5 Ways to improve your writing and concentration
Thursday, January 21, 20101. Eliminate distractions
Whether you are in a crowded newsroom, a noisy café, or just easily distracted there are online tools that will help you concentrate on your writing. Ommwriter, free downloadable software available for Macs, allows you to write in a meditative space. All you see when you use the program is your words and a serene background. You can also try DarkCopy, an online tool that allows for distraction-free writing.
2. Write down ideas when you have them
Everyone has that moment when they have a brilliant idea but, because they didn't write it down, cannot recall it later. Don't let this happen to you again by keeping a notepad with you at all times. If carrying a spiral notebook or reporter's notepad isn't really your style, check out the variety of cool notepads available including the Moleskine notebook, the Notepod, and AquaNotes, which are designed for use in the shower.
3. Use a better spell checker
No spell check is completely foolproof, but you can rest a little easier if you use After the Deadline, an advanced spell checker that is miles above Microsoft Word or any other tool. AtD not only checks for normal spelling and grammar, but also checks the style of your writing, whether you use active or passive voice, how your sentences flow, and — most importantly — whether you used the right word (e.g. "right" instead of "write").
4. Tame the web
"Being a good writer is 3% talent and 97% not being distracted by the internet." If that's true, then eliminate online distractions by temporarily blocking the sites that distract you from your work. You can use web browser extensions like LeechBlock for Firefox or StayFocusd for Chrome that let you list time-wasting sites and how long they should be blocked. This way, even if you are tempted to play an online game or check Facebook, you won't actually be able to.
5. Use natural remedies
Even before the internet, writers used natural remedies to help improve their concentration and memory. Foods like oatmeal, blueberries, yogurt, and coffee can help keep your mind clear and your focus on your work.
Flickr photo by Saucy Salad
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Labels: writing
10 Comments
Says:
Point 3, After the Deadline:
As a test, I tried entering "their they're in there room" and it corrected "there room" to "their room", but it then accepted "their they're in their room". :-/
Point 5, Use natural remedies:
"Even before the internet, writers used natural remedies...." sounds like the use of natural remedies was unusual before the internet. There I was thinking people had been using them for thousands of years....
As a test, I tried entering "their they're in there room" and it corrected "there room" to "their room", but it then accepted "their they're in their room". :-/
Point 5, Use natural remedies:
"Even before the internet, writers used natural remedies...." sounds like the use of natural remedies was unusual before the internet. There I was thinking people had been using them for thousands of years....
theforkingpaths Says:
Great post, Mark! Here's another simple, distraction-eliminating word-processor (PC only). It's monochrome and full-screen - reminds me of Apple II programs, in a charming way.
http://www.baara.com/q10/
http://www.baara.com/q10/
Sara Says:
Great post. I'll definitely need to try out some of the distraction-eliminating software, as well as the water-proof notepad. I really do get a lot of ideas in the shower!
Says:
....ever heard of this new term i coined for print newspapers -- snailpapers -- and used as a term of endearment on my part. I love print, i hate "screening" another new word I coined last year to mean "screen-reading" which is not really readying per se but a new kind of reading mode, so i call it "screening." they are two diff animals, reading vs screening. agree or disagee? and can you blog one day on this idea and the snailpapers term, pro or con. Just to get a discussion going? - cheeers, Danny in (tawian, yes!)
Indu Says:
WriteRoom is also really good for cutting the distractions, and is free to download. check the link: http://www.hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom
cassandrajade Says:
I do like the 97% not being distracted by the internet. That is definitely a true point.
January 21, 2010 6:32 PM