How to concentrate on writing
When I am up against a deadline and I absolutely, definitely have to get on with my work, I use a few tactics to force myself to concentrate:
- Switch off email. I don’t start Outlook (or if I do, I disable all the notifications that tell me I have new mail).
- Isolate myself. I use Bose noise-canceling headphones but don’t plug them into anything. The silence really is golden.
- Greed and guilt. I remind myself how much money I’m getting paid for a particular assignment and how ashamed I will be if I miss the deadline. This actually works sometimes.
- Stop with the blog already. When I’m pressed for time, distractions like blogging and hoovering become very compelling. Knowing this makes it easier to resist.
- Get up early. 6am is the most productive time of day for writing. No distractions. It also feels more virtuous than staying up late with work.
- Little treats. I bribe myself: ‘Matthew, if you write another 500 words, you can have a cup of tea and a biscuit.’
- Chunking. Setting a timer or alarm clock for 15, 20, 30, 50 minutes and doing nothing but writing until it goes off and then taking a break seems like a good way to make progress.
- Go full screen. Switching Word into full screen mode (from the view menu) eliminates all distractions but the piece I’m working on.
- Shitty first draft. Splitting the work into distinct writing and editing phases breaks the job down nicely and it takes off some of the pressure to ‘get it right first time’.
- Change location. Sometimes, if I’m really struggling to get started, taking a laptop or my notebook to a cafe and scribbling out something there - a fresh new location - is a good way to jolt-start an assignment.
Cartoon Copyright (c) The New Yorker, via CartoonBank.com.
Technorati Tags: Writing, Bose, blog, Word, productivity
Owen Lystrup wrote:
Great bit of advice, Matthew.
I laughed when I read the “treat” thing. I was thinking of a bit of candy or maybe an ice cream. Tea and biscuits must be a treat in the UK. Here, however, I think someone would probably have to make me eat it.
You misspelled “cna” by the way.
Always kidding you.
Thanks for your help a few days back!
Posted on 04-Jul-06 at 7:21 am | Permalink
Richard Millington wrote:
I have to agree with that. I worked on freelance for a few gaming magazines to pay tuition over the years. Points 3 and 5 resonate especially with me.
Posted on 04-Jul-06 at 7:34 am | Permalink
Nancy Friedman wrote:
Great suggestions. Here’s one more: Start in the middle…or the end…then back and fill. Sometimes a great lede springs into mind immediately; more often it doesn’t. Why pressure yourself to make it happen? Instead–to mis-apply a phrase–write what you know. Tell the anecdote, quote the quote, get to the crux of the matter. And trust (this is important) that the rest will fall gracefully into place.
Posted on 04-Jul-06 at 2:51 pm | Permalink
Phil wrote:
Very similar to my approach for getting design assignments going. Must be the same part of the brain that needs coaxing.
Posted on 05-Jul-06 at 1:17 pm | Permalink
Strive Notes » Top ten lists wrote:
[...] I’ve been running a few lists lately so I found Bad Language’s Top ten tips for top ten lists quite amusing. I’ve only recently discovered Matthew Stibbe’s blog but have really enjoyed reading it this past week. His How to concentrate on writing gave some very good advice too. I’ve bookmarked this site. You should too. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 7:32 am | Permalink
jcn wrote:
good advice.
however, i have to disagree with
#2, because music really helps me forgetting everything around me
#3, because if you are not satisfied with your job, or having a hard time, this can be a kill switch
#5, because some people (like me) have problems getting up early. if i get up before 7am it takes me almost an hour to get my morning stuff done. if i wake up at 8am, i can do it in 20 minutes.
and stating that working late is not virtuous just isn’t true. the dark, the silence, noone to distract you. all good arguments on working close to midnight.
the article is still a good read.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 8:28 am | Permalink
Frank’s Pandora » Blog Archive » Writer’s block wrote:
[...] If you get distracted easily, like I do, but still have to make a deadline, read these ten tips on how to concentrate on writing. They seem pretty obvious, but when you stick to them they might actually help you get the job done. Share this post:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 8:53 am | Permalink
The Lazy Canadian wrote:
Great ideas. I use some of those techniques, and have found a few new ones, too. Great article.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 9:08 am | Permalink
codian.net > ۾(ڵ) ϴ wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 9:41 am | Permalink
Bill Harper wrote:
I nice way to stop editing yourself during the first draft is to turn off your computer screen. Now you have no choice but to just keep typing. (Don’t forget to save, though. Find the keyboard shortcut before you switch the screen off.)
Bill.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 9:44 am | Permalink
dcrad wrote:
I dont really do any writing, but can relate to the tips a lots when I want to get something done.
