The Crazy Train of Distraction

Distraction. High on the writer's Enemies List, this force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded, in the words of Obi-Wan. I guess those weren't the droids I was looking for.

Case in point:

You've started writing a new story about a teenager whose father believes that winning is everything in life, and if the son isn't winning, then the father is losing. The story opens with the teenager practicing for the seventh-grade talent show where he'll be playing electric guitar, a piece his father recommended he learn. So you ask yourself, what song is he going to play?

And so begins the hour-long distraction, powered by the internet. Top 100 Guitar Solos, videos, what was published when, oooo listen to this one, first came out in the early 80s, that's it... and before you know it, your writing time is up. With only 50 words to show for it. When you (and by you, I mean I) could have continued with the story, and saved the music details for another time.

Tomorrow night I'm going to use the laptop, and turn off the wireless router.

Tonight -- well, maybe just a little more quality time with Ozzy.

Thanks for reading,

Stephen.

P.S. That review I mentioned in the last post is up now, at The Review Review. Check it out.