Distracted Writing

It's all the rage.

Over the course of the last month and a half I’ve discovered that I am at my peak of writing when I am distracted.

Here’s what I mean:

Most people, they can sit and hammer out 1500 words in one go, no hesitation. They get an idea and can beat it out of themselves as they write. An hour, or two, later it’s a fully realized thing, right there on the page. Me, I write a sentence or a paragraph and then have to stop and look something up, or get up for a drink, go pee. Something, anything else other than writing. Stand up and readjust. It’s almost this strange, learned habit. I get on a roll and then immediately stop in the middle of it. Maybe to give myself some time to think and flesh it out in my head before the idea becomes more “permanent” on the page, I’m not sure. Maybe to cope with sitting and staring at my computer for so long. This process, I can do for hours. Sentence by sentence. Paragraph by paragraph. It seems painstakingly long, but somehow it works.

Maybe this is really just long-winded procrastination.

Some people, they like to listen to music while they write. Me, I can’t because the words are too distracting. It’s not uncommon for me to throw headphones on and listen to the crackling static of white noise.

You know how people say that ghosts and spirits use the static of a television or radio to communicate? In that same fashion, I like to think that white noise helps me pull ideas out of the collective subconscious. Maybe that’s crazy. But, maybe not..

Salvador Dalí used to force himself to nap. He’d hold a key in hand above a metal plate, so that when he’d approach that realm of in between, the key would drop and fully wake him. Then, he’d be able to record the visuals he’d seen in his dreams. Einstein is well documented to have done this (albeit in a different way) with success, too.

Now, I’m not trying to compare myself to famous visionaries and intellects of the past but, my point remains: When it comes to creativity, or thinking outside the box, there’s no right or wrong way to do anything. Whatever helps you get your ideas out in the medium you prefer.

Now, figure out what works for you and go create!