freedom

Probably the most life-changing, practical tip I gleaned from this semester's residency was Freedom--a software program that blocks your computer from the internet for a prescribed amount of time (anywhere from 15 min to 8 hrs).

It seems pathetic that I don't have the will power to leave the internet alone when I'm writing, but even though I love to write, I also hate it. I'll look for any excuse to stop: The clothes need put in dryer! I could really go for some toast! Let's check my email for 10th time this morning...and so on. It's really just self-sabotage. Which is why I'm in need of synthetic self-control. And it works. I've been so abnormally down to business. Because once you set the time, there's no tricking it back. It's over pal. Nothing left to do but work.

"This is what I believe in, what I trust will ultimately distinguish those who want to write and publish from those who do write and publish: work."

--Bret Anthony Johnston (Naming The World)