More ways to stay off Facebook while writing

Use those auto-post buttons! (public domain photo)

Today, after several days of being extremely productive, I spent the whole day on Facebook. Well, not the entire day, but pretty close to it. That made me remember some of my own advice and renew my conviction to follow it. It also prompted a new writing tip that might be beneficial. So, here's some tips to keep away from Facebook while you're writing. I'll use them if you will.

#1 - Don't go there.

Ha ha ha No kidding. Facebook is like Hotel California for writers. Once you check in, you'll never leave. But seriously, how often do you get stuck on Facebook writing clever comments and posting memes when those thoughts could have made you some money? It has happened to me more times than I can count. So, from now on, I will not do that thing where I check into Facebook first thing every morning before work. You know. You stop by to say your Happy Birthdays, etc. and wake up 4 hours later, realizing you're still there.

#2 - Is not a new concept. Write with Facebook closed.

Ding, ding, ding. Someone messaged you on Facebook. Al Young, pumpkin Butt's friend also commented on her status. Gina liked your post. Doris Whats-her-name liked your post in “Facebook Lovers of the World.” Suzy suggested a page you might like. George added you to the group, “Thrill Seekers.” None of this matters. So, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Shut it down while you work. It'll still be there later.

#3 - Post all your published work together, after the work day.

With Facebook closed, you can write and edit all day without interruption if you follow one rule. No, seriously, I just came up with this. I'm a genius. Not really. I'm sure other people do it. Here it is. Don't open Facebook every time something of yours gets published just to promote it. It's a trap and it feels like legitimate work. The truth is, though, you can just wait until the end of the day and promote all your published works of the day at the same time. THEN you can have fun because you're done working.

#4 – If you're really serious....

Use those auto posts and buttons. You don't have to physically go on social network sites to promote your posts any more. It's as easy as clicking a button for whichever one you want to post on. We all know that. How often do you do it? So, at the end of the day, open all the articles you want to promote and start clicking those buttons. All of them. If you're like me, half the time you only post on Facebook since you're already on there. So, who knows? Maybe this way, you'll even increase your exposure.