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.
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!
ReplyDeleteTara, 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.
ReplyDeleteMuriel, that's a good idea, listing gifts you buy early. I've lost more than one in the dungeon of my closet.
Hi Tara!
ReplyDeleteI 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
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHi 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.
ReplyDelete