Even more so with point 5, I’ve been trying to train myself in to the habit of getting up at 7am every morning in order to gain an hour or so every day of quality time to do things.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:02 am | Permalink
ozeseminars.com » Blog Archive » UntitledHow to get writing done wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:13 am | Permalink
El Diablo De Verde wrote:
If you’re on a Mac, Write Room is a new, “distraction-free” word processor. It’s kind of light-weight, but I think that’s the point. It’s quite elegant, and if they had a screenplay template, it’d be perfect.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:16 am | Permalink
Sapo wrote:
Nice, i always had problems to write (code) because of distractions, right now i should be coding, but i m posting this
I ll try to follow your tips, starting right now.. i m just gonna smoke a cigaret after fixing the bug the showed up yesterday.. hope i dont die from abstinence…
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:45 am | Permalink
Newley Purnell » Blog Archive » How to Concentrate on Writing wrote:
[...] 10 useful tips from Matthew Stibbe, who writes, “When I am up against a deadline and I absolutely, definitely have to get on with my work, I use a few tactics to force myself to concentrate…” [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:45 am | Permalink
Aral Balkan wrote:
I pretty much have the exact same Top 10 list in my head — it’s good to see I’m not alone
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:56 am | Permalink
Fannar Freyr Jónsson » Blog Archive » Lærðu að einbeita þér við skriftir á blaðagrein, bók og jafnvel við forritun wrote:
[...] Þessi grein hér hefur ágætis punkta. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:59 am | Permalink
The Inveterate Observer » Blog Archive » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Professional writer gives ten tips to improve concentration and get the copy written. Would work for other forms of writing and brain-intensive work too, such as coding.read more | digg story [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 11:10 am | Permalink
ChaZ wrote:
I find it better listening to music. I listen to heavy metal, but some trance / dance always does the trick for me.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 11:16 am | Permalink
Brad Strickland wrote:
I actually have a pair of the noise cancelling headphones from Bose. I only thought they were good from blocking out the wife. “Shes talking click… Shes not talking click… Shes talking click… Shes not talking” well you get the point. I think that is a great idea for those “I’m easily distracted” moments.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 11:20 am | Permalink
gregcareyandassociates.com » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 11:29 am | Permalink
Mertas wrote:
Thanks a lot. Simple but very useful. = )
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 11:41 am | Permalink
Jim wrote:
This also applies to programming/coding.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 11:50 am | Permalink
Mivyush wrote:
Hello!I am from Russia and I want to be a writer.
Thank you, How to concentrate on writing- very good advices.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 12:02 pm | Permalink
antiknijn wrote:
The silence tip is a good one, although I take a slightly different approach. I usually put on classical piano music, Chopin is a favorite. It really calms you down and helps to focus as long as it is not too loud and intense.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 12:12 pm | Permalink
The Cruft Of My Brain » Blog Archive » Writers block wrote:
[...] I stumbled across this blog entry. How to concentrate on writing. Usually these lists seem pretty silly to me but I find this particularly fitting. I’m often writing for work. Either proposals or customer documentation. Staying on task is quite difficult at times and for the reasons Matthew lists here. I think I’ll tuck this into my toolbox for the next time I’ve got to get through a writing assignment. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 12:42 pm | Permalink
Keith wrote:
This is one great piece of guideline to follow. In fact there are a few more to add on, such as, “Disconnect entirely from the Internet”, and “Put a small note on your desktop”. I’m sure all these little things help. Well, the main thing now is for me to “Stop Blogging“.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 12:45 pm | Permalink
Michael wrote:
I found that having a television in the same room, whether it’s on or off, is going to cause problems too.
Aside from that, agreed 100%, especially regarding early mornings.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 12:49 pm | Permalink
How to concentrate on writing » Hakuna Matata wrote:
[...] Tips are worth to bookmark if you are in similar situation. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 12:55 pm | Permalink
Gareth Powell wrote:
I write for a living. For me the trick is to start early and have a sleep in the middle of the day. All of the suggestions listed work although on newspapers noise is the norm rather than the exception. Now I think I could write in any environment, no matter how noisy.
The trick, mentioned by nearly everyone, is to get it down. Hammer away until you have finished the first draft and then go back and edit.
I would add one rule.
Tell your partner that if you are stopped for any reason death will ensue. It takes me about twenty minutes to seriously be in writing mode. Someone asking me ‘just’ to put out the garbage loses me forty minutes of high speed writing. And puts me in a rage. This is not clearly understood by non-writers.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:10 pm | Permalink
Eric Martindale wrote:
On point number eight, I go a step further and use Google Writely ( http://www.writely.com ) in full screen mode ( F11 ). The interface is much cleaner, less distraction. It’s also a bit more cheery.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:15 pm | Permalink
THe Negotiant wrote:
My tip - I write long pieces of text in notepad. No Formatting of anykind, just to get the words out. Otherwise, you’d be amazed at how much time I can spend determining font size, margins, line spacing, etc..etc..etc.
When I was in in college, I would sometimes have to just “copy con bob.txt” if I was really really despearate. Nothing makes me write like a blank DOS window.
Now that I’ve a mac, I just open textpad and write.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:22 pm | Permalink
craig wrote:
When I was writing my dissertation I worked initially in MS Notepad and save formatting until the end. Working in Word I found that I got distracted fiddling around with page settings, fonts, bullet points etc.
Also, mindlessly changing the point size on every heading on every page felt like a bit of treat once the hard part was over.
