#StetChat Managing Distractions Recap | July 1, 2026

Welcome to today’s #StetChat. Let’s talk about managing distractions! Remember to use the hashtag #StetChat for all your answers and label your answers A1, A2, etc. so we know which question you’re responding to.Missed a question? You can see all the questions under the Media tab on our profile.

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-07-01T19:59:01.160Z

#StetChatters, please introduce yourself. Remember to use the hashtag #StetChat for all your answers today. #StetChatAnd remember, if you miss a question, you can see all the questions under the Media tab on our profile.

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-07-01T19:59:17.458Z

Usually between 4-6 hours. 5 is the sweet spot but I can do 6 if I have to. I try to work Mon-Thurs, with Fridays reserved for my own writing and admin. #StetChat

— Kristen Tate (@kristentate.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:11:13.155Z

A1: I generally try to keep all biz between about 8 and 3 M-F, but actually editing takes up approximately 3-5 hours a day, sometimes less. I've had good luck with a two-hour focus time around 9 a.m., plus another around 1 or 2 p.m. #StetChat

— Barbie Halaby (@monocleediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:08:14.213Z

I can handle a max of 4 hours in a row of actual editing, but I do need small breaks during that work time. Anything longer than that and I'm absolutely not at full brain capacity. Editing takes a lot of concentrated thinking.I'm personally most productive in the mornings. #StetChat

— Arden Editorial (@goldenedits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:38:33.059Z

I’d say between 1-5 hours a day. The five hour days are usually around deadlines, the one hour days are either because of admin, other business requirements, or straight-up bad brain days/brain fog (#ADHDer here). I work best in the late morning to late afternoon, depending on brain/deadline/etc.

— Literary Laura (@literarylaura.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:10:09.363Z

A1: Depends on how many projects I’m working on. One hour minimum, four or five hours maximum. #StetChat.

— Kat/K. A. Tutin (@mskatutin.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:24:54.090Z

#StetChat A1I edit on average 2-3 hours per day, however, this really depends on how I'm feeling (and how my chronic illness/spoons are). Some days I can barely edit 1 hour and other days I can do 4 hours.Best times: 10a-12p and 4p-6p OR sometimes 7p-9p.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:09:56.830Z

#StetChatA1: No idea, because I keep forgetting to time it (I'd love to know how long it takes me to edit). I'm neurodivergent, and my concentration varies a lot. Sometimes I'll work in short bursts, and sometimes you cannot take me away from my task and I forget to drink and eat. 1/2 🧵

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:23:22.593Z

A1 | All throughout the day with gaming, cleaning, and exercise breaks included. This works way better for me than X a.m. to Y p.m. though I do only consider Monday through Thursday to be my work week. #StetChat

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:16:30.926Z

A1: When I’ve got a project, I try to max out at about 6 hours a day. IIRC, I think I’ve gotten close to 8 at times. 6 hours means I can do 2-hr chunks in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with plenty of break time. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:11:44.022Z

A1. Regular work day? Eight-ish hours. Freelance? I block out three hour chunks if I’m off or an hour if I’m working.#StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:11:10.798Z

A1: I average around 3.5 hours a day of billable editing time per day (thanks, Toggl!) but I can go up to 6 hours if I’m locked in. I’m a night owl, so I stay up late and sleep in (yay freelance life 😎), and my brain is most awake in the late afternoon and evening, so that’s when I work. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:10:17.239Z

A1: I edit 4-5 hours per day, 3 to 6 days per week depending on my project load, the deadlines, and family needs.#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:12:16.176Z

A1: Six or seven hours a day, depending on what else is on my plate (I also write and fact check). I used to start work at 10 and make Tue/Wed my weekend, but my wife isn't freelance, so I keep her hours: M–F, 9 till whenever. I don't work nights or weekends except for extra fees. #StetChat

— Bill (@caractacus.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:17:44.763Z

For actual in-the-book/file editing, generally a max of 4 hrs/day. I try to keep work within Mon.–Fri., 9ish to 4ish, since that aligns best for time with friends/family. But if there's a rush/urgent project, or I need to catch up… it's crunch time & that all goes out the window 🙃 #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:12:05.874Z

A1: Probably 3–4? Usually on weekdays, though I have some recurring projects that I do over weekends for deadline reasons. #StetChat

— Stevonnie (שולמית) (@mxs510.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:17:27.883Z

A1 editing is my regular job. I usually edit Monday through Thursday. Generally between the hours of nine and five… Usually it's actually more than that.

