"No-mo-so-me"

Maybe it's because November is National Novel Writing Month, a.k.a "Na-no-wri-mo," or maybe it's that we are nearing the end of 2012 and I'm revisiting the professional goals I set for myself at the start of the year, but I'm feeling the need to limit (in the precious few hours of the day that I designate for work) my distractions.

And the winner for the most distraction-causing, time-sucking, manuscript-thwarting activity?

You guessed it: Facebook. Not just Facebook, but all social media: Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin,Tumblr, Instagram and on and on.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not making a statement, here. I'm a proud consumer of social media. I dig it! Truly! I love connecting with friends and family on Facebook; love reading my Twitter feed during a debate; love hearing news from colleagues about new books and exciting projects. It's awesome, especially for a stay-at-home-part-time-writing-mother-of-three like me.

But sometimes, I love it too much. And on days when I'm in the throes of a full-on fit of procrastination--social media is an enabler.

So, I'm declaring the month of November: "No-mo-so-me" (No More Social Media) for me. Hopefully, this break will accomplish what's intended, which is to refocus my time and creative energy, make me more introspective with my work, and more productive, overall.

I've asked my husband to change my passwords and keep them in a sealed envelope in his studio, so that I won't be tempted to sneak a peek when the going gets tough. (Yep, had to get drastic.)

If you need to get in touch between November 1st and November 30th, send me an email, give a call, write a postcard, send up a flare or knock on my door (if you're in the area and aren't a stalker).

Until then, to all my friends, tweeps and compadres in cyberspace... wish me luck! I'll see you on December 1st!

One note: I will make a teeny tiny exception to go on Goodreads to vote for some of the talented authors I've met this year who are nominated in the "Goodreads Readers' Choice Awards," and that activity feeds into my Facebook page. Other than that, though, the goal is cold turkey!

Ok, I better go so that I can get my fill of all the Facebook pics of your kids/ pets in silly costumes before midnight!

Happy Halloween!

-Anika