I spent the weekend at a writer’s conference (Willamette writer’s conference, Portland, Oregon.) There were a lot of networking opportunities and some great workshops. I attended several workshops that addressed productivity and conquering the dreaded writer’s block. Here are some things I learned and intend to put into place for myself:

Clean up your space!

It’s hard to work in a space (office, kitchen table, what have you) that is full of random piles of detritus. Spending a few moments to clear away clutter or at least tidy it up might be conducive to creativity. Take some time to think about what you need within reach. You might want to access sticky notes, pens, and your journal while you work.  Clear away anything else. My office/writing space also serves as a sewing room, Goodwill depository, suitcase packing area, and way station for items in transit between rooms. No wonder I find the visual clutter overwhelming at times! When I take time to organize and neaten up it helps me focus on writing. Sometimes.

Try out some apps

Speaking of focus, I received some great suggestions for apps that can help with this.  My favorite so far is called Freedom. It blocks sites that might be distracting for a length of time that the user determines. I blocked my email sites, Facebook, and OK Cupid, among others. When you try to click the site, Freedom blocks it and shows a message that you are Free from that distraction (and free to work on your project.) I bought this one right away, so I’m not sure what the free version is like.

A friend uses a technique called Pomodoro (which means tomato in Italian, go figure!)  Essentially, you break your task into 25-minute chunks divided by short breaks. This technique is meant to increase productivity (you can accomplish this by setting a timer, or even incorporate this time/break method into your Freedom app to combine the two.) There are many apps that you can find with pomodoro timers.

Another app I was told about is called Forest Grow. When you open the app you plant a tree in your personal forest. If you don’t meet the timed goal you set, the tree dies. Brutal, I know! Every time you open your forest, you can see the trees that stand for the productivity you have accomplished, but the dead trees remain as a reminder of your fails. Yikes. (PS The free version has super obnoxious ads. Be warned!)

Make a list

This suggestion is more for life in general, but it can certainly help a writer. You could make a writing-specific list (create an article for elephantjournal, revise chapter five of novel, work on the scene in the diner, etc.) or simply make sure that writing is on your daily to-do list. I am beginning a Two-day (today) list. In this list I will outline tasks or chores that can be done in one day, some big, some small. For example, my list might say: walk the dog, clean the bathroom, take notes for writer’s group on Mike’s chapter, juice carrots, order new yoga leggings, call the dentist to make an appointment.  I will also include a few fun things: read in the hammock, go to yoga, play harmonium. I’ll check things off as I do them, but I’ll also allow a grace period so if I don’t do them all, I can do them tomorrow instead. That way I’m allowing for flexibility but still holding myself accountable. (I’ll let you know if this is successful!)

Create a routine

I liked this suggestion, and research supports the idea of having a routine to begin an effort, whether it be a tennis match or a writing sprint. A routine signals to your brain that it is time to start your endeavor. It could be something as simple as closing your day planner and getting out your favorite pen, drawing an oracle card, saying an affirmation, or jumping up and down ten times. You do you! I’m still brainstorming a writing ritual, so if you have a good one, let me know in the comments below.

 Don’t be too hard or too easy on yourself

One of the workshop presenters began with this quote on a slide:

“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” -Thomas Mann

This elicited a chuckle from the audience. It’s so true. Writing can be hard. So the advice was to not beat yourself up if you have a bad session, or don’t nail the scene in the diner on the first attempt, or get another rejection to your query.

On the flip side, I can be too accommodating to myself for my many flaws, one of which is procrastination. (Anybody else?) I can spend days, weeks, months not writing. And for no other reason than I get busy doing other things and fail to prioritize writing. Sometimes I need tough love. Get to work girl!

Know thyself

This is my most important piece of advice. Intuitively, we all know what we need. Maybe a messy office helps you work. Maybe making a list is a waste of your time because it makes you feel too constrained and you rebel by going on a shopping binge. Who knows? (Actually, you do.) Ultimately we are each responsible for our own productivity and creativity. But sometimes we need a little help to distinguish the forest from the trees.

Good luck and please comment if you try any of these suggestions or have others that you like!