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T23:33:08.322Z

A1: I try for 5-6 hours/day, 6 days/week. That includes research, admin, & actual editing. I can go longer if I'm cranking on something or trying to make up for time lost elsewhere. Also stop in the middle of other things to make notes.

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:25:50.671Z

A2. Time-sensitive household responsibilities, including caregiving. And the fact that the internet I have to use for my job is the same internet with all the rabbit holes. ivacheung.com/2016/01/fact… #StetChat

— Iva Cheung (@ivacheung.com) 2026-07-01T20:20:42.138Z

#StetChat A2My phone 😅 specifically Bluesky. As uh my mutuals on here can probably attest to I spend too much time here lol. I have started putting my phone in another room which does help.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:17:19.328Z

Absolutely my children, my puppy, and my husband. They rotate so that someone is always ready to distract me. I spend a lot of time wearing headphones just to block out the noise or look like I can't hear them! My children made me these door signs, but they ignore them. #StetChat

— Arden Editorial (@goldenedits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:43:12.041Z

#StetChat A2 | Absolutely these two disa-paw-ntments I live with! Potty breaks, sneezing fits, feedings, self-inflicted injuries, and on and on! It's ridiculous!

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:37:53.333Z

#StetChatA2: Is bluesky considered an external or internal distraction? Because technically, I'm the one clicking on the tab 😅 But it does keep me longer than intended.Other than that, anything sensory that's unpleasant. I visited my parents recently and I didn't remember how noisy it was there.

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:28:54.874Z

A2: Whatever YouTube video I’ve put on to act as background noise. #StetChat.

— Kat/K. A. Tutin (@mskatutin.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:26:10.839Z

A2: Noise. I have always been very sensitive to noise! I live in a quiet neighborhood now, but I still wear noise-cancelling headphones. I can’t listen to music, podcasts, etc. while actually editing—too distracting. (But during book design work or project prep…YouTube is on!) #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:17:55.884Z

A2. Noisy neighbors. #StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:19:44.341Z

A2: Neighborhood noise—so many leaf blowers and lawnmowers.But also family. I'm a co-caregiver for my dad, who has Alzheimer's. That takes attention and time.And #StetPets need time and love too.#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:25:04.263Z

Especially working from home, I'm distracted by everything from texts and news alerts to laundry to cats to hmmmm, what's in the fridge? #StetChat

— Donna Spencer 🔄🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🍉 (@donnaspencer.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:21:49.148Z

Exactly. Which is why if I really need to focus, I leave and work in a café for as long as a couple of drinks and a piece of banana bread will buy me. Noise-cancelling airpods playing adhd jungle techno + pomodoro timer = at least 90 minutes of focus

— Margaux/emspace (@storyeditor.bsky.social) 2026-07-02T01:45:02.879Z

1st place: my phone. 90% of my social circle lives far away, so when I need to really focus, I keep my phone off my desk to avoid messages/social media/calls. 2nd place: emails. I'm always excited to get new msgs, but it pulls at my focus until I reply. (Gotta silence the self-nagging!) #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:20:51.372Z

A2: Social media and the many open tabs on my computer screen. #StetChat

— Joel Tillman (@jtillman.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:26:47.069Z

A2: The Internet/Web. Which is also the thing that allows me to get work done in the first place, so there's a fundamental tension there.

— Stevonnie (שולמית) (@mxs510.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:21:50.179Z

A2. Like others: social media. Environmental noise. Days I look after my 90+yo mom, she keeps the tv on all the time & it's SO LOUD. I usually work until 10 or 11 PM those days to compensate.

