At the moment I’m living in a busy household with lots of distractions and interruptions. My writing time is suffering.
I decided I needed to send everyone, especially myself, a clear message. I needed a poster to stick on my door to show when I’m writing – to ward off those continuing interruptions (from family and from myself).
So for the past few days I’ve been experimenting with all sorts of designs. I’ve added my favourites to this post.
They’re all fun, but sometimes the simplest is still the best.
Having a poster serves two purposes:
- It clearly shows others when you’ve set aside time to write. If they continue to interrupt, you can point out your sign and say you’ll be with them after your writing time is up.
- Most importantly, it encourages you to take your writing time seriously.
Why not take a couple of minutes right now to make your own poster or sign declaring yourself a writer?
If you’re too busy for that, you can click on one of the above images to get a bigger version and use it instead. (Sorry, I don’t have high-resolution versions for print so they may come out a little fuzzy.)
What have you done to take yourself seriously as a writer? Let us know in the comments.
February 6, 2013 at 8:28 pm
Hi Jessica, interesting post and you are right – it does help to make it clear to you and the rest of the world that you are off limits while you are writing. In my day job, I am a video producer and we recently made a short 8 minute documentary ‘Life of a Writer’, in which author Kate Harrison explained why she had a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on her door. The film is freely available on Youtube if you wanted to take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auJWC-o-RiY
PS – My favourite design of yours is the green one!
February 7, 2013 at 5:20 pm
I love this documentary! It’s beautifully put together. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
P.S. The green one is my favourite too!
February 7, 2013 at 5:39 pm
No problem – thanks for taking the time to watch it and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m currently trying to share with as many writers as possible as I think anyone with even a passing interest will find something useful in it. Good luck with your writing too.
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April 13, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Dear Madam/sir, After completing Masters in 1972 from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh I have been engaged in development (NGO) works and since then started writing such as, Project Proposal Development, Concept Note Development, Corresponding with respective Government and Donors agencies. wiring Evaluation/Monitoring reports, Project Completion reports, etc. Thereby I have developed an affinity and habit of writing of different kinds as well as copying stereotyped reports. I really love writing and producing something. I like to continue as a writer and if that is rewarding and working from home for maintaining myself and my family then that is a blessing for me. May I conclude here with the words that that the authority may kindly consider to engage me in writing work which I shall perform with utmost diligence with seriousness and honesty as diligently as possible. That is my word of honor.
Thanks and regards.