I'm reading, writing, or playing a computer game. I'm in the middle of a really good, high-emotion, climactic scene and my entire world has become the artificial creation that commands my attention.
Then someone calls me and takes me away from the fantasy.
Argh!
This drives me to distraction. Of course, it's not the person's fault for calling. They have no way of knowing that I'm right in the middle of finding out how Harry Dresden gets out of his latest dilemma, or that my protagonist is about to realise what's really going on behind the scenes. And most of the time it's my heavily pregnant wife calling, who I'm all too happy to help out, whether she needs me to make a cup of tea or scratch part of her back she can't reach. But still, it's a tragic moment when the illusion is shattered.
Wouldn't it be great if we could broadcast an all-points "do not disturb" bulletin?
Of course, my husandly duties require that I do whatever my wife needs, because I'll be dammed if I let her hurt herself doing somthing that I could do for her easily.
Apr 5, 2011
D is for Do Not Disturb
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
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That's why I have an answering machine. And you sound like the ideal man. Like my husband, who is so attentive when I need his help. The key to a happy marriage!
ReplyDeleteKaren: I'm useless at ignoring the phone. It's one of the reasons I like to have my music up loud while writing, to drown out the distractions!
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind to help your pregnant wife. She will remember that for years (not that I have any ill will for my husband who would NOT cater to my every whim when I was pregnant).
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean by interruptions, especially with the phone. My son's grandfather called my house and cellphone repeatedly for 30 minutes on Friday, my only writing day! And to talk about something like taxes - BLECH!
Halli: You have my sympathy!
ReplyDeleteYour wife is a lucky woman, Paul, and I'm sure she appreciates your caring.
ReplyDeleteAgree that interruptions can drive one to distraction at times. That's one of the reasons I write later in the evening, when there's less chance of that phone ringing!
http://paulamartinpotpourri.blogspot.com
Paula: I squeeze in my writing before work, during my lunch, and while I'm sitting on the couch with my laptop in the evenings. I don't get as much undisturbed writing time as I'd like, but at least I get to write regularly, and it helps me learn to multitask!
ReplyDeleteI actually turn off the phone and the doorbell (hubby installed a lovely switch on that for me) during the day when I'm writing so that no one can disturb me anymore. I guess I should mention I'm no fan of the phone or the doorbell, anyway. It really helps, though, because when the phone is on I feel like I have to answer it. Drives my friends and family nuts, but that's what voice mail is for. (Of course, if your pregnant wife is calling, the phone definitely needs to stay on!).
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the A to Z Challenge!
Shannon: Thanks for stopping by. It's a tough balance to manage, taking care of Jen and finding time to write. I'm very glad she has no problem with me working away on the laptop while we're watching tv.
ReplyDelete