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:28:55.887Z

A2A: Neverending yard work in the neighborhood. Someone always has a leafblower going or is taking a tree down. I've gotten a lot better at tuning it out. Most of the equipment people use nowadays is not at a pitch that gets painful for me, thankfully. #StatChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:26:52.237Z

A2… My biggest distraction is almost always social media.

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T23:35:56.831Z

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-07-01T20:20:17.167Z

I find that a nap can often do wonders to help to clear my head!I recommend keeping naps to no more than 40-ish minutes at most, though. One’s sleep cycle kicks in around 45 minutes, and if you sleep longer than that, you’ll wake up feeling groggy. #StetChatweb.archive.org/web/20120105…

— Ashley Bischoff (@friendlyashley.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:26:56.231Z

A3. If it’s an internal distraction, then it probably means I’m neglecting a need. Maybe I need food or water or to move around a little. Usually my focus returns once things are addressed.#StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:22:23.345Z

A3: Often I find that it's good to take a little break if my mind is insistent about wandering. I can get fixated on a temptation and sometimes it's just better to give in to it and exhaust that impulse, which makes it go away or quiet down. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:44:16.696Z

#StetChat A3: 🫠🫠🫠 yeah tbh my mind is the biggest distraction for me currently! Some days, my brain is singing this…Given my more fluid schedule of not having set work days, if I really don’t wanna do the work one day, I take that as a sign to rest w/ goal of being more focused the next day.

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:24:01.936Z

A3: I usually have music playing; what kind varies by the time of day / my mood, but it helps with the ADHD. And I do most of my work in Focusmate sessions, which doesn't prevent distractions, makes it more likely that I'll loop back to what I was supposed to be doing more quickly. #StetChat

— Stevonnie (שולמית) (@mxs510.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:30:53.626Z

A3: Taking a walk, drinking some water, or switching tasks can help me reset my mind and refocus.If there's an editing or client situation I'm struggling with, a chat with my mastermind group members can help settle my mind too.#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:28:45.049Z

A3. I love affirmations, I always come back to them when I feel like I have a mental block. But I've also realized that I MUST prioritize rest/body+mind to keep up w/ my workflow. So sometimes that looks like taking an afternoon off (or shifting to admin work) and regrouping the next day. #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:31:47.130Z

A3… I almost always work in sprints. 30 to 45 minutes for editing. Sometimes an hour. Then take a break. But the break can't be in 15-20 minutes each time

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T23:38:12.124Z

A3: Set a timer. If I can do focused work for 30 minutes, I get a distraction break. Sometimes that pulls me into the project enough that I'm able to keep going.

— Donna Spencer 🔄🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🍉 (@donnaspencer.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:33:03.847Z

A3: get up & do something else entirely. Scoop the litterbox, pack recycling, make food. Talk to myself out loud. Trying to get back to walking 15 minutes at 60-minute intervals but it's too hot rn.

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:31:31.066Z

Inattentive ADHD here:The distractions are often before I start. I keep a little notebook in my pocket for a captain's log.STrek episodes start with "stardate 503.541.27 we arrived at Newton 4…"I write "9:03 work on chapter 4". Creates a start and a little contract with myself. #StetChat

— Dooley (@mwdooley.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:39:31.166Z

I am lucky to have a few groups of #edibuddies that enjoy body doubling via video chat, which helps with focus. Instrumental music (themed to match my editing project) helps as well. Pomodoro sprints are a helpful structure!If it's really bad, I usually just embrace the side quest. #StetChat

— Arden Editorial (@goldenedits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:47:35.827Z

#StetChat A3 | I've found that using a fast-cycling Pomodoro timer has been the best remedy for a wandering mind. It's normally set to prompt me to switch tasks, but if my attention does start to wander, I know I won't lose more than a few minutes because the timer will go off and startle me.

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:41:37.110Z

#StetChatA3: Bodydoubling/coworking can be super useful to get started and keep going without getting sidetracked. Also, tea. Moving my body can also work wonders, like doing very repetitive and mindless step exercices while doing a cold read or watching a webinar.

