Neil Gaiman

The hardest part about writing in the world today is the constant availability of distractions.

Computers and smart phones offer a constant source of entertainment and distraction: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, email, weather apps, the list goes on.

So, writers have had to establish boundaries and rules for themselves to make sure they stay focused and get their work done.

The thing about writing is that when you are doing it, almost anything seems better. Writing is hard and takes a long time.

Writing a tweet and pushing publish can take about two seconds from start to finish. Writing a book on the other hand can take about two years. The difference can be excruciating.

Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods and Coraline, makes a deal with himself when he sits down to write.

He has two rules:

He is allowed to write.

or:

He is allowed to look out the window.

No email. No Twitter. No distractions. The only exception, he says, is to make the occasional cup of tea.

But stare out the window? Isn’t that just opening yourself up for distracting day dreaming?

Well, as Gaiman points out about this practice, “staring out the window is going to get boring after awhile and writing will be just a bit more fun.”

Whether you have a window or a wall where you write, try out this practice. Make a deal with yourself and eliminate all other distractions.

Eventually the boredom of staring out the window is going to force you to write.

Inspired by Neil Gaiman’s interview with Elizabeth Gilbert on her Magic Lessons podcast. Listen here.