Distractions

Distractions, the bane of every writer. It seems there is always something trying to sidetrack my writing. I have a day job and my share of the usual household chores that need to be done. I’m also the primary cook in the family. Add the family obligations of being a husband, a son, a father, and a grandfather, and you can see why I treasure my writing time.

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become important marketing tools for the writer, but they are also major sources of distraction. Finally, Herself and I also have a fair number of close friends. It seems as if someone is always having a party, an opening night, a concert, or some other event that we want to attend.

A writer must in some way or another actively participate in the world. The actions and interactions of human being is the very soul of what we do. And the desire to be left alone to write is equally as strong. How to strike a balance is one of the primary concerns each writer must face.

Disconnecting from television and social media can be difficult, but it is doable. Herself and I watch very little TV, especially after the election of the Orange one. Same with social media. I can only deal with a small amount before reaching my limit.

Social and family interactions are another thing entirely. I will always make time for my grandson even at the expense of my writing time. Luckily my family are all artist of one sort or another and understand the need of uninterrupted creative time. We are also lucky in that a large portion of our close friends are actors, musicians, writers, or artists who also understand.

I think becoming an author at 65 is probably easier than doing so at a much earlier age. I would not have been able to manage distractions in my 20’s and 30’s. It seems that age does occasionally have it’s advantages.