Focus

Ideas are the easy part. I spend a lot of time batting them away, trying to keep them from distracting me from what I actually have to focus on and finish. —Michael Chabon

Shiny Object Syndrome

It strikes like clockwork—whenever I’m deep into the first draft of a novel or inconceivably busy with Bookflow, the Muse will start rapid-fire dropping new ideas into my ear. And every single one of those ideas will seem much better than the one I’m currently working on—and not only better, but easier to execute. If only I were working on this new idea, I think. It would write itself!

Spoiler Alert: It Never Writes Itself

The one good thing about these shiny new ideas is that I know enough not to be seduced by them. If they really seem to have the spark of a great idea, I’ll be sure the capture the nuggets in Bookflow, but I won’t allow them to distract me from the bigger project. Because I know that ideas are like relationships—the longer you’re with them, the more complex they get. When I started the main project, I made a commitment to see it through. If I bail on the hard work every time a shiny new idea comes along, I’ll never reap the rewards that come with commitment.

Writing Takes Focus

Focus means keeping your attention on one thing, and it means that you’ll have to let some ideas go...or at least wait. I know how hard it can be, believe me. This leads me to my next announcement:

Focus Mode is Here!

Our #1 most requested feature—Focus Mode—is now live on Bookflow! You can make your browser tabs and notes disappear by clicking the Focus button in the lower right corner of your screen. Here is a screenshot of *this very newsletter*, which I wrote without distractions. 

I hope this new feature helps you keep your mind on what matters!