It is really hard to find the time to write. I mean, everything is right there for me … The plot is laid out, the character development is in place, and my computer is turned on. So how can’t I find the time to right when the new episode of “Great British Bake Off” is on?

That is the dilemma facing many writers. Your more experienced authors know the tricks to power through it and make themselves write a few more sentences, and then there’s the rest of us. We can’t help checking out Facebook, watching the next adorable cat video or even what mess Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton have stepped into.

I look at the pages I’ve written so far and just stare at the screen. My fingers graze the keyboard, putting a sentenced or two together and then, poof! I just stop in my tracks and click over to the internet. Why? Why does this always happen? Is it writer’s block or just plain laziness?

As an independent author, I don’t write for a living. I work a regular 9-to-5 job and write in my down time and at night, but that’s hard after working all day and you just want to unwind. I love to write, it’s my passion, but I find myself easily distracted.

That’s why I think a lot of this is really a form of writer’s block. Author and blogger Henneke Duistermaat has a lot of great suggestions to get past writer’s block, but some of those suggestions are the same things distracting me.

I did like one thing he said. “Sometimes you just have to write something you want to write.” That is so true. I’ve been a military journalist and public affairs officer for more than 30 years. I’ve written everything from news stories, sports articles, feature stories and basic press releases. I’ve been writing fantasy fiction for a little more than 10 years. In that time, I have come to love writing. It is the zen to my day. When I get an idea and put it down on paper, the rush is exhilarating.

I know it seems like I’m doing a lot of complaining without offering any solutions and, that’s probably true. I guess this is my way of reaching out to my fellow writers and asking, “what do you do to make yourself write when so many things are screaming for your attention?”

This is my cry for help, and I hope someone is listening out there. I could sure use some good advice right now.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The Dark Tides is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse. The Outlander War can be previewed at Inkitt.