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:41:17.098Z

A3: End up getting a headache as a result? In all seriousness, taking a step back usually helps. Put on some music, eat some food, keep hydrated, get some fresh air. #StetChat.

— Kat/K. A. Tutin (@mskatutin.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:29:03.445Z

#StetChat A3Coffee!! (Sort of) caffeine for ADHD is my self-medication so it can help. But sometimes I have a bad focus day and just give up. I decide not to work that day and try again on a different day.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:31:03.520Z

A3: I'll write down whatever's nagging at me. Sometimes that's enough. Sometimes that process clarifies something I have to do or get out of the way so that I can focus. #StetChat

— Iva Cheung (@ivacheung.com) 2026-07-01T20:35:19.264Z

Q4: 😆 Umm… yes.

— Literary Laura (@literarylaura.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:44:52.223Z

A4. I always have to make sure that I've done all my miscellaneous stuff first. I check all my social media first. Check my messages. Check my emails. If I haven't done this first, I'm always thinking about that. And that distracts me

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T23:40:01.628Z

A4: I haven't found a correlation like that. Probably more likely to get distracted in the afternoon or evening. "What am I making for dinner?" is an evergreen distraction and I can lose hours on it. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:54:12.616Z

A4. Usually right before a meal. Or if I’m at home, if my cat is hungry or bored. (She’s usually pretty good about letting me work, she knows I bring home the kibble.)#StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:32:02.204Z

A4: I'm most distracted when I have my office door open or when I need to work remotely, whether that's at a doctor office waiting room, a neighbor's house, or the library. I have even worked from the cafe at my gym. That didn't go well.I get more distracted after 3 pm.#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:33:31.283Z

A4. Probably in the morning, when checking email & seeing all the new updates for that day. It's easier for my schedule to get derailed here 😅 I don't think there's a place where I'm most distracted; I try to carve out quiet spaces for work. It's the initial "locking in" where I stumble! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:37:08.752Z

A4: I’m most distracted if I’m sucked into social media right after breakfast or if my neck/head hurts. I guess that’s like a pre-distraction—getting distracted before even starting the work. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:36:03.058Z

A4: I also get suuuuuper distracted before trips. Cannot. Focus. To some extent, that happens even if I have one appointment or even a call later that same day. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:36:11.308Z

A4: my mom's. Her needs are not time-consuming or complicated but she struggles with the knowledge that I am working when I am there and not visiting. Tbf, she was like that when my dad went freelance too. She wants to chat. Eats by the clock. That sort of thing. TV on constantly.

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:34:15.548Z

#StetChatA4: I can't work efficiently in public spaces, especially for long periods of time. There's too much going on, too many noises, and too many people. I need to be alone at home.

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:52:05.941Z

#StetChat A4 | At home upon first waking up. My brain isn't quite humming along yet, so every little thing can pull its attention in a different direction!

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:44:02.320Z

A4: Late afternoon onwards. In other words, when the day and work starts to tire me out. #StetChat.

— Kat/K. A. Tutin (@mskatutin.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:41:26.384Z

#StetChat A4Mostly between 2-3pm I get tired or distracted. (Nap time!)Also if I'm on my phone (hence why I started hiding it more often) or watching Youtube.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:35:29.034Z

Q5: One of the funniest ones is when I’m “intentionally doing something else” (like watching a show) then I pull up the manuscript, out of curiosity, but *that’s not what I’m doing right now.* Then I keep looking over until I’m actually working on it…Aaand I got distracted into working.😁

— Literary Laura (@literarylaura.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:49:29.434Z

A5: I do use the pomodoro method when I really need to buckle down 🍅 #StetChat

— Iva Cheung (@ivacheung.com) 2026-07-01T20:46:29.975Z

#StetChat A5 | This may sound counterintuitive, but hear me out! Instead of trying to fight against them, I incorporate them into my task list.

