How do you put it all together? I have been fussing lately about all of the bits and pieces I manage just for my writing. First there, of course, the writing. I have just finished edits on one manuscript and am starting the next. So, there is plotting time, outline time, and all the next steps we each know so well. Of course, you pansters just jump in. But, I need the structure.
That's not what I'm talking about today. The steps for the writing are what I love. It's all the other stuff. I feel obligated to:
-check my email frequently
-have my website up and running
-have a facebook page
-have a twitter site
-be on a million writers' loops (that of course send me tens of emails a day)
-read the magazines that arrive from the groups to which I belong
-post on colleagues' and friends' blogs
-attend conferences
-subscribe and comment to online workshops
What have I forgotten on the list?
I enjoy each of the items. I really do. But, as important as they are, they are a time suck. I could spend every hour of the day responding to emails, posting to blogs (of course this one is special!), adding comments to loops, and worrying about which conference is going to cost me a fortune.
The world of writing is one of the most accepting and collaborative groups I have met. I feel honored to be apart of it. But, the one thing I have learned is- I have to protect my time. Why? Because I have to write, and that takes time.
So, the question for today is: How do you set up your schedule so that you do all things I have listed above--and I know you do--and still have the blocks of time needed to put the right words on the page? You noticed I didn't include kids, parents, pets, groceries, laundry, phone calls, doctor's appointments, or a lot of other things. Just the stuff we do to stay in our profession. When you answer, feel free to add comments on all the other bits and pieces, we all love to hear about it.
11 comments:
For me it goes back to what I said yesterday....schedules. If I don't schedule time to write into my daily life, I won't do it.
I actually block off time to do all those other things, and then time to write. And sometimes I even set a timer to go off when it's time to write, that way I won't get caught up in what I'm doing and forget.
And during your writing time, don't let anything pull you away. Easier said than done, I know, but your writing has to have equal value as everything else in your life.
Well said, Kari. I seem to follow your postings with a similar one! Guess we're on the same wave length. I am getting better about blocking out my time- including time for a shower (shush, don't tell anyone). I've started turning off the phone for parts of the day and letting people know that even though I'm home, I am working. Many don't get it.
Cassy, I'm still trying to get this worked out too. A recent blog had a post about time management, and the point that struck me right between the eyes was you can't manage TIME, you have to manage PRIORITIES.
It was definitely a "D'oh!" moment, because I'm generally one of those "triage" style of managers: some things are hangnails and some are heart attacks, and you respond in that fashion.
So now I just have to learn how to do that with my time. :)
If I every got around to it, I could probably run and get elected as president of the procrastinators for writers club. This is especially true when it comes to keeping up with posts on the social networks.
For writing, granted I've been in a slump lately, I will use any and all excuses not to. And that's bad.
I know and accept that I've got the worse time management going and am trying to fix the problem. Someday.
Donna, if the heart attack person is a significant then triage them first. Otherwise, go with the hangnail.
Donna: You know, I have never really thought of it that way. I think of "time management" and I think of "priority management." But I haven't thought that there is no "time management."
Thanks for that. You have me thinking about how I spend the rest of today.
And, Kari, again, thanks for launching this topic.
Lindsay: You often, if I remember correctly, write in spurts. So, if you are a little slower now--the speed with return when you are ready.
Cassy, I just wish I didn't write in spurts but was more consistent
Lindsay, don't we all wish we were pumping out the pages. You've been doing great!
Thanks for the confidence boost. Right now I need it.
Cassy, you stole my topic right out from under me! LOL.
Great post, thank you!
Sorry, I'm late. For me, I have to have absolute quiet when I write, and you can imagine how difficult that is if hubby is home.
So, I try to write big chucks at a time when I do write. Plus I have to go back and read the last chapter/scene to get back into the story. If I tried writing in small increments (anything under 2 hours) I would never finish.
Great food for thought, Cassy. It's kind of right in line with my Monday post about procrastination.
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