I am pretty open about my preoccupation with the Internet. For the most part, it hasn’t been an issue as I manage to get done what I need to. But lately I’ve been suffering with another bout of eye strain so I need to limit the time I spend at the computer. This is a problem because I am due to deliver my next manuscript in a few short weeks and I’m not even half way done. Yikes!

My eyes cannot tolerate the long hours I typically spend on the computer each day so I need to make sure I meet my daily word count BEFORE I spend valuable time checking my e-mails and sales rankings and  visitng Facebook and Twitter and Goodreads and dozens of other places I’ve gotten into the habit of visiting each day. (Sometimes several times a day.) 

How can a self-proclaimed Internet junkie such as myself break the habit? *snaps* Just like that?  

 Thanks to good friend and fellow romance author Louisa George I have found a way!

My new pall Freedom! Freedom is Internet blocking productivity software. And the absolute BEST $10.00 I have ever spent! It works for Mac or Windows. (I have the Windows version.) I downloaded it myself. (And I am not all that computer savvy.) Now, when I click on the Freedom icon, I set the number of minutes I want to be off the Internet, click a button and it’s done! If I try to access my AOL or Internet Explorer, nothing happens. But if for some reason there’s an emergency, and I need to get onto the Internet, I can shut down my computer and re-boot. I haven’t let myself do this.

Today, with the help of Freedom, I wrote 1,400 words before noon. That is unheard of for me! If you’re distracted by the Internet, like me, maybe Freedom will help you, too!

While you’re here, I’d like to share two great reviews. One for Once a Good Girl… and one for The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal.

That’s all for now. What’s new with all of you?