I think it’s pretty common for writers – especially beginning writers – to fall victim to distraction. If you’re like me, you might pause and let your mind wander some random thought or idea while writing — and you won’t snap out of it until ten, fifteen, even twenty minutes later!

Consider the following next time you find your mind wandering from your screenplay.

1. Stay Home

If you feel you simply can’t get the writing done that you planned – and you tend to write at barnes and Noble, Starbucks, or any other place for that matter, – consider staying home where you can control your writing setting. Stephen King recommends writers choose a place they can call their own – anything from a spare table to an extra room might be just what you need.

2. Listen to Music

If you prefer to write in public places, try listening to music while you write. I find it utterly impossible to write without it for some reason, but I’ve heard some simply can’t write unless it’s silent as the grave. Whatever your choice, you might want to give this a whirl if you find that you’re easily distracted while writing.

3. Close Your Eyes and Think About Your Story

This might be over simplistic, but sometimes it works. If you’re muddled with thought or emotion, try closing your eyes and thinking about your story. Hopefully you’re story will give you a little boost of inspiration right about now.

4. Free Writing

I’ve talked about this method of writing before, but never for focusing purposes. usually free writing is a good way to hit the ground running in a way, but if you feel too distracted it might also help focus your thoughts. In a way, it’s like a game – you let your mind wander and your fingers play catch up as they try to record what you think, where you go, who you meet, and so on.

5. Write Faster

This might be a distant cousin of the free writing method because of its common ground it shares in terms of playing catch up. However, the goal here isn’t to let your mind wander, but rather to train yourself to stay focused and on point by writing faster. Train your mind to work at a faster pace, while still remaining focused, and you might even become more productive.

While wandering your thoughts and letting go is necessary for writers, hopefully a few of these will help you focus your mind while actually writing so you can share some of your work with the world.