Unplugging: A Source of Inspiration or Loneliness?

So last week, we had a windstorm that knocked out my internet (hence my distinct non-presence on the world-wide-web).

And, at first, it was hard to get used to it. I couldn’t use a dictionary app to check things anymore. I couldn’t go online to verify this fact or that. I couldn’t touch WordPress or Facebook (gasp!).

But in many ways, I found the unplugging experience refreshing. It helped me focus because it removed so many other possibilities from my to-do list. I couldn’t post anything, I couldn’t download my next book to review, and I couldn’t get distracted by tweets and updates. I was stuck facing my writing…and not much else.

My mind became uncluttered and a great many things were relegated to “after the internet comes back.” As a result, I’ve now gotten past the “hump” of rewriting one of my novels and have forward momentum after weeks of dithering.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend unplugging without a touch of self-control, though. As the dates near for the “Characters in Costume” Blogfest, I was getting worried that I wouldn’t be able to post anything…even though I’m cohosting the event. But I could certainly see myself acting like the internet doesn’t exist for another week or so. I might even unplug the modem and make sure it’s really “out.” 🙂

But it was a bit lonely. I couldn’t help but wonder what everyone else was up to…whether anything major was going on that I was missing (like the Cubs finally reaching the World Series again. How did I not hear about that?). So this November, I’m going to hope the Internet holds out so I can visit the blogs of each and every one of you, my followers. In the meantime, I’m going to ride my wave of inspiration and catch up on all the things I couldn’t do. 🙂

What about you? Have you ever taken a step away from the Internet? How did it work for you?

Copyright 2016 Andrea Lundgren