
“Being a good writer is 3% talent, 97% not being distracted by the internet.”
➰➰➰
I wouldn’t give such a low percentage to talent. I think it is at least 50% and avoiding distractions is 50%.
It’s true that anyone can write. And we all do write all through our lives. School work, college work, laundry lists, grocery lists…… so on and so forth. But good writing is something else entirely.
For writing well we need to have a clear idea of what we want to say, use simple language and then write it so that anyone reading gets our meaning in the first reading. KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid!
As for avoiding distractions, it is easy enough. If you’re logged in to many social media sites, keep the notifications on mute till you are writing. It never does to keep on checking your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts while trying to concentrate and write something good. You can always go back later and check your social media accounts.
➰➰➰
Written in response to Blogging Insights-NF # 61, hosted by Tanya
#Keepitalive
#BloggingInsights
I like this quote. It may not be true but fascinating. I would say that distractions can reduce productivity if one allows it to. A great part of writing is just the joy of doing it…whatever the talent level.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Suzette for your perspective. I agree that writing brings joy to many but not all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely right!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
stories are helpful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing well is difficult ~ you have to not only know what to say but also what to cut, else your work will be a long, boring mess. Distractions can be managed, if one is motivated!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely right Paula. Distractions can be managed
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with you. We are writing through our lives. We have financials, families, and other things to think about. I would probably give talent a little higher percentage (like 55%). For me though, I’m more distracted by my thoughts than the Internet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, we do that too ourselves, thinking and then losing the thread of our story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, having thoughts makes us human but when we’re able to focus, some great writing comes out of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true. I love the short stories you write 👍🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite journalism professor taught us KISS. Fun to see it again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks EA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to chuckle out loud on this one! We are bombarded by distractions all around us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aren’t we!!! But I blog in the morning or late at night while things are quiet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I do as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree that social media can become a big distraction.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it can. When I started to blog a blogger I followed gave me this tip. To turn all notifications to mute till I was writing. Very useful advice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Peter
LikeLike
I’ve started writing again and someone suggested doing it in 15 minute increments. That way you are entirely focused on what you’re writing, not winging off to check on something else
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really good advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is almost tough for me to concentrate on a particular thing, I mean I can’t even get a thing done without getting worried about what I’m gonna eat for lunch, why the music is so loud at the nextdoor neighbor, what people will say on what I write, what if I’m commiting enough grammatical blunders already…etc. Such thoughts keep on wandering in my mind although, I could get a thing done once I feel like there are so many people participating. To summarize this, I can’t stay focused on my own and I need a person or people to keep me on the balance.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you’ll gradually get the hang of it. Install Grammarly to check the spellings and grammar, it helps a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, I’ll do that. Thank you for your insight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLike
I love your insight and so agree Sadje!!
❣️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks a lot Cindy 🙏🏼
LikeLike
this is so true. it made me laugh, but thanks for the gentle reminder, Sadje. you have a wonderful day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot Audrine 😍
LikeLike
Thank you Sadje for the KISS reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Mary.
LikeLike
That’s such good advice. I cannot write when I’m distracted. I need some quiet, alone time and then the words will start to flow. I would give talent a higher percentage too
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks a lot Shweta. I too need peace and quiet too write. That’s why I write early in the morning or late night before sleeping.
LikeLike
That’s the best time indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, very true. 🙏🏼
LikeLike
I am taking this moment and want to say thanks. All due to you I am finding some good People here.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Sherlock. Much appreciated
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am blessed to have someone like you to have as a friend on internet
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
I turn my notifications off for my sake. I still get distracted sometimes but not as much as when it was always on
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! These notifications invite us to leave what we are doing and take a peek.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! And I can’t help it 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
KISS, Keep it Simple Stupid! Ha! 😛😂 I’m going to remember this one! 👍😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a acronym invented long before me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’ve heard it before alright Sadje 👍 just enjoyed the way you used it! 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎😎😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Needed the KISS especially this time of year! So much going on that focus flies out the window. I should put Keep It Simple, Sweetie on my bathroom mirror as a reminder! 💞
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Dawn. We all need occasional reminders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly Sadie, social media is a distraction these days because everyone apparently is there. I agree with the mute option that makes it easy to focus at the task at hand.
I don’t really mute notifications but I ignore them till I am done writing and publishing my blog. Thanks for the tips dear friend, have a productive week🔥🔥🔥😊🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mthobisi, you do well to concentrate on your writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍🏼
LikeLike
All true, Sadje. When it comes to writing, I believe the stillness in our lives helps bring out our creative abilities. For me, I need my environment to be as quiet as possible – no radio, tv, kids or other distractions that cause my mind to drift. I do leave texting notifications on in case someone needs me but emails and Facebook can wait until I’m ready to take a break from writing. They will still be there hours from now; my thoughts may not be!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here my friend. A quiet and peaceful environment is what I want when writing
LikeLiked by 1 person
“. They will still be there hours from now; my thoughts may not be!”
I love this line. It goes so well with today’s quote.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an apt quote.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like this. It’s so true– although I’d add not getting distracted by the people around you. They can be quite insistent on being noticed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh yes they can. Especially kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t mind distractions because often it gives me another idea to write about.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now we talking.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wow, that is good thing I always do when I write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good too know. 🙏🏼👍🏼
LikeLike
Hi,
My pleasure to meet you, My name is Susan Noah, from USA. I saw your profile and it caught my interest. I have an important project to tell you. please, kindly contact me via my email: at (susannoah00@gmail.com) for further conversation
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Susan.
LikeLike
Totally agree Sadje, but first one needs self discipline to mute those notifications and not look at them.
I love the KISS acronym 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tanya. Yes we do need self discipline if we want to achieve anything worthwhile in life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLike
I always switch it off, Write, then while done switch on again 💯
LikeLiked by 1 person
Way to go
LikeLike
Yes👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
👌🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally. Focusing/working/writing without distractions presently is equally challenging to the usage of acquired skills.. I have been a victim of distraction.. And that is always ending up in postponement of my blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true. Life has become very busy and full of distractions. We need to carve out quiet time to write
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quiet difficult to make time for it. Writing is happening only with consistent tryouts to stay away from distractions. I even wrote a few stuff closer to this point but I haven’t finished and yet to publish. This is how things are going.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our circumstances are all different and we have to make do with the limitations we have.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly…
LikeLiked by 1 person
3% talent and 97% not being distracted by the internet🤔. Some tips here
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jessy.
LikeLike
U are welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
LikeLike
True
LikeLike
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
LikeLike
Glad I got a KISS reading this. Simple in my perspective is writing like talking to yourself. I do that a lot and makes writing fun instead of like a chore. I can write anywhere, anytime and on anything as long as it starts to itch. Thank you for the reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. 👍🏼
LikeLike
We book do you recommend people to read dear author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nopes
LikeLike
I mean which book do you recommend people to read ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It depends on which language you speak or what are your tastes in literature
LikeLike
Okay thank you
LikeLike
Yes I think your simlpe thought (content )in simple words is a clear concept of an writing. Possitiveness is also useful in good writing.
LikeLike