NOTE: I apologize if the timing of this post dismayed or offended anyone — I scheduled it to post on September 29 before leaving town and internet connections behind. It was only co-incidence that it appeared the same day as the horrible train crash in Hoboken, NJ. Imagine you’re the engineer of a long train […]

Why Writers Should Schedule Distractions
Scheduling distractions? Seems like an oxymoron. In a previous post, I encouraged you to reserve time for your writing. Imagine my surprise when I read Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, recommend that instead of scheduling time for focused work, like writing, we benefit more from scheduling […]

My Name is Rosanne, I’m a Writer and Distraction Addict
Two weeks ago, Claudia and I drove to a vacation cabin near Grand Rapids. We arrived in late afternoon, got settled in and listened to the loons as the sun set. The next morning, I slept in. We enjoyed breakfast on the deck and walked the dogs. I read a bit. I flipped through magazines. […]

Writers Must Surrender Certainty
Creativity is born of inefficiency and uncertainty. Unfortunately, your brain does not welcome uncertainty. Because the human brain, which makes up only 3% of the body’s mass, uses 20 to 30% of the body’s oxygen and glucose, it evolved to be as energy-efficient as possible. Uncertainty is simply not efficient. Why question what you already […]