PST Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Does anyone writing a thesis or dissertation primarily at home have creative approaches to finding a writing space in a house shared with family? I love them dearly; I just can't seem to find a place to get utter isolation unless everyone else is asleep. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rising_star Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Can you put a desk in a closet? Just kidding, sort of. I think it's probably impossible unless you already have some space which is not heavily-trafficked that you could make into a writing space by rearranging furniture or something similar. Have you considered working primarily outside of the house, such as in the public library, a coffee shop, etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdNeuroGrl Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 If I need to get lots of writing done I usually end up at the university library... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PST Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Thanks, guys! Your suggestions (I have considered a closet, for real) help. I do have an office at work, but I was trying not to spend more time there than I already do. My son really needs to know I am going to in the house after work, and my spouse is the stay-at-home parent, so I guess I just need to have another talk about "do not disturb." Emotionally complicated stuff, as usual, from parent-spouse-professor-doctoral candidate land. I wouldn't change anything about my life, but if one can manage it, youth is the time for such academic shenanigans . . . beefgallo and EdNeuroGrl 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juilletmercredi Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 My apartment was so tiny that there was no way I could work in total isolation. But I did make my husband (the only one I shared it with) aware of my writing schedule. Because he knew what it was, he generally left me alone when he knew I was deep in dissertation writing - he would only interrupt me to bring me something to eat or massage my shoulders or give me some encouragement. (Love that man.) EdNeuroGrl 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa_McCoy Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Finding writing space and peaceful environment to write can be difficult especially with a kid at ho,e. You might have to talk to your spouse and make him/her clearly understand the importance of your writing. Once you and your spouse on the same page, it would be easier for you to come up with a writing schedule without getting disturbed by the child or other family members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinpsy Posted April 17, 2016 Share Posted April 17, 2016 (edited) They might find it easier to leave you alone when you're writing if you take a different approach to your writing. For example, you could adopt the Pomodoro method, which is writing for 25 minute intervals and taking 5 minute breaks in between (for the first 4 intervals). Then, after the first 4 intervals, you work for 25 minute intervals and take 15-30 minute breaks in between, up to a total of 10 intervals (i.e., a little over 4 hours of very productive writing in one go). This approach allows you to go say hello to your child, have a coffee with your spouse, etc. And since they're seeing you more often, they won't feel as inclined to bug you in those 25 minute chunks of time that you're writing! I use this method and find it helps me stay incredibly productive! There's a Pomodoro app that has a timer set for 25 min intervals, then it alerts you when it's break time! I use the app, which is great, but you could just use any timer. I like the app because you can name the tasks you're working on and then look back at how much solid time you've put into each task. It also provides a graph so you can get a global look at how productive you've been over the past week, month, etc. Oh, and it's free! Edited April 17, 2016 by clinpsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmibeans Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 Hey clinspy, which app do you use? I have terrible writing ethic, so I could definitely use something like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinpsy Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 2 hours ago, kimmibeans said: Hey clinspy, which app do you use? I have terrible writing ethic, so I could definitely use something like this. Yeah I find the short intervals (25 mins) really help me stay productive when I'm writing. Although some people prefer longer intervals of work (e.g., 60-90 mins).. it's a matter of trying out different methods and deciding on the one that works best for you. I use the app called 'Pomodoro Time' (https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/pomodoro-time-focus-timer/id973134470?mt=12)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFRH Posted April 28, 2016 Share Posted April 28, 2016 I have the same problem... right now it's 2:30 and I'm writing but a little blocked @__@ sigh, I have an unofficial deadline with my supervisor and I can't seem to get anything on paper right now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now