Planning your Writing Day
Increase Success by Maximising Time-Management Skills
Write smart and be successful by planning your writing agenda and maximising time-management skills.
Planning your writing day with great deliberation does not sound a particularly creative pursuit but serious writers must learn to develop strong time-management skills if the full benefits of any spare time are to be maximised. Writers have to be proficient in using their time wisely as it does not take much for daily chores and the persistent demands of family and friends to eat into quality writing time. There is nothing more frustrating than to realise that those precious hours have just disappeared with no writing to show for it.
Many writers find starting the actual writing process the most difficult task of the day, but by taking advantage of the following suggestions, it is possible to become a more productive and efficient writer even if time is limited.
Get Motivated
It’s not always easy for writers to feel creative, it can be hard work writing for a living and it’s a lonely occupation. If you are writing fiction, then start tuning into the characters or plot long before you sit at your desk. If you are writing an article, then start planning the desired course of action, this might be increasing research or writing a specific paragraph. This can be done whilst doing all of those mundane chores like cleaning the bathroom, ironing or preparing dinner. Forward planning, will make it so much easier to become excited about your writing and you’ll be longing to get started.
Plan all non-writing jobs
Don’t let other tasks constantly interrupt your precious writing time. Writers have to guard zealously any opportunity to write so ensure that all those mundane jobs have been sorted out ahead of time. It is important that writers can switch off from those chores and switch on their creativity instead.
Unplug the Phone
Don’t let the phone give you a welcome excuse to down tools, either unplug it, turn down the volume or ring everyone who is likely to ring you and forbid them to dial your number except in an emergency. Family and friends do not always understand how important writing is and can sometimes think a ten minute chat is acceptable. It’s not, be firm.
Turn the TV off
Background noise is not always conducive to good writing. Some writers say they work better with some noise around them, but others find it easier to get into the creative zone by have complete silence and only have the creative pursuits of the brain for company. There are no right or wrong ways to success, but play to your strengths.
Writing Agenda
Write up an agenda for the time you can spare for writing. That way, you are aware exactly how much needs to be done in advance. This will help stop you procrastinating. If you know that you need to write a minimum of 2000 words a day, calculate just how long that is likely to take you and get started. Set yourself a reward for when you have produced your word count.
Tea Breaks and Lunch
If you are really bad at staying put in front of the computer, and use any excuse to go and put the kettle on or always feel the urge for a snack, then prepare some food and drink ahead of time. Then you have no excuse to leave your desk.
Don’t put off writing, increase it by being organised. By planning your writing time and following these simple steps, you increase the chance of achieving greater writing success.
