Writing Tip–Schedule Your Writing

August 24, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writer's Life

I wanted to share a writing tip that has worked well for me. My writing took a huge leap when I started viewing my writing as my job. In keeping with that tone, I schedule my time for projects.

By scheduling time, I’m embracing that state known as “work mode.” While work of itself isn’t always fun, taking the good out of the discipline one learns from working the 9-5 routine can be beneficial. In work mode, deadlines and tasks are part of the landscape. Because I’ve been trained on the job to respect them, applying them to my own work allows me to use those valuable skills to get my work done.

The result? I’m happier and more satisfied because I’m accomplishing my writing goals. I’m also more productive. I guess, work doesn’t have to be all bad.

Tags: goals, productive

Tech Tip–How To Be More Productive

August 4, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writer's Life

Today’s tech tip is about efficiency. We all want to be more efficient. We want to get work done. As writers and freelancers, flexibility is key to making the most out of our day. One way to be productive is to find the time to work.

I keep set hours for working. It helps me plan my day. As freelancers soon learn, a free hour is an opportunity. My free hours are usually at night, watching TV and hanging out. Rather than just watching TV, I use the time.

I keep my to-do list on ToodleDo. I create folders for different projects. However, there are tasks that I repeat weekly, namely marketing tasks such as commenting on blogs and reading the forums. Some of these tasks are more or less, mindless, that is, I do not have to be as engaged as I would be if I were coding a website.

When I plan my day, during my quiet morning hours, I’ll do the engagement-heavy tasks like coding. The quicker tasks like commenting, I’ll leave for the night during my TV time. In between shows, I’ll do my little tasks. Those so-called unproductive hours are no longer unproductive. With some task shuffling, I devote myself to the heavier tasks during the day and tick off the easier tasks at night.

I’m more efficient. I’m getting things done. The bonus of all those checked off tasks is the momentum gained by seeing progress.