Top 6 Writing Distractions to Avoid

The internet
It can be hard to ignore the internet when you are sitting at a computer. This is one of the most common writing distractions that must be avoided. The internet is very addictive. Once you begin clicking on links and searching for websites, your writing becomes neglected. You will not be able to finish writing and stay focused if the internet is up on the screen.

Using the internet to help with writing is understandable. However, that should be the only time it is used. Nothing is more distracting than the internet. Writers usually have quick access to the internet while sitting at their computers. The best thing to do is keep the internet browser closed until you have finished writing.

Email alerts
The second most common writing distraction to avoid is email. You can check your email at any time during the day. Unless there is a very important message coming, there is no reason to look at it twenty times while writing. Some people set their computers up with alerts. These little sound alerts can destroy your productivity if you allow email to be a priority.

Telephone Conversations
There are times that telephone conversations are necessary. Writing is not one of them. If you want to be successful at writing, setting aside specific time for that is important. You should not talk on the telephone while writing. It will do nothing but take away the quality of your work.

This is a writing distraction that has become hard for some to avoid. You may not make any calls, but someone may want to contact you. This is where an answering machine comes in handy. The same suggestions apply to cell phones. There will be time for you to return any incoming calls when your writing has been completed.