Re: #6 It was tea an Jaffa Cakes for me.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:42 pm | Permalink
Brent P. Newhall wrote:
Great list! I’ve also been helped by scheduling specific time to write — it’s harder to put off when I’ve cleared the decks specifically so I have nothing to do except write.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:46 pm | Permalink
How to concentrate on writing - lifehack.org wrote:
[...] You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Share and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers canshare and discover new web pages. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:47 pm | Permalink
Darren Armstrong wrote:
Owen Lystrup, tea and biscuits are a *right*, not a treat
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:48 pm | Permalink
Emmanuel wrote:
Why not plug the noise cancelling headphones into something? I’m still a college student (Junior at USC), but our pressures to complete writing assignments are pretty intense as well. Leaving the headphones unplugged lets you hear the silence, and eventually the pulse in your ears starts to resonate through the headphones. Putting on a slow, monotonous, and relaxed song (with no words, of course) is by far the best thing to have cycling non-stop while you write. After a while, you don’t hear the music, it just becomes part of your writing atmosphere. I’ve been able to hammer out 5 great pages of writing (about 1300 words) in only 45 minutes this way.
I guess, after all that beating around the bush, my advice is, just create an atmosphere that you feel most focused in, whether it’s compelte silence or through using something to block out all distractions.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 1:52 pm | Permalink
Concentrate at Quantum Thinking wrote:
[...] Some great tips on how to concentrate on your writing or coding. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:07 pm | Permalink
uem wrote:
WriteRoom is indeed fantastic, thx very much for the link
http://www.hogbaysoftware.com/product/writeroom
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:08 pm | Permalink
Niranjan wrote:
Nice compilation of ideas. Esp 2, 5 and 6 work great with me.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:18 pm | Permalink
Rats! In My Brain! » Archive du blog » How to Concentrate On Writing wrote:
[...] Seen on Digg: How to Concentrate On Writing. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:29 pm | Permalink
Jeremy wrote:
I’m glad I happened here. I’m currently authoring my second book, and I’m finding it very hard to get started on a fresh, new chapter (that always seems to be the case).
I’m a music lover, so I find putting on some of my favorite classical or choral music really helps. Then again, I sometimes find myself reveling the harmonies
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:33 pm | Permalink
Rod Trent at myITforum.com wrote:
How to concentrate on writing…
When I am up against a deadline and I absolutely, definitely have to get on with my work, I use a few……
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:45 pm | Permalink
Gan’s Weblog » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Link to: Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 2:52 pm | Permalink
WCG wrote:
For a full-screen, distraction free writing environtment, check out WriteRoom
(http://www.hogbaysoftware.com/product/writeroom)
This has increased my writing productivity like you wouldn’t believe, I really recommend it.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 3:10 pm | Permalink
encantada.nu wrote:
[...] thanks Kelly: how to concentrate on… [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 3:23 pm | Permalink
Mark wrote:
Getting started is often the hard part. If I’m feeling reluctant, I take the path of least resistance by starting with a little editing on yesterday’s writing. This is like a singer warming up on scales. Within 10 minutes, I’m usually warmed up, fully engaged, and ready to roll.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 4:37 pm | Permalink
Benny Chandra dot com » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] to concentrate on writing: Kurang satu: berhenti ngejunk di milis ID-Gmail! » | Refresh| [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 5:54 pm | Permalink
How to concentrate on Writing by Blogging Pro wrote:
[...] For the details that go along with each point, check out Bad Language. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 6:05 pm | Permalink
dz wrote:
those are some great tips and they dont have to be limited to writing.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 6:34 pm | Permalink
Andre Bar'yudin wrote:
The same approach works actually when writing code. “C’mon - fix another bug and I’ll get you a nice can of beer”
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 7:46 pm | Permalink
Running Sandwitch » 翻译：如何集中精力写作 wrote:
[...] 原址：Bad Language: How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 8:21 pm | Permalink
» Blog Archive » Need to write something? Got a deadline? wrote:
[...] This is also a good reminder for me. Here’s ten ways to stay focused and on task when you’ve got a deadline to meet. [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 8:59 pm | Permalink
Asgenar’s Writing Info » Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 9:00 pm | Permalink
Ioannus de Verani wrote:
brilliant
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 9:30 pm | Permalink
How to concentrate on writing: Inside the CBC wrote:
[...] Staying focused isn’t always the easiest thing to do, especially if one of many journalists or associate producers, grouped together in a series of veal-fattening pens ergonomic workstations. We stop and start. Throw out drafts. Get frustrated. And wish we could just lock ourselves in a dark room for a half-hour with no distractions and… just… write. Well, life isn’t fair, but I did find a great little article called How to Concentrate on Writing that has some good tips. Among the suggestions: [...]
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:07 pm | Permalink
impactednurse wrote:
Ah yes, if only we could make the rest of our lives go ‘full screen’, removing all unnecessary distractions and face a fresh crisp new page.
