Novelist and screenwriter Liv Little protects her creativity by using the reMarkable paper tablet, a device she calls “benevolent technology” because it is completely free from notifications. In a world of constant pings and alerts, Little’s approach offers a powerful lesson for anyone seeking to unlock their imagination.
Why Creativity Needs Protection
Little, 32, founded the online magazine gal-dem while at university and later stepped back to focus on her writing. Her debut novel, Rosewater, was shortlisted for the Nota Bene Prize in 2024. She knows firsthand how stress and distraction can block creative flow. “My creative brain cannot reach its most imaginative, almost dreamlike, state when I’m in a period of heightened stress,” she says.
Many health issues are linked to a frazzled nervous system, and in this era of constant distractions, we need tools to maintain calm. Little’s solution is simple: create space for ideas to breathe.
How Liv Little Uses reMarkable to Stay Focused
Little describes the reMarkable Paper Pure as “benevolent technology” because it does one thing well: it lets her write and sketch without the temptation of email or social media. Unlike a traditional tablet, it has no notifications, no apps, and no endless scroll. This single-purpose design helps her enter a state of deep focus.
She also emphasizes the importance of nature for her creative process. “Whenever I start a project I have to be in nature,” she says. Combining time outdoors with a distraction-free device helps her manage stress and protect her imagination.

Key Takeaways for Protecting Your Creativity
- Choose single-purpose tools like the reMarkable paper tablet to avoid digital distractions.
- Manage stress because a frazzled nervous system blocks creative thinking.
- Spend time in nature to reset your mind before starting a project.
- Set boundaries with email and social media, especially during creative work.
- Create rituals that signal to your brain it’s time to imagine, not react.
Comparison: reMarkable vs. Traditional Tablets for Creatives
| Feature | reMarkable Paper Pure | Traditional Tablet (e.g., iPad) |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | None | Constant |
| Apps & Social Media | Not available | Easily accessible |
| Primary Use | Writing, sketching, reading | Multimedia, browsing, email |
| Distraction Level | Very low | High |
| Ideal For | Deep focus and creativity | General productivity and entertainment |
For creatives like Little, the lack of distractions is not a limitation but a feature. It allows ideas to breathe without the constant pull of digital noise.
Building a Creative Practice That Lasts
Little’s journey shows that protecting creativity is an ongoing practice. Running gal-dem in her early 20s was demanding, and she learned she couldn’t juggle everything. Now she prioritizes her writing by controlling her environment.
She admits she still has to be strong not to look at emails and texts, but over the years she has improved. The reMarkable tablet supports her by removing temptation entirely. When she sits down with it, she knows she will only write.
This approach aligns with research on attention: multitasking and task-switching deplete cognitive resources, while single-tasking fosters flow. By choosing a tool that does less, Little enables her brain to do more of what matters.
FAQ
What is the reMarkable paper tablet?
The reMarkable paper tablet is a digital device designed for writing, sketching, and reading. It mimics the feel of paper and has no notifications, apps, or social media, making it ideal for deep focus.
How does Liv Little protect her creativity?
Liv Little protects her creativity by using the reMarkable paper tablet to avoid digital distractions, managing her stress, and spending time in nature when starting new projects.
Why is stress a block to creativity?
Stress activates the nervous system and makes it hard to enter a relaxed, imaginative state. Little notes that her creative brain cannot reach its most dreamlike state when she is stressed.
By following Liv Little’s example—choosing benevolent technology, embracing nature, and guarding your mental space—you too can protect your creativity and let your ideas breathe.
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