Holed Up or Hold Up?

by Stephanie Nickel, CES Editor, Writer, Coach, and Critique Specialist

I was going to begin a series this week, but I got to thinking about why I have such a tough time just sitting down to write. I have lots of ideas for books floating around my head. And because I work from home, I have the privilege of creating my own schedule. So, what’s the hold up?

I’m an extrovert.

Does that mean extroverts don’t write? Of course not. Some are very prolific. However, they must have more self-discipline than I do.

Yes, introverts can get distracted too but probably for different reasons. What beckons me to Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads is the people. There are people there to connect with, encourage, and learn from.

Is this a bad thing?

No.

Can it be a distraction?

Absolutely!

So, I must buckle down, open a Word document, and get typing. I also find it helps if I set a goal (i.e.: five pages and then I can check Facebook). I also find it helpful to set self-imposed deadlines.

So, here is a brief, completely non-scientific questionnaire to help you decide when and where it would be best for you to write.

1. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

If you’re not sure, think of it this way: When you are interacting in person with others, do you feel increasingly drained or increasingly energized? Although introverts may be at the top of their game when the evening begins, when it comes to a close, they will be glad for some alone time. Even if extroverts would rather curl up and have a nap before the festivities start, they will likely be among the last to leave, feeling more energized than ever.

2. Are you more productive in a solitary environment or with people around?

This can go either way for both introverts and extroverts. As an extrovert, if I stay away from social media, I am much more productive without others around. I love the stimulation of a coffee shop, but I would rather pay attention to the patrons’ comings and goings than to my work.

3. Similarly, do you prefer an office with a door or a desk in the middle of the action?

I was working on the main floor of our home, the TV in the next room. As you can imagine, I found it very distracting, especially when I could see said TV from my chair. Because of better Internet connectivity, I am now doing my work from our second storey landing. It is actually a good compromise for me. I hear the traffic, the TV downstairs, and my son snoring from his room in the loft. (Don’t tell him I said that.) These sounds remind me of the people and things I love without diverting too much of my attention.

4. Speaking of auditory stimulation, do you prefer to work in silence, with coffee shop chatter surrounding you, or humming along to your favorite music?

As I mentioned, I work best on my own. I do fine working in silence or with instrumental music. I find the lyrics distract me and I end up singing along rather than focussing on my writing.

5. Do you like a Spartan work environment or one overflowing with person items?

Last Christmas my amazing husband bought me several pieces from the Who Ville Department 52 collection and set it up on the shelf above my computer. I stood there, mouth agape. When I could finally speak, I repeated time and time again, “What did you do?” (In case you didn’t know, I’m a big fan of the original The Grinch Who Stole Christmas – and many other things Seuss.) While I love a workspace that captures what I love and who I am, I enjoy a workspace that is clean and organized, though that is often not my reality.

As an extrovert who loves to connect with people in person and on the Web, I must be careful to take times to be holed up and avoid the hold up.

How about you? Are you an extrovert like me – or an introvert like so many writers? Do you work better on your own or with others around? In private or in the midst of hustle and bustle? In silence or set to a soundtrack? A personalized or minimalistic workspace?

Plus, what questions could you add to help us determine how to get down to the business of writing?

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