Distractions

by Saralyn Richard

 

I’ve never been diagnosed with ADD or hyperactivity. In fact, my whole life I’ve been able to focus and concentrate whenever needed. I can read for long periods without becoming antsy, and I’m equally good at listening.

All of these stand me well in writing novels, because long sessions at the computer would be dreadful otherwise. But lately, I find myself ready to jump up in mid-chapter, mid-paragraph, or mid-sentence.

I’m distracted by the internet. Let me just search for a certain outfit for my character to wear to a luncheon. How close is the hurricane to people I worry about? What quasi-newsy item is trending?

Maybe I should check on my brother, who is recovering from major surgery. Oops—I forgot to take out something to cook for dinner tonight. And heaven help me if I have a phone call, even if it’s from a robot.

What are the latest polls saying? And what is going on in the Middle East, or with the British royalty? The dishes need washing, the dogs need walking, the plants need watering, and on and on.

Back to the chapter—I crawl back into Quinn’s point of view and detail what happens to her. I share her fears and angst, and I feel good about moving her story forward, but no matter how involved I am, I can’t stay there as long as I want or need to.

I have too many distractions.

The same thing happens to me with reading. Or watching a movie. Or even watching the news, as riveting as it can be these days.

I’m hoping this is a passing phase. Maybe after the election and after hurricane season, things will settle down into a more peaceful routine. In the meantime, I’ll plod along, hoping that, despite distractions, I’m writing a captivating and touching mystery.

Are you similarly distracted? How do you manage?

 

Saralyn Richard is the author of the Detective Parrott mystery series, Naughty Nana, A Murder of Principal, and Bad Blood Sisters. Her work in progress is the sequel to Bad Blood Sisters.