The first type of distraction that you wrote about: a job offer, is one that must be let through the distraction wall. Even if you decide to forego the opportunity, it merits consideration. The family distractions (especially with our siblings) can easily devour large chunks of time, if we let them. I’ve become pretty good at staying out of those situations.

Often, the distraction to my writing is internal. We can shut off our phones and the Internet, but we can’t shut off our minds. Thinking can be it’s own distraction.

I had never heard of the “capture pad” term, but I do jot down ideas on any piece of paper that’s handy. It’s not a very organized way to do it, but it works okay for me most of the time.