Posted on 06-Jul-06 at 10:42 pm | Permalink
Like Your Work » Blog Archive » links for 2006-07-07 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing (tags: writing) [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 12:24 am | Permalink
karlyns.com » links for 2006-07-07 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing (tags: writing) [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 12:29 am | Permalink
Ballinger’s Blog » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing These are suggestions from a professional writer for other writers; most are good ideas for students too. Found on Digg [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 1:44 am | Permalink
memor.ia blog wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing (tags: writing tips) [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 4:18 am | Permalink
Jennifer wrote:
Good tips.. I’m not a writer, but I’ve had to use some techniques like the above when doing other kinds of projects. The only ones I disagree with are #2 and #5: #2 because the silence would drive me batty, and #5 because I’m a night owl by nature and find that my brain tends to work much better at night than in my zombified morning state. Otherwise, though, it’s a good list.
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 4:41 am | Permalink
Bad Language / Overwhelmed and happy wrote:
[...] My post ‘How to concentrate on writing‘ got picked up on LifeHacker and Digg and yesterday I got an astonishing number of visitors, comments and emails. [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 6:49 am | Permalink
web design uk wrote:
I’ll bribe myself too. Finish coding this particular function and then i’ll let you have a cigarette break !
It works
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 9:10 am | Permalink
Aspiring Spirit wrote:
Related to #7 (Chunking), I use the 15-5-3 method. Here is how it works. Work on whatever task (writing, coding, etc.) for 15 minutes straight. No interruptions allowed. Then reward yourself with a 5 minute break to do whatever you like. Then repeat the process 3 times per hour. If you follow the plan, you should get 45 minutes of solid output for every hour of elapsed time. I find this method to be very effective for me. Especially since I am easily distracted. But if I know that there will be a break, I can concentrate. You will also find that the more you do this, the 15 mintues become 20, 30, …. resulting in more output.
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 2:52 pm | Permalink
Colleen wrote:
I do all of these things! All but the noise cancelling headphones trick. THAT idea is especially golden.
Excellent, excellent post!
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 3:26 pm | Permalink
Organic Mutant » Blog Archive » I’ve got to do this wrote:
[...] Some fabulous tips on how to concentrate on writing (something I want to do a lot more of (sorry for the hanging prepostition)). [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 3:34 pm | Permalink
Running Sandwitch » links for 2006-07-07 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing (tags: productivity tips writing) [...]
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 4:26 pm | Permalink
Jonathan wrote:
Excellent advice; thank you, Matthew! I have definitely found #6 (bribes) and #7 (chunking with breaks) to be helpful in my own experience. Regarding breaks, I find that it’s helpful to actually get up and get the blood flowing: take a brisk walk, do a few sets of pushups, etc.
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 4:37 pm | Permalink
Solopreneurial Tendencies wrote:
Concentration…
Matthew Stibbe at Bad Language gives us list of 10 Ways to Concentrate on Writing. While some of these items I practice religiously when I’m having a mental block or need a motivational jump start (which is most days), others are new to me….
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 5:05 pm | Permalink
JaneB wrote:
“Shitty First Draft” is a phrase famously connected with Annie LaMott (Bird by Bird, notably) and you are remiss for not crediting her.
Posted on 07-Jul-06 at 10:28 pm | Permalink
Reflections » Blog Archive » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] need to stop reading blogs and get some work done on my dissertation! (sighted on Blogging Pro) Comments(0)How Christianity is Changing China World Magazine has an insightful article on How Christianity isnormally link to article that require a subscription, but this is a magazine well worth reading.) Comments(0)Reinventing Jesus and Textual Criticism Justin Taylor writes on “Reinventing Jesus” and TextualHe summarizes some of the important issues regarding the accuracy of the text of the New Testament. Comments(0)Brittany McComb: Silenced At Graduation Valedictorian Brittany McComb of Foothill High School inApparently freedom of speech doesn’t apply to Christians sharing about what matters most to them. Comments(0)The Emptiness of Modern “Art” BBC News reports about a strange art display. “An artist’s sculpturethought that the display stand looked better than the art piece! (Sighted on Mark Roberts blog.) Comments(0)View more News andNotes… [...]
Posted on 08-Jul-06 at 5:37 am | Permalink
Matthew Stibbe wrote:
Rather than try to reply to each of these comments individually, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who wrote, commented or linked. I’ve made a list of new tips and posted that.
One small thing. Thanks to JaneB for pointing me to Annie LaMott. I haven’t read anything by her or heard of her but I guess I must have picked up the phrase ‘Shitty first draft’ in the ether somewhere and used it without realising the context. I’m going to have a look at her books now.
Posted on 08-Jul-06 at 6:52 am | Permalink
Bad Language / Readers’ tips on ‘How to concentrate on writing’ wrote:
[...] My post ‘How to concentrate on writing’ generated a ton of comments. It was wonderful to read through them all. Here are a few of my favourites (with links if the commenters gave them): [...]
Posted on 08-Jul-06 at 6:53 am | Permalink
blog.forret.com | links for 2006-07-07 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing # Switch off email. # Isolate myself. # Greed and guilt. # Stop with the blog already # Get up early # Little treats # Chunking # Go full screen # Shitty first draft # Change location (tags: writing tips productivity editing procrastination) [...]
