Find Focus and Structure With a Weekly Write-In
Let’s face it: it’s hard to stick to a writing routine even in the best of times—and these are certainly not the best of times!
If you’ve been struggling to stay focused and motivated during these anxiety-riddled times, you are certainly not alone. I’ve found that lately, when I try to write, I’m distracted by my phone, worries about the future, and the boredom of being in my house day-in and day-out. Before you know it, I’ve abandoned my novel work to check Instagram, or snack on BBQ potato chips, or respond to work emails (and sometimes all three at once).
To avoid that distractedness, I’ve now been organizing write-ins with other writing friends—and it’s funny how just a small dose of regularity and support has transformed my writing time from “all over the place” to “highly focused and enjoyable.”
Want to organize your own write-in? It’s very simple. Here’s how it works.
Schedule a Zoom meeting at a regular time each week when you and others can set aside at least an hour to write without outside distractions.
I’ve been doing Monday evenings, but you may prefer Saturday afternoons or weekday mornings when your toddler is napping.
For the first 15 minutes: Chat and check in with other writers about how the writing's been going this week.
Does this often turn into a gripe session? Why, yes, it does. But it’s strangely heartening to hear that other writers are struggling with the same challenges I am, and it’s also a great time to exchange book recommendations and writing tips, and just catch up with fellow human beings in this strange, isolated time.
For the next 45 minutes: Settle into a quiet writing session, with each person working on their individual writing project.
Keep cameras on (that'll keep you honest and not checking your phone during writing time), but mics muted (unless you find it soothing to listen to others tapping away on their keyboards).
Last 15 minutes: Check in about how the writing went and share your successes and challenges during the writing session.
So there you have it! The whole write-in takes about an hour and 15 minutes. And although the writing time may seem short (I know we all dream about a good two-hour writing session), you’d be surprised by how much you can get done in 45 minutes when you’re really focused.
If you’re loath to schedule yet another Zoom meeting in your life (and I feel you on that), you can schedule an in-person write-in if you have a writer friend you feel comfortable meeting up with (at a safe social distance, of course.)
Find an outdoor area with picnic tables where you can sit six feet apart, and bring your journal and/or laptop. I also like to bring a travel mug full of coffee (or wine, for those happy-hour-timed write-ins).