Where Has the Time Gone by Tara Randel



I can’t believe it is May! Last time I looked at the calendar I swear it was March. 

Working on a deadline keeps me on my toes. I get so caught up in the writing process I forget that life is still going on around me. That’s why I keep a daily planner next to my computer. Not only does it help me keep track of my days, but at the end of the each day I record my word count so I can monitor my writing progress. The planner also helps me keep track of upcoming book deadlines or reminds me where I am in the publishing process so I stay on top of my projects. 

  

When I start a new project, I really need to manage my time. Creating characters, making sure I have a strong storyline and an outline to keep the pace moving are time consuming, but a critical part of my process. Once I’ve done all that, I begin to write. The calendar is still there to keep me moving along, making sure I get to the next goal.

My mind gets so entrenched in my work-in-progress that I forget the little things like laundry. (Okay, no one needs an excuse to miss laundry.) But there are still necessary things like dinner and keeping groceries in the house that I still have to attend to. Thankfully my husband is on board with my career and never complains.

You certainly don’t have to be a writer to handle time management. Being a working Mom, carpooling the kids and keeping up with the family schedule is enough to make you rely on a calendar.  And if you’re anything like me, you’re wishing for more hours in the day.

I’m looking forward to a free day so I can sit back and read a book without being interrupted. I plan on making enjoying a Harlequin Heartwarming book. Guess I need to pencil that into my planner.

Comments

  1. Tara - planners are wonderful. I use just a check-book-size calender that fits in my purse (and my purse is always beside me at the computer) because I CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING! If I buy Christmas gifts early, I make a note on Dec. 1 "Gifts in tote under the stairs." Helps a lot for those of us who CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING!

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  2. Tara, I foolishly thought after I quit my day job that I would be done with a day planner. Well, that lasted about a month and I felt so "off schedule" I had to go back to the ways of the more organized. Now the challenge is to keep my many calendars updated the same. I keep one by my computer. One in my purse, one in my kitchen on the wall, and one in my bedroom where I jot things if I grab that phone.
    Muriel, that's a good idea, listing gifts you buy early. I've lost more than one in the dungeon of my closet.

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  3. Hi Tara!

    I also can't wait to have time to enjoy more reading! I have two family trips planned this summer and I intend to buy a bunch of the Heartwarming books and read on the plane, by the pool, on the rides at Disney...lol. Can't wait!

    xo
    Jen

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  4. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who can't remember anything and needs a planner, and who can't wait to spend time reading!

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  5. I write three pages a day. So, M is 1-3 T is 4-6 W is 7-10, etc. I write the pages down and I cross them off. If I fall behind, I have to work weekends. If I get ahead, I retabulate and keep writing three a day.

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  6. Hi Tara! This was a reminder of just how busy a writer's life can be. I have a pocket calendar that I would hate to lose because I basically run my life from it. Like you, I wish there were more days in the week. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's Heartwarming's too:) they all sound great.

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