Writing Despite Distractions by Candy Arrington

Candy Arrington

During the last years of my mother's life, I served as her caregiver. Ironically, I was writing a book on caring for aging parents at the time. While the responsibilities of caregiving often caused distractions that compromised writing time, in some ways, the difficult circumstances taught me to snatch brief available writing moments.

Most of us find it difficult to compartmentalize emotional upheaval. It spills over into every aspect of life. And physical exhaustion, which is constant for most caregivers or the chronically ill, robs mental processes. So how can you continue to write when distracted by urgent, on-going, or energy-draining life events?

Inventory writing accomplishments—Sometimes we lose track of what we've accomplished in the face of what feels like a total productivity standstill. Reviewing publishing credits reminds us God is our source of inspiration, encourages dependence on him, and sparks new ideas. If you wrote this much, this well, before now, you'll be able to do it again.

Chronicle snippets—Get in the habit of carrying a small notebook you can easily access. Sometimes our minds work on writing pursuits even though we're involved in other activities, including while asleep. When ideas, book or article titles, themes, sentences, or phrases pop into your mind, write them in your notebook. Don't try to make sense of them at the time. Just get them on paper. If you don't have the notebook with you, compose a text message to yourself and save it, or send a brief email from your phone. 

Once, while my mother was in the hospital, I wrote most of a chapter and didn't remember until I opened the document weeks later. I almost cried because the deadline was looming and I thought I hadn't started that chapter yet. When I saw it was nearly finished, I was overwhelmed by the knowledge that God was writing through me even though my mind was elsewhere.

Set small, realistic goals—Often, our biggest writing challenge is a blank computer screen. Typing even a few sentences primes the pump. Decide to make an outline, write two paragraphs, or create five bullet points. You'll be surprised how often you keep going beyond the small goal you set for yourself. Once you meet, or exceed, your goal, the sense of accomplishment you feel encourages you to move forward.

Realize difficulties are the catalyst for heart-felt writing—Hardships add new dimensions to writing. Although not perceived while in the midst of the situation, later concepts and lessons crystallize. Then writing comes from a deeper place. Instead of cursing your circumstances, mine them for writing gems. But make sure your writing edifies readers rather than serving as a forum for whining.

Side-step discouragement—Discouragement is one of Satan's most effective weapons, but rest assured, greater seasons of writing productivity lie ahead. Don't succumb to the thought that you're a writing has-been. Praise God for the gift of words and ask him to continue to use you and your writing to encourage others.

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Chronicle snippets: get in the habit of carrying a small notebook you can easily access. Click to Tweet

Praise God for the gift of words and ask him to continue to use you. Click to Tweet

Five easy ways to keep writing in spite of distractions. Click to Tweet

About the Author

When Your Aging Parent Needs Care
by Candy Arrington & Kim Atchley

About Candy Arrington

Candy Arrington's writing provides Biblical insight and practical support, often on tough topics. Her publishing credits include The Lookout, Encounter, Focus on the Family, Clubhouse, The Upper Room, The Writer, and Writer's Digest. She is coauthor of Aftershock: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B & H Publishing Group) and When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for This Season of Life (Harvest House Publishers). Candy and her husband, Jim, live in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she writes about the lessons God is teaching her. www.CandyArrington.com

When Your Aging Parent Needs Care

In nearly a quarter of households in the US, someone is caring for an aging parent. What begins as a way to honor those they love becomes, for many, a confusing and stressful time. This resource of hope provides caregivers with the support and direction they need to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally prepared for situations they face day-to-day. Authors Candy Arrington and Kim Atchley draw from their personal experiences to speak with compassion and guidance and support those who face the challenges of caring for a parent.