STEPS TO STORY EP 36 - Distraction
[00:00:00] Nicole Meier: Today we're going to explore how you can strategically allow yourself to be distracted and how those moments can open up new avenues in your story.
[00:00:16] Nicole Meier: Welcome to Steps to Story, the show that helps aspiring authors turn their ideas into action and transform their dream of writing a book into a reality. I'm your host Nicole Meyer, multi published author and certified book coach. I spent the first part of my fiction writing career desperate for guidance that was unavailable to me.
[00:00:38] Nicole Meier: I wrote draft after draft, flying by the seat of my pants, with lots of passion but little guidance. Thankfully, there was a writing community that opened its arms and welcomed me. This community sustained me. But when it came to strengthening my novel writing process, I was determined to find a better way.
[00:00:59] Nicole Meier: One that didn't involve piecemeal strategies and confusing courses. Now, more than a decade later, I'm serving my younger self, who yearned for support while writing a book. If you're an emerging author seeking guidance, this podcast is for you. Are you on the list to get my novel writing guide? I designed this workbook to take you through five essential strategies that will level up your novel writing process.
[00:01:28] Nicole Meier: Grab your free copy at NicoleMeier. com forward slash crafting greatness. That's NicoleMeier. com forward slash crafting greatness or at the link in the show notes.
[00:01:49] Nicole Meier: Hey, novel writers, you've probably noticed that lately I've been doing a handful of interview style podcast episodes. And while I love them and I think they bring so much to your process, I wanted to get back to a solo episode today and really focus on your work in progress. So today I'm going to talk about a topic that might sound counterintuitive, distraction.
[00:02:13] Nicole Meier: Yep, you heard that right, distraction, and how it can actually help fuel your creative process. So let's start by acknowledging that distraction is something we all face. Whether it's our phones, emails, social media, or even daydreaming, distractions are all around us, especially when we sit down to write.
[00:02:34] Nicole Meier: Okay, is anyone nodding along? Because yes, I am queen of distractions. And here's the thing, our first instinct is to fight it, right? We all think of distraction as the enemy of productivity. And while that's true in many cases, what if I told you that certain kinds of distractions Can actually help you as a novelist because your brain is a creative machine it thrives on novelty And sometimes it needs to step away from the grind of writing to refuel Are you nodding along to that word grind because yeah, sometimes it can feel that way So, today we're going to explore how you can strategically allow yourself to be distracted and how those moments can open up new avenues in your story.
[00:03:22] Nicole Meier: Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room. As writers, we're often told that distractions are the enemy, right? I've already said that once before, but it's true. We're supposed to be focused, diligent, and glued to our manuscript pages. How many times have you heard the phrase, just put your butt in the chair?
[00:03:42] Nicole Meier: I know I have. But what if distraction could be a tool rather than a hindrance? I like to think of distraction as a kind of creative drift. When your mind wanders, you're letting go of that rigid focus. And your brain is free to make unexpected connections. Sometimes, those distractions are your subconscious nudging you toward a breakthrough.
[00:04:05] Nicole Meier: It's all about reframing what we think of as a distraction. Is it really taking us away from the work? Or could it be taking us deeper into it? Alright, I do want to stop here and point out that yes, certain distractions, such as stressing over ghosting your queries. Or larger world events that are resulting in crisis can be hard on our mental health.
[00:04:31] Nicole Meier: In this regard, I do recommend taking a break if you feel the need, but as we all know, there are many smaller distractions that occur throughout the day, both active and passive. So, let me give you an example. Think about when you're taking a walk, scrolling through Instagram, or even just letting your mind wander in the shower.
[00:04:54] Nicole Meier: How many times have you come up with the perfect plot twist or realized exactly what your character needs to say next when you weren't actively trying to solve the problem? That's your creative mind working behind the scenes. So, instead of fighting these moments, let's try to learn to use them. Alright, now that we've redefined distraction as a creative ally, I love that idea, let's talk about how to make it intentional.
[00:05:22] Nicole Meier: Yes, I said intentional distraction. Just like with rest and play, sometimes stepping away from the page can be a productive part of your writing process. So here are a few ways you can incorporate distraction into your writing routine without derailing your progress. Number one, schedule breaks with purpose.
[00:05:44] Nicole Meier: Rather than letting distractions sneak up on you, schedule it into your day. Maybe after writing for 25 minutes or completing a scene, you give yourself 10 minutes to browse a favorite substack or get lost in a Pinterest rabbit hole. The key is to choose distractions that stimulate rather than deplete, something that sparks a creative thought or helps your mind reset.
[00:06:09] Nicole Meier: Okay, idea number two is that of movement equals momentum. Physical movement can be a huge trigger for creative ideas. A quick walk, yoga, or even just standing up to stretch can allow your brain to process whatever you are working on. It's the physical break that your mind needs to keep the creative engine running.
[00:06:29] Nicole Meier: I know for me personally, I try to walk the dog once a day in the afternoon, right when my eyeballs feel like fried eggs and I need to step away from the computer screen. Okay, idea number three is that of creative cross training. I would say engage in other creative activities. If you're stuck on your writing, try painting, gardening, or cooking.
