Recently, during these crazy days of a world pandemic, I was fortunate to spend some time away from home. My husband referred to it as my ‘writing retreat’. We had no access to the outside world, which was very relaxing. It was the perfect way to pause and reflect.
I came to think about why I started on this writing journey in the first place. Back to my childhood, using my imaginary worlds as a way to escape reality. Writing about the things I loved, what I was passionate about.
I preferred to be left alone, and nature was always the perfect environment. Either in the bush or on the beach, my imagination would take hold and there were always stories to tell. I was able to express what could not be said in the real world.
Taking that time away, feeling slightly cut off from civilisation, the days became slower, calmer. It allowed me to focus on the things that were important in my life, and writing has always been a part of that. I had become too caught up on all the other things that are part of the writer’s life when it comes to indie publishing.
My husband told me that without social media as a distraction, I was able to get more work done. What I really needed was discipline. What I needed was to remain focused on the act of writing itself, to tell my stories.
That’s why I started writing in the first place.
Do you remember why you started writing? What do you do to keep disciplined in your writing and avoid distractions? Do you create your own ‘writing retreats’? Have you managed to get some time away from the ‘real world’ lately?
The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.
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I honestly don’t remember why I started writing, I just know that I started really young. I do remember my dad reading me The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings as bedtime stories, and I’m sure that had something to do with it.
Great bedtime reading! That would certainly fire up the imagination. 🙂
My Dad did the same! I’m planning on reading to my own kids when they’re 5 or so…
I’m glad you found that again.:-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
I really needed to keep away from all those distractions. 😉
They are very hard to ignore. hehehe
Hi, Debbie! When you mentioned “bush,” I immediately thought of the bush, as in Northern Canada, where I spent part of my childhood. I had to wrap my mind around Central Western New South Wales ~ LOL. I don’t remember why I started writing. My parents were always writing something when I was growing up. I thought that was what people did. I always thought of myself as a writer. Certainly I was writing letters as soon as I could hold a pencil and scribble. Happy IWSG Day! Welcome back!
You were fortunate to grow up in an environment of writers, making it a natural progression. Thanks for stopping by, it’s lovely to meet you. 🙂
I, too, started writing to escape reality. To create worlds where there was order and safety. A place where I had people to count on. And upon reflection, those reasons haven’t changed that much over the years. I’m working on a story right now, a staycation, if you will, to a place without any social media or much in the way of modern conveniences. It’s a great escape!
Hi Lee. Somewhere away from modern conveniences sounds lovely right about now. 😉 Happy writing!
It is easy to get caught up in the world of the computer and just daily life in general. Sounds like time away was just what you needed. We’ve hardly gone anywhere for over six months and we are really due.
Hi Alex. It was great to unplug for a while, just to get away for a change of scenery was nice. I hope you manage to get some time away for yourself, soon.
I love a break away where I get into nature and have no access to social media. I’ve booked a few days away this month, and I’m sooooo looking forward to it. I plan to read and write heaps! And maybe sleep a lot too 😉
As for generally avoiding distractions, I write on a laptop that has no social media or emails on it. It helps a LOT.
Sounds like a lovely escape, Lynda. Looking forward to seeing some pics! 😉
I’ve been writing since before I can really remember, so I’m not sure about the reasons… must be the voices in my head 😀 But I know that I’m WAY too subject to distractions, and social media is the worst. I’m disgusted some days how much time I’ve just spent scrolling and hoping for something interesting.
Hi Rebecca. I can relate to social media being an issue as I’m easily distracted. Half the day can go by and I wonder what I’ve done! I’m now having to resort to using a timer. 😉
I wrote to ‘escape’ when I was young, left it behind for years, then started back up about a year ago. I think I needed time to believe in myself and allow myself to do what I wanted to do. I love writing. But for a long time I felt it was a selfish, egocentric pursuit. Tells you about my state of mind, doesn’t it?
Now I make time to write. And I allow that space. You have to give yourself time to do the things you love and be you. I’m going on a yoga retreat this weekend – another ‘treat’ I’ve needed to work up to – and I can’t wait. Social media and distractions away!
Hope you feel refreshed after your break 🙂
I’m glad you’ve found the time to write again, Emma. Those lived experiences can be so beneficial to our stories. I like the sound of a weekend yoga retreat – very relaxing. Enjoy! 🙂