Posted on 08-Jul-06 at 8:17 am | Permalink
Long Legs » How To Get Things Done wrote:
[...] I found this page that offers a few tips that seem pretty straight-forward. Still, I think I need a better cure to… just get things done. Help me to get things done! (Selling or simply not using my delicious computer is not an option). [...]
Posted on 08-Jul-06 at 9:38 am | Permalink
Duncan Jauncey wrote:
I’ve just implemented a Java version of WriteRoom, called JDarkRoom:
http://www.duncanjauncey.com/jdarkroom
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 10:32 am | Permalink
Life By Dictionary » Good Tips For Struggling Writers wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 12:17 pm | Permalink
links for 2006-07-09 at protocol7 wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing (tags: writing lifehacks productivity tips) [...]
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 12:18 pm | Permalink
Bad Language / Tools for writing: Distraction-free text editors wrote:
[...] I am easily distracted by things on my computer: email, blogging, IM etc. (More tips on how to concentrate on writing in my recent post.) Several people have recommended using a back-to-basics fullscreen word processor. Here are a few alternatives: [...]
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 12:25 pm | Permalink
Podcast Browser » Blog Archive » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Professional writer gives ten tips to improve concentration and get the copy written. Would work for other forms of writing and brain-intensive work too, such as coding.read more | digg story [...]
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 1:40 pm | Permalink
Logan wrote:
Very nice article!
But I do have to disagree with the early morning stuff. It takes me a while to wake up if I have less than 8 hours of sleep, and I enjoy working late so 6am is just screwed. =P
But I liked it. Found it from Digg.
…Logan
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 8:58 pm | Permalink
neon wrote:
Practice and practice again. It’s the only way to mastery. Write anything every day. Don’t think about it too much, just start writing. It makes wonders for me.
Posted on 09-Jul-06 at 10:35 pm | Permalink
生活帮-LifeBang » Blog Archive » 如何专心工作 wrote:
[...] 原文链接 [...]
Posted on 10-Jul-06 at 12:52 am | Permalink
COLD CASE » Blog Archive » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] read more | digg story [...]
Posted on 10-Jul-06 at 7:11 am | Permalink
FriendsWithManagers™ » Blog Archive » LNK: Ten Tips for Writing wrote:
[...] Ten Common Sense Tips on how to concentrate while writing (but could easily be applied to anything that requires thought). There have been 0 responses to this entry. This entry was posted on Friday, July 7th, 2006 by Joshua Hynes at 7:32 am and is filed under Links. You can follow all entry comments through this RSS 2.0 feed. You can trackback to this entry through this URI. [...]
Posted on 12-Jul-06 at 3:35 am | Permalink
nowhereman wrote:
4. Stop with the blog already.
heh nice blog.
Posted on 12-Jul-06 at 5:20 am | Permalink
Attack of the Rob Bot! - proof that I use the internet » links for 2006-07-06 wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing - Bad Language (tags: copywriting productivity writing) Technorati Tags: This entry is filed under Links. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Leave a Reply [...]
Posted on 12-Jul-06 at 2:04 pm | Permalink
Better Communication Results wrote:
[...] I am easily distracted by things on my computer: email, blogging, IM etc. (More tips on how to concentrate on writing in my recent post.) Several people have recommended using a back-to-basics fullscreen word processor. Here are a few alternatives: [...]
Posted on 13-Jul-06 at 7:02 am | Permalink
Sérgio wrote:
You’d look very strange using Bose noise-cancelling headphones in a pub! Anyway, if it works…
(advices #10 & #2)
Just kidding… Good tips. :o)
Posted on 13-Jul-06 at 10:11 am | Permalink
straydog scraps » Scraps and Morsels 20060713 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing How to be more productive not just in writing but any kind of work you do. … (tags: advice productivity writing) [...]
Posted on 13-Jul-06 at 1:57 pm | Permalink
Linky na víkend 17 na depi.sk - IT & Life Weblog wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing – ako sa sústrediť na písanie [...]
Posted on 16-Jul-06 at 10:11 am | Permalink
links for 2006-07-07 at wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing Can I have a cookie? (tags: writing productivity tips) [...]
Posted on 18-Jul-06 at 1:50 pm | Permalink
Kreativrauschen wrote:
Konzentrationshilfen für Rechnerarbeit…
In dem Artikel “How to concentrate on writing” beschreibt Matthew Stibbe 10 Strategien, um sich auf das Schreiben zu konzentrieren.
Eigentlich lassen diese sich aber ganz generell für Arbeit am PC anwenden:
keine E-Mails
Isolation
…
Posted on 22-Jul-06 at 12:41 pm | Permalink
Bad Language / Music for working wrote:
[...] Mostly I use my Bose noise-cancelling headphones without listening to music at all (see my earlier post, how to concentrate on writing). Sometimes, however, music is essential to my work. I listen to different kinds of music depending on how I’m doing: wake up, get started, keep going, calm down, concentrate etc. Here is a list of my top ten but what works for you? [...]
