Hello Bookworms,
Today I wanted to give an update on how things are going with my writing and reading projects. I personally think I have been doing well but I also think there is room for improvement. I have had days where I end up doing really bad with trying to focus and get some writing done. While I have other days that I am very productive. I’m still trying to balance it all out.
Let’s start with reading. I am happy to announce that I was able to finish another book. I was reading, Little One, by, Olivia Muenter. There will be a book review coming out about my thoughts on this book so I’ll save any information about the book for the book review. I have started reading another book that’s not newly written. Some of you may have read it or heard of it. It’s called The Storyteller, by, Jodi Picoult. It’s about a young woman who becomes friends with an elderly man who once was a Nazi guard in his past. It sounds interesting. I’m only in the first chapter, my goal is to make a dent into the book today as I read by the pool. I’m interested in what you guys are reading, make sure you comment below and let me know.
As far as my writing projects go. I have gotten better with focusing on my writing but it’s still a little hard. I was able to edit through a short story of about 12 pages. That’s short, that’s nothing right?!? I that’s what I thought, but it took me three days to get through it. Honestly it could have taken me longer had I not forced myself to power through it. Last night while I was writing in my journal I questioned myself. I asked myself, why I was so slow and procrastinating with completing my projects. I asked myself, when did I find writing so hard to do? I’m doing a good job with staying off the internet, except for You Tube. I am still watching You Tube but I’ve tried to reduce my screen time with that as well.
About two days ago I was watching a You Tuber that I am subscribed to and he was talking about how You Tube also effects our brains like social media does. I figured it did but with how I am struggling concerning my writing projects that comment was something I didn’t want to hear.
I don’t have cable. Yes I do have some streaming sites I have subscribed to, I don’t have many. Something that I have noticed is that the movies and shows that are coming out on Netflix, Prime, and Apple could be better. I don’t find them that interesting which takes me back to watching You Tube. Or is it that my mind is addicted to You Tube so I find reasons to go back on there and watch videos instead of the other streaming services. That’s heavy to think about because to acknowledge that is to acknowledge I have an addiction that’s really effecting my writing.
This particular blog is part four of my series that I have titled, My Writing Road Blocks. It’s about monitoring my screen time while I try to regain my focus on my writing projects and develop the drive to want to complete them as I once was doing before. I am still struggling because the attention I can give to a project is short before my mind does what I call a mental shut down due to exhaustion.
Once upon a time I was able to sit and write for hours and hours. My son would be sleeping leaving our home quiet. That’s when I worked the most. I wrote and edited and wrote and edited. Looking back I had cable television. I wasn’t really watching it. My focus was my writing.
Right now I think screen time has reduced my attention span. I am trying to change that but it has been a slow process. I feel what I need to do next is give myself a certain number of hours a week of screen time. I can keep track of it and some how post it here in order to help keep me accountable. I know someone will be reading this blog and will read the next one to find out how successful I turn out to be. I believe this because I believe we are all dealing with our own struggles, our own demons. Sometimes it’s good to see your not alone as you hear, read, or see someone else’s struggles. Someone here will keep me accountable.
I just searched Google (right now as I type this post) and read that screen time for adults should be limited down to 2-4 hours a day. What if I treat You Tube as television? Let me check something else real fast… According to Google’s AI, television should be limited to two hours a day and screen time should be 2-4 hours a day. I am definitely watching a lot more hours than what is recommended. I can’t put an exact number on it but I promise it’s a lot more. Bang my head on the wall. I love You Tube.
Now if I treat this like an addiction then I should be weening myself off. Starting at a max of fours of screen time sounds a bit harsh. I’ll start at five and then cut back to four and maybe down to three. That depends on how I feel and how the process goes. I’m sorry but I love You Tube and I have people that I love to watch and listen to, some I learn stuff from, like sketching. It really does keep me entertained but I do know that it’s impacting my attention to focus and so I don’t think it’s worth it. I think if I treat You Tube like a snack I’ll be more productive with my writing. So if you’re interested in how this goes, Like and Follow so you don’t miss any of my future postings.
Until next time Bookworms, stay safe, and stay positive.
M.C. Addington 