Funny writing question. Some authors do a con all day, then switch to writing mode for an hour in their rooms, then switch back to con mode. Some will do deep discussions of their new book, while actively writing the next.
My brain isn't that flexible. How do you learn to do that?
My brain isn't that flexible. How do you learn to do that?
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The problem isn't you can't transitional well. That's just the normal state of that kind of brain. Find what it is you dislike about not being able to, and troubleshoot that.
Daydreaming is my secret. 😂 If I'm still thinking about my book and jotting down notes periodically, I keep tabs on writing mode.
I can't write every night, but I'm always thinking about it.
I CANNOT do this. Nor do I think I could ever do this.
At best... maybe discipline and practice MIGHT help you improve? But it might be a "do what works best for you" as opposed to "do what others do" kind of situation.
For example, I can happily context-switch to work on several books at the same time - but could I write after peopling all day at a con? No. Never. My brain is mush 😁
Or, it could be a talent that let me get into software dev. to start with?
Personally, I can't do that on purpose, but I have done similar things because my brain just decided to change gears.
I've got two out this year and am already panicking about getting them mixed up at cons.
Teach me this magic, ye wizards of the pages!
1) laptop that is specifically my writing laptop.
2) Using sprints. For some reason, writing in sprints does more to keep me in the writing mindset and allow me to get something down on pages than anything.
I also blame my ADHD for my ability to swap focus.
My friend Gail Martin, though - she's a machine. I've roomed with her and it blows my mind how easily she slips into work mode in between panels.
I broke myself completely for like a year back in the noughts trying to do what people told me I "should."
After you've been doing this a while, new tricks may appear. I got a bunch around novel 10.
I admit that's not helpful to your question (OH NO I'M *THAT GUY* on the internet) but. You aren't alone.
The last work trip I took I got violently ill from food.
The last writing trip I took was great, I got to meet @lzats.bsky.social but unbeknownst to me I had glass in my foot.
John. DO NOT TRAVEL WITH GLASS IN YOUR FOOT IT HURTS.
Terry Pratchett would famously sit and write at events, go up on stage and do his bit, and then go back to his seat, pick up his laptop, and resume writing.
It's a tricky thing, and you need to build into it IMO. I couldn't do it now b/c I'm out of practice; but then it required a couple minutes to brain switch.