Posted on 24-Jul-06 at 6:27 am | Permalink
Sistaweb » Noch kein Abschiedseintrag wrote:
[...] Schade, dass mir dieser Artikel nicht schon früher untergekommen ist. Mathew Stibbe, Journalist aus Amerika, schreibt über How to concentrate on writing: “1. Switch off email. I don’t start Outlook (or if I do, I disable all the notifications that tell me I have new mail). 2. Isolate myself. I use Bose noise-canceling headphones but don’t plug them into anything. The silence really is golden. (…) 4. Stop with the blog already. When I’m pressed for time, distractions like blogging and hoovering become very compelling. Knowing this makes it easier to resist. (…) 10. Change location. Sometimes, if I’m really struggling to get started, taking a laptop or my notebook to a cafe and scribbling out something there - a fresh new location - is a good way to jolt-start an assignment.” [...]
Posted on 24-Jul-06 at 8:39 pm | Permalink
Michel Leblanc, M.Sc. commerce électronique. Marketing Internet, consultant et conférencier » Les nouvelles qui ont retenu mon attention dernièrement… wrote:
[...] Se concentrer pour écrire [...]
Posted on 03-Aug-06 at 6:16 am | Permalink
CoffeeCritters - » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Link [...]
Posted on 08-Aug-06 at 8:23 am | Permalink
Programming » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Professional writer gives ten tips to improve concentration and get the copy written. Would work for other forms of writing and brain-intensive work too, such as coding.read more | digg story [...]
Posted on 24-Aug-06 at 7:18 am | Permalink
Totem Consult wrote:
Astuces) > 10 (+1) truc pour se concentrer sur la rédaction d’un document…
Matthew Stibbe, rédacteur en chef de Articulate Marketing, nous livre, dans un billet récent de son blog (www.badlanguage.net), les dix trucs qu’il utilise lorsqu’il doit se concentrer sur un document à rédiger (et qui est un peu à la bourre)….
Posted on 28-Aug-06 at 7:55 am | Permalink
technofornication » Blog Archive » [Howto] blog pro and stay mentally sane wrote:
[...] 3. Try not to multitask while blogging. Post in short but efficient periods of time. Just cut to the chase while redacting, and avoid being distracted from your principal task, or getting lost on the websphere.. even if it’s hard! You are more more efficient when focused. And you’ll learn better too. [...]
Posted on 28-Aug-06 at 2:11 pm | Permalink
Bill Kruse wrote:
Imagine a man kicks in your door, puts a gun to your head and says “Write!”.
You’ll write.
BB
Posted on 01-Sep-06 at 6:57 am | Permalink
tunisian guy wrote:
it’s obvious to give tips for writing..
every body is different !
it would be better to say :
these are the tips working on me !?
my self i liked them but instead of taking it as it
i will make my very personal tips..
something that may work with me
thx
Posted on 18-Sep-06 at 5:37 pm | Permalink
Stumbles for 9/22/06 at LifeDev wrote:
[...] How to Concentrate On Writing 10 Ways to Get ‘er Done These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
Posted on 22-Sep-06 at 7:35 pm | Permalink
Amit wrote:
Cool man….i will too try out these things
But i am not sure whether they will work for me or not
Posted on 25-Sep-06 at 9:51 am | Permalink
radioseo blog » Blog Archive » How to Create Content, Build Links and Increase Search Rankings by Marketing with the Digg Effect wrote:
[...] How to Concentrate on Writing Here’s some advice all article writers could use now and then. Matthew Stibbe created a short list of 10 ways to focus on getting writing done. [...]
Posted on 26-Sep-06 at 4:27 pm | Permalink
Michael wrote:
In Joan Bolker’s excellent “Writing your dissertation in fifteen minutes a day” whe tells the story of a poet who wrote a lousy first draft, but then proceeded to hone it 17 or so times. She then makes the point that everyone’s first drafts are lousy - it’s where you take them to afterwards that’s important, and concludes: First make a mess, then clean it up. That is, that first lousy draft is an essential way to get to the other drafts.
Not as colourful as “a shitty first draft” but much the same message.
regards
Michael
Posted on 05-Oct-06 at 9:07 pm | Permalink
The Stingy Scholar » Blog Archive » Mouse Party wrote:
[...] Some concise, practical tips on how to turn off distractions and focus on writing. [...]
Posted on 22-Oct-06 at 5:31 pm | Permalink
Bad Language / How to work from home wrote:
[...] Keep work and home separate. Ideally, you need a separate room or outbuilding for work. It’s good to shut the door on work at the end of the day. It also shuts out distractions. I also use Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones with noise-canceling but no music to shut out sounds from outside. (See my earlier post on how to concentrate). [...]
Posted on 07-Nov-06 at 11:06 am | Permalink
mobmash blog » Blog Archive » links for 2006-11-22 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing (tags: personalgrowth motivation productivity) [...]
Posted on 22-Nov-06 at 12:32 am | Permalink
Psybertron Asks » Productive Time Management wrote:
[...] Great little piece of Bad Language from Matthew Stibbe (via Matt Bartlett) with some useful and witty hints on writing to a deadline. I need all the help I can get. [...]
