Screenwriting : Anyone Else Struggling with Productivity vs Distraction? by Jennifer Ritch

When I first read this I thought you'd put "accountability couch," which seems like a terrific idea, but Amazon didn't have any. But still, a couch where when you sit on it and reach for the TV remote it goes "Whoa there bud, you didn't hit that page count today, why don't you get the hell out of here and don't even think about sitting on me till you reach the second act crisis?" could be a heck of a motivator.

Mark, brilliant idea!

Let's call it "Acouchability." ;)

From my experience, I am excited about my work; but then reality kicks in. Getting my work produced is like climbing Mt. Everest. So, I get discouraged and in that moment another idea will inspire me; thus taking my mind of off the realities associated with film financing, producing, etc. that ultimately determine if my long-term creative efforts are worth it in the end. Do I create for the sake of creating? Or am I trying to accomplish lasting financial and recognitional success as a writer? Doubt is the culprit. Setting realistic goals is the other. Just my thoughts.

See...I"m hanging out here coming up with Amazon products with you instead of working on my screenplay!

No accountabi.....something shiny.

Tough challenge, Jennifer Ritch. Understanding the root of why you're easily distracted might reveal a strategy. For instance, perhaps you're just not in a creative mood and you're buying time until inspiration strikes. Or you're avoiding writing an emotional story or scene because it makes you uncomfortable in some way. You get the point.

There's a great blog about the research rabbit hole that might help you out as well:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/avoiding-the-rabbit-hole-story-research-tip...

And lastly, set up daily/weekly goals and attach some kind of reward when they are met.

Try Glycine, or some nootropics. Exercise - do Cardio. Set daily goals that are on a time table that are attainable. Have a balanced life. Have outside accountability like a writing group etc.

"I spend countless hours "researching" but don't get to actual writing." Have you seen this blog, Jennifer Ritch: www.stage32.com/blog/avoiding-the-rabbit-hole-story-research-tips-3374

"I write Act 1 and then get a new idea and abandon the first script and start doing more 'research'." The "get a new idea and abandon the first script" part happens to me. When it does, I just make myself focus on my current idea. Another thing that might help is going over your notes/outline/script and "falling in love" with your current idea again so it'll look more attract than the new idea.

Accountability couch (Acouchability). Haha Mark Garbett!

You beat me to the research rabbit hole blog, Ty Strange. :)

Yes it’s part of the process, I think, but also I try to refrain from chastising myself and just keep on working through it, I’ve completed seven feature scripts and a novel (not to mention a thousand paintings but that’s another story), so I have some kind of track record just as a spec writer. We learn from and enjoy research and sidetracks, it’s useful. I allow myself one “switcheroo” per screenplay concept, I can change one time to abandon a project and take up a different one but then my rule is I have to finish that new script before I can start another new idea. I have a handful of concepts on the back burner but have gotten pretty good at choosing projects I’m so passionate about and completing them. I’m now making a micro-budget film this year of one of my favorite screenplays I’ve written so I’m seeing a certain continuity and array of new possibilities. Ultimately you just have to find ways to persist that work for you and enable you to gain satisfaction and win those creative battles while sustaining health and sanity!

I find that setting goals for each writing session helps.

Daniel Stuelpnagel. Thank you so much! I am going to use the "switcheroo" trick. I usually get sidetracked because I have an idea all fleshed out, characters developed, etc, and then I think "what if she did this instead of that?" And I'm off on a tangent. It's been a long and winding road.

I read this somewhere: "What do you get when you cross a writer with a deadline? All the chores get done." I also struggle with what you mentioned, but I have noticed that this doesn't happen when I'm writing to send to someone or submit somewhere. Whenever I have to finish my work before a deadline, I don't entertain other ideas. They come, but I don't dwell on them enough to abandon my current idea. I think this distraction by other interesting ideas comes because of the creative freedom we've allowed ourselves. We can stare at a blank page for hours and give the excuse that there's no inspiration. We even have a nice word for that situation. Just like others have mentioned, it would help to set realistic goals, but then again, you need the discipline to actually strive to achieve them. Btw, I need to read this article too. Thanks to Ty Strange and Maurice Vaughan for sharing the link.

Jennifer Ritch also I do think it depends on our expectations and goals.

I take anywhere from six months to a year to write a solid feature script,

I enjoy the long game but I know it's not for everyone. And I have no experience or compliance with industry standards since I've not done any paid work yet.

Although I've gotten some good reads in consultation with industry executives here on Stage 32, the industry zeitgeist is a moving target.

creativity is the most difficult type of work. you can't force yourself to write 8 hours a day.

easy work requires a lot of motivation, difficult work requires little motivation. this means that the author should not motivate himself with some big reward, this will lead to a loss of performance. find motivation in small goals and rewards.

You're welcome, Akinjide.

Jennifer Ritch Yes, I know what you mean. What helped me was writing small goals in the morning on a piece of paper and setting it by my laptop. Don't make it too grandiose - something achievable by the end of the day. "Write that scene." for example. Don't beat yourself up if you don't make it, just write that one small goal for that day and then do the same every morning. Before you know it, you'll have a finished script.

I have ADHD. So, I totally get it, man. I think it's just a matter of accepting it and moving on.

I can write on my script one minute and the other, just looking at messages on Facebook, on here or on Instagram.

Arthur, you make a strong case. Creativity is DIFFERENT than the NECESSITY of writing something for professional and academic reasons. When you're on the clock or under pressure, it's very difficult indeed.

Hey Jennifer, same same for me. But I’m writing my way out of it. That’s why we do it, right. Not to win awards, not to have praise heaped upon us, or even get a film made - hear me out, I see getting my film made like winning a marathon, all I’m doing right now is training my ass off and let go of results I don’t control. There are plenty of great scripts out there sitting unmade. . (Results are the good consequences of loving to, needing to, write.) I had to let go of Everest-sized end goals like that…too much pressure…and it was wrecking my love of the process. Re losing interest after writing Act 1, does that mean you haven’t plotted out sections/beats, turning points for the whole film? This is what keeps me excited that I have a story worth telling. As a great squirrel watcher myself I have to kinda force myself to do two things…write my story in beat form/or whatever structure I currently like, today it’s ‘save the cat’, or others like ‘the hero’s journey ’ , ‘12 section structure’, etc. As you go, when that goddam squirrel appears, write it down in your squirrel book and let it go. Once it’s out of your head you can move on, amazingly this works and you end up with a book full of possibilities. Or dead squirrels. Hope this is helpful. Like Dory said, just keep swimming.

Hi Jennifer,

I totally empathize with what you’re going through. I have been revising a script that I commissioned for an adaptation of a book that I have film rights to, and it is a daunting experience. I do have a thought for you to consider. My son does coaching which might be of interest to you. You can get a feel for what he does by checking his website somaticocdcoach.com. While the website is oriented toward obsessive compulsive disorder, some of the same principles apply to people who get distracted and can’t focus. You can reach him through the website, and he’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

Jennifer Ritch maybe it’s all to do with the fear of completing something that you will then have to put into other people’s hands for their critique? many procrastinations are based on fear. Just a thought…