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:51:03.377Z

#StetChat A5Uh a lot. I've tried timers/alarms (sometimes works but I forget to set them)Putting my phone away (yes!)Noise canceling headphones (yes!)Working same time + place (helps a little)Naps (yes!)And giving up/trying again another day.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:43:53.922Z

A5. I mean, sometimes there’s nothing you can do. For example, I had to take an editing test while my windows were leaking during a thunderstorm.Just breathe. Stretch. Do your best and accept that some stuff is outside your control.#StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:42:40.007Z

A5a: I mentioned earlier using the Pomodoro Technique. I also track my time with Toggl and use Trello to make checklists so I don’t forget to do important checks. 1/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:44:04.031Z

A5b: I find that working with music, typically instrumental music or songs with lyrics that aren’t in English, to help keep me focused. If there are loud noises, I’ll wear headphones. 2/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:44:04.032Z

A5: Following the impulse to give myself a break or shift my focus tends to work for me pretty well. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:56:21.945Z

Definitely! Sometimes, getting distracted is a sign that we need a break, or need to work on something different for a bit.

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:22:29.692Z

A5. For high-level schedule frameworks, I like timeblocking. Because I can see where I stay on track/ run off track. For tangible management: Phone goes in another room! I make sure to work in my office, so I have my music/chair/desk/monitor setup, and can mentally shift into work mode. #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:45:09.468Z

A5: Noise-cancelling headphones are a must. A good playlist can drown out those blasted leaf blowers. I upgraded to a huge water bottle to keep on my desk, so I don't have to leave my office as often for refills. Working in the morning while my family sleeps also helps limit distractions. #StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:44:35.800Z

See, I like getting up frequently to refill my tea mug. It gives me a chance to stretch. But I could also see it being a distraction. #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:00:31.000Z

So the refill isn't the distraction; it's seeing the dirty dishes, getting pulled into a discussion about family schedules, and fielding "quick questions." If I leave my office, the distractions will find me. Fewer refills is protection. A #StetWalk is a good stretch break for me.#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:05:11.115Z

This is the problem with working from home! So many things that I could be doing around the house. Some days I get distracted by chores. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T21:08:24.147Z

A5: I guess my answer to A3 covers this. In addition to Focusmate, I've recently started using On-Together, which doesn't have the everyone's-on-camera element, but does have the doing-work-independently-but-together element. OTOH, it has fishing, which can be its own distraction. 😅 #StetChat

— Stevonnie (שולמית) (@mxs510.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:46:41.370Z

A5. If I'm really struggling with social media, I turn off the internet. I can still get it on my phone ofc but that's a more intentional action. Seems to help at least a bit.Earplugs for noisy days.

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:56:33.723Z

A5. Working in sprints. Make sure I check everything else first. Don't keep anything else open in the background. Other than my Sprint program

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T23:41:13.622Z

A5: Other than Facebook Messenger and Zoom, I have no instant messaging apps or accounts. I got rid of them long enough ago that AIM was what everyone was using. No Discord, no Slack, no whatever else there is. I can ignore email until I have time; a synchronous message feels less ignorable.

— Bill (@caractacus.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:03:17.815Z

A5: I do not have social media apps on my phone. (Sorry if I haven’t replied to your Instagram message…using the desktop version sucks lol).I have replaced social media on my phone with…Chess.com. Usually (but not always) less distracting. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:48:40.778Z

A6: Have you ever been distracted by the manuscript itself? In that it's so fascinating you forget you're supposed to be editing it? #StetChat ivacheung.com/2023/04/abso…

— Iva Cheung (@ivacheung.com) 2026-07-01T20:52:54.325Z

A6: Music with lyrics does not help when you're trying to do word-based tasks. Cats walking across your keyboard definitely won't help, even if they mean well. Dogs nudging your elbow can cause whole pages to disappear and make you cry.#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:48:47.943Z

A6. “Just power through! Cowboy up and do it!”You can do this, but there will be bigger consequences than if you just make a few adjustments. #StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:47:29.794Z

A6A: Trying to ignore the distraction and power through it doesn't work for me. It'll just keep nagging at me. No, I can't rise above my animal desires for that shiny object I HAVE TO have right now. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:04:20.149Z

A6: Podcasts are fine for cleaning and data processing, but completely incompatible with editing, at least in my experience. #StetChat

— Stevonnie (שולמית) (@mxs510.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:53:22.687Z

Blocking websites/internet. I often need it to look something up. (An app that tells me how much time I spend on certain websites each day helped more – I used to make it a goal to log more hours editing than I spent on Twitter.)