Posted on 28-Nov-06 at 1:53 am | Permalink
LaurieG wrote:
I have discovered that the Brain Gym’s PACE method is a great way to center myself to prepare for “cognitive heavy lifting”. Originally designed to help children get ready to learn, it helps me get rid of the ‘jitters’ that prevent me from truly tuning in and getting on with my work. It sounds silly, but give it a try. It’s described here: http://www.ysu.edu/rdg-studyskills/PACE/introduction_to_pace.htm
Posted on 28-Nov-06 at 10:53 am | Permalink
[Mauvaises pensées d’un consultant] :: 10 trucs pour se concentrer et écrire [en] :: December :: 2006 wrote:
[...] Un post court et bon, dans un blog que je ne connais pas, sur les trucs et astuces pour écrire quand il faut vraiment s’y mettre; la discussion qui suit (dans les commentaires) vaut le coup aussi… [...]
Posted on 20-Dec-06 at 4:28 pm | Permalink
meish dot org » links for 2006-07-06 wrote:
[...] Bad Language / How to concentrate on writing (tags: writing productivity lifehacks tips) [...]
Posted on 05-Jan-07 at 7:10 pm | Permalink
CZ wrote:
The soon to be released Scrivener (OS X only) has a full screen mode, in addition to many more features that can help a lot of writers.
Posted on 07-Jan-07 at 6:00 pm | Permalink
Sunspots: The MV = PY edition wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing “When I am up against a deadline and I absolutely, definitely have to get on with my work, I use a few tactics to force myself to concentrate…” [tx MS] [...]
Posted on 08-Jan-07 at 3:36 pm | Permalink
Top Blogs » Blog Archive » 10 Tips to get some work done wrote:
[...] the rest at Bad Language Tags: Writing, Concentrating, [...]
Posted on 05-Feb-07 at 9:49 pm | Permalink
75 Resources That Will Help You Write Better Content · un/popular web culture wrote:
[...] Concentrating on Writing [...]
Posted on 13-Feb-07 at 9:48 am | Permalink
Bugga wrote:
Good info!! but i kinda lost interest and CONCENTRATION after the first comment…anywayz, c ya all later! Id go for a Cigarette right now!! (sapo)
Posted on 02-Mar-07 at 5:30 pm | Permalink
rd wrote:
great tips. especially the full screen one,
only problem, ive just spent close to 20 mins reading the comments, what a waste of crucial essay writing time!!!
Posted on 08-Mar-07 at 8:50 pm | Permalink
Bad Language / In praise of earplugs wrote:
[...] Concentration [...]
Posted on 22-Mar-07 at 6:23 am | Permalink
Sam Tilston wrote:
I’m even having trouble sleeping let alone writing will all the noise these days. Constant bombardment of emails, text messages, phone calls and beeping machines. Give it a break!
Posted on 29-Mar-07 at 4:12 pm | Permalink
Santosh wrote:
I am not a writer. The problem with me is switching from one task to another. The solution I try is to take a few minutes break between the tasks to meditate i.e. to make my mind blank. Works sometimes!
Posted on 10-Apr-07 at 10:40 pm | Permalink
Carlos Leopoldo wrote:
Cómo concentrarse para escribir…
Esto es una traducción libre del inglés al español del artículo “How to concentrate on writing“, escrito por Matthew Stibbe, el cuál encuentro muy útil para todas aquellas personas que escriben en su blog o simplemente para tareas esc…
Posted on 15-Apr-07 at 7:09 am | Permalink
mustsuccess.com wrote:
How to concentrate on writing…
When I am up against a deadline and I absolutely, definitely have to get on with my work, I use a few tactics to force myself to concentrate:
1. Switch off email. I don’t start Outlook (or if I do, I disable all the notifications that tell me I h…
Posted on 16-Apr-07 at 6:22 am | Permalink
air jordan wrote:
Keep work and home separate. Ideally, you need a separate room or outbuilding for work. It’s good to shut the door on work at the end of the day. It also shuts out distractions. I also use Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones with noise-canceling but no music to shut out sounds from outside.
Posted on 26-Apr-07 at 12:08 pm | Permalink
Tony wrote:
Great little piece of Bad Language from Matthew Stibbe (via Matt Bartlett) with some useful and witty hints on writing to a deadline. I need all the help I can get. and do you konw where a\i can buy wood nike shoes and wood car ,thanks !
Posted on 05-May-07 at 6:29 pm | Permalink
Notebook » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] Bad Language 1. Switch off email. 2. Isolate myself. [...]
Posted on 20-May-07 at 11:55 pm | Permalink
Karib Corner-Blog Reports » Blog Archive » How to concentrate on writing wrote:
[...] copy written. Would work for other forms of writing and brain-intensive work too, such as coding. read more | digg story Filed under: Tech [...]
Posted on 08-Jul-07 at 5:24 am | Permalink
Yoppy Soleman wrote:
Thanks for four article. GBU.
Posted on 12-Jul-07 at 3:12 am | Permalink
Wesley Atkins wrote:
Excellent tips. Im finding it extremely hard to concentrate on anything at the moment and this will help a lot.
