A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned I’d have some extra writing time coming up,
and I was determined not to waste it. After reading a post about unplugging by Mae Clair at The Story Empire, I decided to give it a try. Friends, I’m now a firm believer that unplugging makes me a more productive and creative person.
Over a weekend, I refrained from checking email and social media of any kind. I never opened a browser, and it was freeing and liberating. I’ve struggled with this WIP, hitting one roadblock after another, but in those two days epiphanies were had, word counts increased substantially, plots twists created, and character motivations revealed. It’s like I was possessed by a totally different writer. If you haven’t tried this, give it a shot and see what happens.
Is anyone else watching The Passage? I read the series by Justin Cronin a few years 
back, and wondered how the adaptation for television would go. After The Walking Dead, it’s now my favorite show. It’s been several years since I read the first book, so I can’t tell you how closely it’s sticking to it, but the story line is totally compelling, with some nail-biting scenes. The talented young actor who plays Amy is the perfect blend of adorable, clever, and calculating. She does a fantastic job. The season finale is this week, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s renewed for next season.
Happy reading and writing this week!
Books and Such 
I’m glad unplugging worked for you. I’m going to have to do that some time.
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It made a profound difference for me, Tori. You should definitely try it.
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Yeah, I totally should.
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I don’t do social media on the weekends. And I only answer emergency emails. It makes Mondays a little harder, but I need the break. I’m glad unplugging works for you!
I didn’t even realize The Passage was based on a series. I’m hooked. It’s one of my favorite new shows this year. I hope they get a full season next year. Can’t wait to see the finale!
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I may start making it a habit, Staci – it was certainly beneficial that weekend.
There are three books in that series, and they’re all chunks, but worth every page. I’m loving the TV series.
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Glad it helped! My husband did it over the weekend and he said it felt liberating too. 😉
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It’s like a weight was lifted, and my brain could breathe again, lol. Bet he felt the same way.
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He did! I’ll be doing the same very soon. I read this book about it last year. I think the title is: How to break up with your phone.
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Cool title!
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It took me forever to learn to unplug. Isn’t it wonderful? For about a year now, I pop into social media every other day, even skipping a few days in a row, especially on weekends. On those glorious “unplugged” days, I still check my email in case someone NEEDS to get in touch with me (and can’t wait). Otherwise, I write all day. Unplugging is the best way to increase productivity. It’s also freeing, don’tcha think? Happy writing today, Teri!!!
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Now that I’ve seen the results, I plan to make it a habit, Sue. It’s absolutely freeing, and seems to clear out the cobwebs from my brain.
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So glad that worked for you. I partially disconnect on my days off. Meaning email and some direct things are still on the table. Thanks for the Story Empire nod too.
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You’re welcome! You guys provide some vital info for writers, Craig. I wasn’t totally unplugged – I usually write to a playlist for my WIP. Not always, but usually for few songs at least.
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Oh come on. A playlist doesn’t count. That’s like saying I can’t watch Golum for the millionth time on Sundays. (It was The Hobbit series this weekend.)
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I love The Hobbit series – you must always watch Golum.
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I still think Andy Serkis should have won that Academy Award.
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Absolutely.
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i think i do the unplugging unconsciously (feu, two big words ina roll). I actually can’t do sm and online stuff when i write. And if i do get stuck somewhere in the wip, i go on a reading binge. or baking binge.
I read the passage a couple years back and it was one of the best reads of that year. complex, full of plot twists, and the storyline kept me gripped, even if i hated that whenever i got attached to someone, that person disappeared when the story jumped forward. I didn’t read the second or third book, but i have both.
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My problem was when I’d get stuck, I’d go to social media – not a good idea. You’re right about The Passage – a gripping read, with unexpected twists. You should read the last two books – so good!
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I keep seeing commercials for The Passage but have yet to give it a try. I might have to start DVRing!
Thanks for the SE shout-out. I am thrilled unplugging worked for you. I’m offline every weekend. Usually Friday night until Sunday night or Monday morning. Yes, there is catch-up to do, but the weekend is my time for writing. It’s awesome you made such great progress on your WIP!
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Thanks for the idea, Mae! I think this will become a habit for me. Not only did my productivity increase, I felt more rested, if that makes sense. It seems to be the right path for me.
I think you’d really like The Passage. I’m sure it will be released on Netflix before long.
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Good to know about The Passage.
And I agree with you about weekend unplugging and how nice it is. I’ve been doing it for years!
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Unplugging oneself is such a brilliant idea. It’s almost like we actually do take a plug out of the world of technology and roam free. It takes me back to the days before the internet and mobile phones, when people actually sat together, ate and talked. It was also the days of going out and chatting, but that’s another story.
Glad it worked for you, Teri. Keep on ‘unplugging’.
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I remember those days before internet and mobile phones, Hugh – how did we ever survive? Lol. I credit Mae with giving me the idea, which will now be a new habit for me.
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Glad unplugging worked. Who are you again?
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Lol – thanks, John!
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😀
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You are so right about the relationship between productivity and unplugging. I am consciously breaking up with my phone and computer because I get a lot more done in my real life when I do. Of course, I enjoy blogging, so I allow myself time for that! Great post 🙂
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Thanks, Barbara! All those real life things to do, also. The weekend I first unplugged, I’d give myself a 10-15 minute break every hour or so, and I’d so some kind of chore around the house – gave my brain a break, and I didn’t have a pile of things waiting for me after writing. Someone else mentioned a book about breaking up with their phone – a genius idea!
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It’s amazing to unplug, Teri. I’m so glad you did it. I need to pick one day a week – you inspired me. And thanks for the tip on The Passage. We just finished season 3 of The Expanse and need to start something new. 🙂
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Thank Mae, Diana – it was her brilliant idea. I just saw a clip of The Expanse, and you’d mentioned it earlier – seems like signs are telling me to watch it.
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An interesting idea, Teri. I am usually quite disciplined and only blog or read social media during set times in the day particularly over weekends when I want to write. I haven’t felt a need to unplug entirely, just to be disciplined about it.
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I think self-discipline is the key, Robbie. Placing time limits or having set times is the best way to go during the week for me, but having that break of the weekends seemed to make a big difference. Part of it could be psychological.
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I’ve been wondering about The Passage and I’m definitely going to watch it now!
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The season finale was on last night – maybe you can catch it on On Demand or Netflix before long? Totally compelling.
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I’m keeping my fingers crossed they will put it on Netflix soon!
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I tend to actually find writing a really absorbing task, it’s the starting that I’m terrible at. I think, though, if I were to ban myself from Netflix for a period of time, I would probably end up writing more as opposed to thinking, “Just one more episode!”
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I know what you mean. I’m years behind, but I’m working my way through Supernatural, and I’d love to just sit and binge watch.
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