'.

Keeps my mind on what I'm supposed to be doing most of the time.

[Jack of all trades]

Also, consider the possibility that you don't have a clear idea of what to write. Brainstorm. With someone, if you can.

I agree with Cadence, when you're excited about what you're writing it's more likely that the reader will be when reading it. (Which is why I hate the "sit down and just write" advice.)

[Jeko]

when you're excited about what you're writing it's more likely that the reader will be when reading it. (Which is why I hate the "sit down and just write" advice.)

Honestly, I don't think you have to be 'excited' all the time to write effective prose. The important thing is leaning how to stay focused when you're not excited. Be results-oriented rather than pleasure-oriented: today might be a hard day, but devote yourself to writing what you've disciplined yourself into putting out regularly and on the days you are excited you'll have more to work with, especially if you're editing anything on one of those days. And that will yield more results than waiting for the right feeling (which get more and more elusive the longer you wait).

[Roac]

Definitely just have to have focus on the story and getting it written down.

For myself, I am distracted all the time. And it is not just the internet. Life is full of distractions. However, I know that if I want to get anything finished and if I want to get better at writing, I need to push those distractions to the side and focus on the task at hand.

But man is it hard to do!

[MzSnowleopard]

I know at least one writer planning to get a second computer just for writing- nothing else.

[Stormcat]

Try designing a reward system. Like, "if I spend this 1-hour block of time writing, and only writing, then I will watch such-and-such video. Or, after 1000 words, then I will check such-and-such social media."

Eh, I've never been good with those reward systems. I can't keep a journal for the same reason.

[NathanielleC]

Every writer gets distracted. Even the ones you see on the shelves every single day have to push themselves to finish their three pages a day.

My advice: Let the distractions happen. Either that or find something you're okay with being distracted by. JK Rowling used Minesweeper and chewing gum. I've played way more than my share of Spider Solitaire.

Distraction is your mind's way of saying, "I can't work with you staring at the blank screen. Give your eyes something else to do for a minute or two."