Posted on 16-Jul-07 at 1:33 pm | Permalink
The Peculiar Club » Finding Inspiration for Writing wrote:
[...] amazing where we end up getting our inspiration. A sunset can launch a sonnet. The right encounter could start (or make the perfect conclusion) for [...]
Posted on 09-Aug-07 at 3:29 am | Permalink
Alidou Moussiliou wrote:
Right now, I’m preparing a technical offer and I’m not concentrated on it. And I check on google how to concentrate on writing and your link appears. Now I’m going to switch off my email and going to my paper, because I think about how much I’ll loose if I miss this assignment. Thank you very very much.
Posted on 20-Aug-07 at 2:18 pm | Permalink
shankar wrote:
I find that I program greatly if I chain my leg to the chair, with a rope and a clip lock. If anyone tries to make me get up (usually for some trivial thing) I point to the chain and say I can’t remove it for another hour.
Posted on 30-Aug-07 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Chris Jones wrote:
Getting started is often the hard part. If I’m feeling reluctant, I take the path of least resistance by starting with a little editing on yesterday’s writing. This is like a singer warming up on scales. Within 10 minutes, I’m usually warmed up, fully engaged, and ready to roll.
Posted on 31-Aug-07 at 3:18 pm | Permalink
Julie wrote:
I found this because I’m trying desperately to finish an article but simply can’t seem to concentrate. Out of sheer frustration, I typed “Concentrate” in my Google Toolbar and came across your post. I especially like the full screen idea. As soon as I submit this comment, I’m going to try that and hope like hell it helps
Posted on 24-Oct-07 at 7:22 pm | Permalink
ANARCHY-TV.COM wrote:
The real quesiton is: why are we forcing ourselves to do, things we don’t want to do? Why is life so shitty that we have to do this? Why can’t we be doing the things we *want* to do?
Posted on 15-Nov-07 at 4:31 pm | Permalink
Konst wrote:
Hello I just came across your page when i was trying to find some way of concentrating on the chemistry im reading i think it really helped me especially the change place hadn’t thought of it. Great Blog. Thanks for helping me and wish me luck on the test Matthew!!
Posted on 26-Nov-07 at 3:47 am | Permalink
Bob Page wrote:
My tip - I write long pieces of text in notepad. No Formatting of anykind, just to get the words out. Otherwise, you’d be amazed at how much time I can spend determining font size, margins, line spacing, etc..etc..etc.
Posted on 28-Nov-07 at 3:46 pm | Permalink
Bad Language / Multitasking makes us stupid wrote:
[...] here are a couple of previous posts that may help with concentration: How to concentrate on writing and Distraction-free text [...]
Posted on 29-Jan-08 at 6:03 pm | Permalink
Charlotte wrote:
A nice post. I really enjoy your blog–especially when I am supposed to be doing something else!
Posted on 30-Jan-08 at 10:10 pm | Permalink
Top 100 Self-help, Self Improvement Guides | Shape Up America wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 28-Feb-08 at 7:07 am | Permalink
How to concentrate on writing Help. How. Learn. Outline. Essay. Paper. School. Write. Steps. Writing. Highschool. College. Exam. Brainstorming. Ideas. Creative. Tips. wrote:
[...] copy written. Would work for other forms of writing and brain-intensive work too, such as coding.read more | digg [...]
Posted on 28-Feb-08 at 8:13 pm | Permalink
The Most Incredible Ways To Improve Thyself! | Shape Up America wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 07-Mar-08 at 4:47 am | Permalink
L0Q.com - Life’s Quest » Blog Archive » The Most Incredible Ways To Improve Thyself! wrote:
[...] How to concentrate on writing [...]
Posted on 14-Apr-08 at 12:36 pm | Permalink
Tom wrote:
Awesome, even though I found this while being distracted from an essay. Its quite funny, in a way.
and yes. Tea and biscuits are the best bribe. ever.
Posted on 20-Apr-08 at 10:00 pm | Permalink
Antiques wrote:
I agree most with the 6am work. Not only does the work turn out better when you are rested, but it is the quietest time of day.
Posted on 09-May-08 at 3:17 pm | Permalink
Bad Language / How to make money writing for the web wrote:
[...] Learn how to concentrate on writing. [...]
Posted on 13-May-08 at 1:38 pm | Permalink
Back after a short break… | El Mundo Con Otros Ojos wrote:
[...] as I was looking around, I hit this entry. I have a feeling it was written for me… Time to start the next book – this week. Once I get [...]
Posted on 25-Jun-08 at 9:54 pm | Permalink
Christopher wrote:
Here’s one I find helpful. Buy a used computer, doesn’t have to be new or state- of- the t art Keep it in another room. Leave it free-standing & you won’t be tempted to take a minute and surf. Make it a dedicated device for writing only.
Write write and write some more. Shut down your main computer and follow the advice on this site. That way the temptation to take a break and break your concentration are eliminated. Of course, save everything you put down. Send your kids & wife to go shopping. Put the cat out.
Posted on 04-Jul-08 at 7:04 pm | Permalink