Writers are often told to simplify their writing lives to avoid distractions. If you write on a computer, for example, remove game programs and internet access. Turn your phone ringer off during your writing time. Writers even sometimes rent a writing space outside of their homes to get away from home distractions. But what can you do if your writing space is the distraction?
When you try to simplify your writing space, you probably take away all outside distractions from phone calls to Facebook to that laundry pile that needs to be folded and put away. But what about all the papers and books on your desk? What about your desk drawers, stuffed full of notes, writing utensils, and who knows what else? That cluttered desk you sit at every day is just as big a distraction as Twitter. After all, when you're procrastinating, it might be pretty tempting to take a couple of hours and clean out your desk. A good way to avoid this distraction is to keep your desk clutter-free.
Keep the surface clear. Not only can you avoid leafing through stacks of papers that need to be organized, but keeping your desk surface clear will give you a place to write and keep notes without having to take time and make room. Papers and notes should be filed and books should be out of the way. You may want a snack or nice cup of coffee at hand, but remember that the primary purpose of your desk top is for writing. Anything on your desk should be for your writing project at hand. Everything else should be put away until you need it.
Keep the drawers organized. One bad habit I have is that when I'm clearing the top of my desk, I'll shove a stack of papers in a drawer to get them out of sight. Then when I need something from the drawer, I have to go through those papers first. By keeping your drawers organized and clean, there's one less thing to distract you from writing. "Out of sight, out of mind" does not always work!
Keep the space nearby clear. Your desk may be clean and organized, but that big pile of papers on the floor next to your desk is a distraction, too. By putting the clutter on the floor, you're moving the problem rather than solving it. You may still find yourself tempted to go through that pile instead of putting words on the page.
Don't let the clutter get ahead of you. As writers, you probably have to set aside time every week to catch up on emails and phone calls, or to write up and send invoices to clients. Keeping your desk clean should be the same way. Make time at least once a week to clean and organize your writing space. If you know you have time for just that task, you won't be as tempted to do it the rest of the week. Setting time aside every week will also help keep the clutter from overwhelming you.
It's great to cut off your communication with the outside world during writing time, but there are things that can distract you that come from your writing space itself. So remember to turn off the internet, don't answer the phone, and keep your desk organized and clear for even more productive writing time!
Happy scribbling!
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