As a freelance, I'm often asked how I keep myself motivated. This question always confuses me: I've never found it hard to work when there are bills to pay. My motivation is a roof over my head.

That said, there are days when words aren't flowing and a sentence takes longer to write than a full article usually would. Then there are the days when the idea of writing appeals but working on the book or article that's due imminently is far too intimidating a prospect. This is where practical procrastination comes in: filling the time with something useful - even if it's anything but the thing that you're supposed to be doing.

In case you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here's a list of my top practical procrastination sites for freelancers.

Gumtree has a surprising amount of good creative jobs posted. It also has the rather euphemistically entitled 'Gumtree Fun' section which is always good for stimulating new ideas. From the guy searching for the man he'd seen masturbating on the top of a double decker bus (he liked what he'd seen - though I'd have thought it a little dubious as a pulling technique) to the bloke looking for sploshers to join him on a Tuesday afternoon because he was having his old carpet taken up and had a 'rare opportunity' to go mad with the custard, you never know what you'll find. The Community Chest section is a good way to find out about interesting things that are happening too, whether philosophy in pubs, village fetes or foraging weekends. Well, planning your social life is important too.

People Per Hour is a job site for freelancers, in which you pitch for work against other freelancers. It gives a good guide as to the work out there - SEO and social networking always seem to be in pretty high demand.

Suite101.com is a revenue-sharing site for writers that allows you to submit articles on a wide range of subjects and make money dependent on page views. Great for days when the words are flowing but commissions are thin on the ground.

Ted.com isn't just a great site for freelancers - it's entirely possible for anyone who likes having their brain stimulated to lose days checking out the numerous videos of talks by clever people. Well, it's got to be better than looking at kitten videos on youtube.

Crumbs of Sussex won't provide jobs or inspiration. It does, however, sell the best bacon I've ever tasted, along with numerous locally sourced products from fruit and vegetables to cheese and pies. If you're going to waste time sitting at your computer, at least you can save yourself the hassle of doing the weekly supermarket shop.