Alternate periods of focused writing with open attention.

A Five-Step Process of Creativity

Many people use applications that black out the rest of the computer, such as WriteRoom. Some rely on Internet-blocking applications like Freedom to limit distraction during work sessions. Others disconnect altogether, turning off Wi-Fi or pulling the network cable.

Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman,

When you take a walk, go for a run, or pursue everyday activities that don’t require effortful focus, your mind can enter a state of open attention.

Work that is challenging but within your abilities Work with clear goals (you know what you need to do) Immediate feedback through the activity itself A complete focus on the action A lack of distractions or mind wandering Absence of fear of failure Lack of self-consciousness The loss of awareness of time passing An overall sense of fulfillment or

The chapters in this section discuss the mental activities and behaviors that are most critical to writers: attention and focus, flow, creativity, self-discipline, and mindset.

books Alone Together and Reclaiming Conversation. She

Build open attention into the schedule.