It’s especially important for writers to create times when they unplug from social media. These can be times when we need the focus to be creative. Without times of concentration or focus, we won’t be able to successfully complete our goals or do good quality writing.
Writing and being creative requires that we take specific times of the day and remove ourselves from distraction. Some writers need solitude to be inspired and find new ideas to write about. Being alone allows us to observe the world around us, think deeply, contemplate, and draw from our experiences. Writers often need space and quiet to let their ideas flow and to explore different scenarios in their minds.
Solitude is an idea that’s used by many writers to signify what one researcher (Graham Wallas) has called sacred time and sacred space within which all creative people think and get their work done. Solitude is a way of describing, not just being alone, but also a state of mind. Solitude helps to put writers in the right frame of mind for intellectual work.
Here are a few ways to create solitude:
- Set aside time daily to be alone with your writing. Designate at least one hour a day to writing and being alone.
- Make sure that during your solitude time you’re alone. Yes, there are people who write in coffee shops. And that’s fine from time to time. But most times, we need times alone in a room with a closed door.
- Take a writing summer vacation alone. These can be for a week or two. Or, it can be for a few days. If you can afford to get away for loner, that’s even better.
- Create several shorter alone times every day where you do very little, such as when you wake up or before you go to bed. Do nothing but let your mind roam.
By taking these steps you’ll be creating times for solitude.
Try it!