[00:06:52] Nicole Meier: You get the idea. These activities allow your brain to switch gears while still keeping those creative muscles engaged. Often, while you're focusing on something else, a new idea for your novel will bubble to the surface. So let's quickly recap the ways you can incorporate distraction into your routine.
[00:07:11] Nicole Meier: The first is schedule breaks with purpose. The second is movement equals momentum. And the third is creative cross training. Okay, let's move on here and talk about another way to look at distraction as well as refilling your creative well. So sometimes we get caught up in the productivity of writing and we forget to live.
[00:07:34] Nicole Meier: I had a writer say to me one time, Oh, I see. It's not about the hard charging, gaining process. It's about incorporating writing into my life. Yeah, and let's face it, the best stories come from those unexpected moments of life, not from sitting in front of a blank page trying to force ideas. It's okay to step away from the manuscript and give yourself permission to wander.
[00:07:59] Nicole Meier: Watch that movie you've been meaning to see. Go down that YouTube rabbit hole on a topic unrelated to your book. You might even stumble across a story, a theme, or even just an emotion that sparks a new direction in your novel. Let me give you an example here. I had a writing client who was struggling with her novel's midpoint, the moment that big event happens at that aha moment for the protagonist.
[00:08:23] Nicole Meier: She took a break and watched a movie on Netflix, totally unrelated to her project. And guess what? She realized the problem wasn't her midpoint, but her narrative drive. She needed more tension in her scenes to make them more powerful. That realization only came because she gave herself the freedom to be distracted by a different art form.
[00:08:45] Nicole Meier: Now, don't get me wrong, there is a fine line between using distraction as a creative tool and falling into procrastination. The trick is to keep it balanced. Remember, intentional distractions should serve your creativity, not derail your momentum entirely. https: TheBusinessProfessor. com So, with that in mind, here are some strategies to keep that balance.
[00:09:08] Nicole Meier: The first strategy is to set boundaries. Create time limits for distractions. Whether it's a 10 minute social media scroll or a 30 minute Netflix break, set a timer and stick to it. That way you're feeling your creative energy without letting the distraction consume your writing. Okay, strategy number two, capture the ideas that surface.
[00:09:30] Nicole Meier: This is a big one. Whenever you have a creative insight during a moment of distraction, jot it down immediately. Keep a notebook or take notes on your phone. That way your mind doesn't have to hold on to that new idea. And you can return to it when you're back in your focused writing time. And then strategy number three here is check in with yourself.
[00:09:53] Nicole Meier: Make a habit of regularly asking yourself. Is this distraction helping my creative process or taking me away from it? If it's the latter, it might be time to refocus, but if it's the former, lean into it. Trust that your brain knows when to step away and when to dive back in. Okay, let's recap those three strategies, shall we?
[00:10:16] Nicole Meier: The first one is to set boundaries. The second is to capture the ideas that surface. And the third is to check in with yourself. At the end of the day, distraction isn't the enemy. It's just another tool in your creative toolkit. The key is to use it intentionally, to recognize when your mind needs a break, and to allow yourself the freedom to explore without guilt.
[00:10:42] Nicole Meier: So the next time you catch yourself wandering off in thought, ask yourself, What hidden connections could this lead to? I bet you'll be surprised at what comes up. Finally, writers, if you decide that you'd like support on your work in progress, there's good news. I've just opened up my calendar for novel writers who want to make big strides in a short amount of time.
[00:11:05] Nicole Meier: These are my VIP days. And while no writer is the same, neither should be your VIP day. So here are some ways we can work together in a day or two. Idea number one is called Get Clear on Your Story Day. This is to identify your message, your narrative arc, and your protagonist journey. Idea number two is Beat the Mid Book Slump Day.
[00:11:26] Nicole Meier: This is to help you get back on track, bust limiting beliefs, and finish strong. Idea number three is Meet You Where You're At Day to tackle your biggest roadblocks like the midpoint or the resolution. And idea number four is I finished writing my book, now what day, to help you get your work out into the world.
[00:11:47] Nicole Meier: Those are just some examples, writers. But if any of these sound like something you need, visit NicoleMeyer. com and book a complimentary chat. I'd love to hear from you. Okay, that's it for today's episode of Steps to Story. If you found this episode helpful, please be sure to subscribe and leave me a review and let me know what you'd like to hear next.
[00:12:08] Nicole Meier: And remember, sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is to step away. Just make sure you step back in with fresh ideas and renewed energy. Okay, until next time, everyone, keep writing, keep exploring, and keep creating stories that matter.
[00:12:28] Nicole Meier: If you want to check out my coaching programs for fiction writers, visit NicoleMeier. com. That's M E I E R. And if you liked this episode, I'd love you to take a minute to leave a rating and review for this podcast. This will help more writers like you to discover the show and the world. and to get going on their writing journey.
[00:12:48] Nicole Meier: Thanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy writing, everyone.