We’re halfway through the first month of the year. What have you accomplished? Most writers have multiple projects going at any given time. Each of these projects are at different stages of development. Some have just begun while others are so close to being completed you can almost taste it.
The problem for many writers comes when those almost completed projects don’t get finished but new ideas get started.
How can you divvy up your time to make sure that each writing project gets completed and in a reasonable amount of time without missing out on huge opportunities that may arise?
Organize and prioritize will be, or at least should be, two of your favorite words.
Organize yourself by:
1. Writing down all the projects you are working on. Don’t worry bout putting them in any certain order at this point.
2. Start a new notebook, or computer file, for each of these projects. Add any notes or ideas for each project in the appropriate notebook or folder. Whenever you think of something new put it in the right place. This helps to prepare you for when this project makes it to the top of the list. It also allows your mind to work, knowing you can always add to your notes.
Prioritized by:
1. Purchase a calendar. Purchase one that has all holidays listed and has squares that are plenty big enough for you to write it. You can also create a calendar on your computer, but a physical calendar is always in view and will help you keep on track.
2. Think about your projects. Do some have deadlines? Do you want some things to correspond with a specific time of the year? Schedule these projects first.
3. Create project deadlines. Add these deadlines to your calendar. Update specific projects first. For example if you are writing a Christmas novel you may want to have it completed by July at the
latest.
4. Fill your calendar with the rest of your projects that are not date specific. These are projects you're working on, but are not in any particular hurry to finish.
5. Work on each project in its turn. By taking one project at a time and focusing your energy on that, one at a time you can accomplish and complete many writing projects you’ve been wanting to finish.
Tips:
For articles check and see when the publication needs pieces by. Some publications need seasonal articles a year or more in advance. Others only require a six month lead time.
Make theme list deadlines on the calendar as well. You may want to mark the deadlines a couple of weeks ahead of time to make sure you don’t neglect to send something you were working on.
Update your calendar as often as necessary. For example, when a publication sends you a new theme list make sure to add those dates to your writing schedule.
By organizing and prioritizing you can be more productive than ever this year.
The problem for many writers comes when those almost completed projects don’t get finished but new ideas get started.
How can you divvy up your time to make sure that each writing project gets completed and in a reasonable amount of time without missing out on huge opportunities that may arise?
Organize and prioritize will be, or at least should be, two of your favorite words.
Organize yourself by:
1. Writing down all the projects you are working on. Don’t worry bout putting them in any certain order at this point.
2. Start a new notebook, or computer file, for each of these projects. Add any notes or ideas for each project in the appropriate notebook or folder. Whenever you think of something new put it in the right place. This helps to prepare you for when this project makes it to the top of the list. It also allows your mind to work, knowing you can always add to your notes.
Prioritized by:
1. Purchase a calendar. Purchase one that has all holidays listed and has squares that are plenty big enough for you to write it. You can also create a calendar on your computer, but a physical calendar is always in view and will help you keep on track.
2. Think about your projects. Do some have deadlines? Do you want some things to correspond with a specific time of the year? Schedule these projects first.
3. Create project deadlines. Add these deadlines to your calendar. Update specific projects first. For example if you are writing a Christmas novel you may want to have it completed by July at the
latest.
4. Fill your calendar with the rest of your projects that are not date specific. These are projects you're working on, but are not in any particular hurry to finish.
5. Work on each project in its turn. By taking one project at a time and focusing your energy on that, one at a time you can accomplish and complete many writing projects you’ve been wanting to finish.
Tips:
For articles check and see when the publication needs pieces by. Some publications need seasonal articles a year or more in advance. Others only require a six month lead time.
Make theme list deadlines on the calendar as well. You may want to mark the deadlines a couple of weeks ahead of time to make sure you don’t neglect to send something you were working on.
Update your calendar as often as necessary. For example, when a publication sends you a new theme list make sure to add those dates to your writing schedule.
By organizing and prioritizing you can be more productive than ever this year.
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