6 Proven Ways to Crush Distractions and Supercharge Your Writing
Being a writer is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging endeavor, and perhaps the hardest part isn’t coming up with brilliant ideas—but staying focused long enough to write them down.
I’ve struggled with distractions myself: the never-ending to-do list, kids (or in my case, a cat) needing attention, notifications pinging, and let’s not even mention the temptation of social media. The good news? I’ve found some tools and strategies that actually help you avoid distractions and stay in your creative flow.
In this post, I’ll share some of the most effective ways to beat distractions and stay productive as a writer, including my favorite tool—the Moleskine Smart Writing Set —which has been writing a game-changer for staying focused and getting pages written.
Here’s what I’ll be covering:
How to create a distraction-free writing environment
The magic of writing without a computer
How to set up a writing timer that keeps you accountable
Schedule your writing work like work
Be mindful of your distractions to overcome them!
So, if you’re tired of getting distracted, falling behind on your writing goals, and feeling like you’re constantly fighting to stay productive, keep reading. These tips will help you regain control and get your writing flowing effortlessly!
I remember for one of my first professional TV writing gigs, I was on a TIME CRUNCH and I had to get a full 70-something page script delivered in four days.
This was the most pressure I’d ever had on me. It felt like every single sound was specifically to throw me off my game. And it also felt that every person I’d ever met needed to urgently email and call me. I was a wreck. My laptop, the thing I needed for WRITING became the hub of distractions and and the only way I could get what I wanted to write drafted was putting my laptop and my phone in my closet and writing on an old paper journal I had while wearing noise-canceling headphones.
It was then that I started experimenting with different ways to minimize distractions, and through trial and error, I found the tools that really worked. One of the biggest breakthroughs? Discovering that I didn’t need to write on my computer all the time. That’s when the Moleskine Smart Writing Set Smart Notebook & New Smart Pen entered my life.
It allowed me to take my writing away from the endless temptations of my laptop and into environments where I could focus better—whether it was a coffee shop, park, wherever I can take my purse, my Moleskin comes with me (just like when I was a pretentious theatre kid in the 2000s, the Moleskin journal — and my style - has just gotten a major upgrade). This one tool helped me stay productive while avoiding the distractions that used to derail me.
Here’s how it can help you, too — and other secrets I use to stay focused while writing!
Secret #1: Create a Distraction-Free Writing Environment
One of the best ways to stay focused is to create a physical space that’s free from distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and let others know when you’re in “do not disturb” mode (a mode my phone is permanently in now!).
If you're working from home, designate a specific space just for writing—it could be a corner of a room, but make sure it’s a space that signals to your brain: This is where we write.
If the home is too chaotic with kids or chores beckoning, take your writing elsewhere. Libraries, coffee shops, or even sitting outside can offer just the right atmosphere to focus.
Secret #2: Use a Smart Writing Set for Distraction-Free Focus
Let’s face it: writing on your computer can be a huge distraction. Between emails, pop-up ads, and social media notifications, staying focused is a challenge. That’s why I’ve started using a Moleskine Smart Writing Set Smart Notebook. This amazing set allows you to capture your thoughts and ideas in a sleek, old-school notebook without the distractions of the digital world. When you’re done, simply sync your notes with the Moleskine app, and you’ve got your work saved digitally for easy access later. Plus, you can take it anywhere—meaning you’re not chained to your desk or computer. You can write outside, at a café, or even during your kid’s soccer practice—without losing your flow!
Get your Moleskine Smart Writing Set here and experience focused writing on the go.
Secret #3: Set a Timer to Keep Yourself Accountable
One of the most effective productivity hacks is setting a timer for your writing sessions. I use HOWLER TIMER which is hilarious because a wolf howl ends your session. Knowing there’s a countdown running helps you stay focused and avoid the temptation of drifting off into other tasks. It turns writing into a game, where you’re racing the clock to stay productive. It’s really helped me!
Secret #4: Schedule Your Writing Time like You Would Anything Else
The differences between an amateur and a professional? Professionals treat writing like a job. Sometimes distractions arise because writing isn’t prioritized in your schedule. Set specific blocks of time each day dedicated only to writing. Treat these time slots like important meetings—you wouldn’t cancel a work meeting or reschedule an appointment easily, so give your writing that same level of commitment. Put it in your calendar, and don’t let anything else take its place.
Secret #5: Keep a Distraction Journal
Even with the best intentions, distractions can sneak in. Try keeping a “distraction journal” next to you while you write. Every time you feel tempted to check your phone, respond to an email, or stop writing for some other reason, jot it down. You’ll start to notice patterns — whether it’s certain times of day or specific triggers. Over time, you’ll learn how to adjust your writing habits and environment to minimize those distractions.
Bonus Tip: After a writing session, review your distraction journal and reflect on what pulled your attention away. Were they important tasks, or just urges? This awareness will help you become better at dismissing distractions in the future.
Secret #6: Write Away from Home to Spark Creativity
Sometimes the best way to avoid distractions is simply to remove yourself from the environment where those distractions live. Going to a different location can give your brain a fresh burst of energy and focus. Pack up your Moleskine Smart Writing Set and head to a café, park, museum or even your backyard. The change in scenery can do wonders for your concentration. Maybe you just need a little inspiration and a new setting.
Staying focused as a writer doesn’t have to be a battle. By creating a distraction-free environment, using tools like the Moleskine Smart Writing Set, setting timers, and breaking the digital distraction cycle, you can stay on track and hit your writing goals consistently. Writing on the go, without the constant pull of digital distractions, will not only help you avoid procrastination but also let your creativity flourish in new environments.
Ready to beat distractions and write with laser focus? Grab your Moleskine Smart Writing Set here and take your writing wherever your inspiration leads!
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