For many writers, because the internet is always available, research and writing can occur simultaneously. If a writer has to look something up while writing, she simply goes to Google and looks up the information. The difficulty with this is that the writer can waste a lot of valuable time cruising the internet, looking for the perfect tidbit of information when she should really be writing.
In addition, once a writer starts searching for information, her mindset shifts from focused writing to a broader range in order to do research. This change in mindset distorts a writer’s attention and puts her into a more passive mindset. This can pose a lot of difficulties if we are trying to get some writing done during our allotted writing time. This is because writing requires an active and focused mindset at all times.
Therefore, its important to keep research and writing separate. Here are a few tricks to help you.
• Before you write, make sure that you have done all the research necessary to complete your writing for the day.
• Prepare an outline of the chapter you are about to write ahead of time. Then you should be able to more readily determine if you need additional information before you sit down to write.
• If you discover that you need to do some research, just keep writing and leave a note beside your computer to fill in that particular tidbit of information after you end your writing session. That way, you won’t feel as scattered while you write.
• Realize that writing is a full-time job. Do one thing at a time. If you are writing, do nothing but write for a pre-set time. If you have difficulty focusing, you may want to do a centering exercise for a few minutes. Try to focus on your breath as you write. In the next chapter, I will discuss the importance of meditation help you stay focused.
By taking these steps, you will be focusing on your writing more readily and you will keep writing and research separate. There are many benefits to focusing on your writing. Here are a few to consider:
You will not waste time.
You will get a lot more writing done.
You will focus on one cognitive task at a time.
You will write better quality manuscripts.
You will enjoy writing more.
You will enjoy researching more.
You will be able to sit down and enjoy your surroundings and writing time.
Writing is one of the most enjoyable activity, but so is research. However, by keeping those two activities separate, you will be your best when you start writing. All you have to do is focus on your writing and not worry about anything else. Then you will be creative and focused.
Until next time!
Irene S. Roth
In addition, once a writer starts searching for information, her mindset shifts from focused writing to a broader range in order to do research. This change in mindset distorts a writer’s attention and puts her into a more passive mindset. This can pose a lot of difficulties if we are trying to get some writing done during our allotted writing time. This is because writing requires an active and focused mindset at all times.
Therefore, its important to keep research and writing separate. Here are a few tricks to help you.
• Before you write, make sure that you have done all the research necessary to complete your writing for the day.
• Prepare an outline of the chapter you are about to write ahead of time. Then you should be able to more readily determine if you need additional information before you sit down to write.
• If you discover that you need to do some research, just keep writing and leave a note beside your computer to fill in that particular tidbit of information after you end your writing session. That way, you won’t feel as scattered while you write.
• Realize that writing is a full-time job. Do one thing at a time. If you are writing, do nothing but write for a pre-set time. If you have difficulty focusing, you may want to do a centering exercise for a few minutes. Try to focus on your breath as you write. In the next chapter, I will discuss the importance of meditation help you stay focused.
By taking these steps, you will be focusing on your writing more readily and you will keep writing and research separate. There are many benefits to focusing on your writing. Here are a few to consider:
You will not waste time.
You will get a lot more writing done.
You will focus on one cognitive task at a time.
You will write better quality manuscripts.
You will enjoy writing more.
You will enjoy researching more.
You will be able to sit down and enjoy your surroundings and writing time.
Writing is one of the most enjoyable activity, but so is research. However, by keeping those two activities separate, you will be your best when you start writing. All you have to do is focus on your writing and not worry about anything else. Then you will be creative and focused.
Until next time!
Irene S. Roth
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