— Mumbling Sage In Wisconsin (@mumblingsage.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:54:13.323Z

A6: Silence/"peace and quiet." I have tinnitus: it has to be drowned out by something.

— Bill (@caractacus.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:48:42.128Z

A. Any music, voices—I can't. I don't know why, but my brain cannot process them and editing at the same time. I need silence. It's the only thing that works for me. Also, I have tried many time to try to manage not getting distracted by the Intewebz. To no avail. I need it for fact checking.

— Sharon Kaplan (@shakaplan.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:55:42.804Z

A6. Well… everything that's worked has also failed at least once! 🫠 So it's an ever-evolving journey to figure out what the best solution for focus is on any given day! (My funny one-time solution: 1 chocolate chip per sentence during a portion of an LE. That was a rough day…😅) #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:52:28.181Z

Q6 #Stetchat: I can’t edit to music with lyrics but I ALSO can’t work with lo-fi. There isn’t enough going on in the music (aka stimulation) so it registers as irritation. There’s a narrow window of non-lyrical and musically interesting but non-distracting music… so I usually just go without!

— Literary Laura (@literarylaura.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:00:06.880Z

#StetChat A6 | When I first suspected I had ADHD, the first clinician I met with suggested getting one of those massive, quarter-hour daily planners and putting a task in each time slot. I really gave it the old college try, I swear, but it just reinforced precisely how non-neurotypical I was! 😀

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:57:26.889Z

#StetChat A6I can't watch YouTube videos or listen to podcasts while editing. Get sooo distracted. Music is ok since I listen to the same song(s) on repeat so it's basically white noise to my brain. Also I can't work in coffee shops well (too much movement/noise).

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:53:28.926Z

A7. My focus HERO: my little hexagonal clock/timer. Each side has preset timer intervals (1/5/10/20 min, etc.). And having this chime every few min as I work is what truly helps me stay in the moment & on track. (BUT… if I'm really scattered, it's hard to remember to turn it on!!) #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:01:11.008Z

My children always scamper off with my timer, so I use pomofocus.io

— Arden Editorial (@goldenedits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:05:28.316Z

A7: If I can do focused work for 15-30 minutes, I can get back in the flow of things. But to get to that first 15-minute block, I need a timer going, and my phone must be muted. It's even better if I can have my email tab closed. Have a drink and snack on hand before hitting the timer!#StetChat

— BulletProof Writing Services (@bulletproofwriting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:08:44.883Z

Focus Friend! I tried using other interval timers, but there's something about that little bean knitting socks 😆 #StetChat

— Taylor 💙🌙🌈 | Fiction Editor (@tdashedits.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T22:26:42.662Z

#StetChatStim toys! I especially like the tangle toys. I have a couple on my desk. I also always have loop earplugs nearby. Setting a timer for twenty minutes, or any length of time that works best, and doing an editing sprint can be really helpful.

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:00:01.955Z

#StetChat A7 | There are many free, online Pomodoro timers and those have been a life-saver (job-saver?) ever since I discovered them. Approaching projects in a physically different way can help as well since I find sitting in the same place / position heightens distractibility.

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:18:08.185Z

#StetChat A7Noise canceling headphones. Stim toys. I have a stress ball, some rubber bands, and a spinning ring. I need to stim a lot (AuDHD) and it helps me focus. People mentioned toggl, but I find organizational apps don't help me much. I forget to set times/track things a lot.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-07-01T20:59:11.521Z

A7: Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for me! #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-07-01T20:52:48.359Z

just the one physical item

— Joel Tillman (@jtillman.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T21:46:58.901Z