Baby Steps

      Now that we’ve committed to doing better with time management, the key is getting consistent. I’ve written an article about this before, but it really is tricky, especially with outside forces working their way in. Although, in some people’s cases it could be that there aren’t enough outside forces and we think all day, “I have plenty of time to get to my writing. I will do it later.” Both of these scenarios make for a difficult time with getting consistent and in both cases boundaries are important. Boundaries with others and boundaries with ourselves. As well as taking advantage of our pockets of time.

     When I talk about boundaries I am referring to drawing the line between needs and wants and how to make this work for you in your writing. This book, Boundaries: When to Say Yes When to say No To Take Control of Your Life by John Townsend and Henry Cloud, is really good. Be aware that if you read it, you'll see who is taking your time, who doesn’t respect your boundaries, and who does. It changes the way you see people, but it also does a great job of teaching you how to work with those people. Mainly, I find, the best way to set a boundary with my writing is to use a schedule and stick to it.

     Scheduling writing time is important for a few reasons.

It makes it feel more important.

     Like a doctor’s appointment, don’t schedule something during your writing time. This is set aside for work. Make sure to talk to others like it is an appointment also. If someone asks you to do something during your writing block of 10:00-12:00, simply say, “Sorry, I have an appointment from 10:00-12:00, but I can meet you before or after that.”

It helps you focus on your writing.

     This way your life isn’t taking over your writing. Sometimes the guilt factor sets in when we are in charge of our own schedule. We feel bad for not spending time with our kids, significant other, work, other talents, etc. But the writing needs to be done. If we have a set timeframe on when to write, we know that we will get done eventually and we can take care of our other obligations when the time comes. The guilt basically melts away.

It helps you turn it off.

     This way your writing isn’t taking over your life. Do you ever get into the guts of a scene and not want to stop? I hate to crush a creative moment when my time frame is coming to a close, when everything feels right and I’m in the groove. But typically this groove happens when everything is going right. The scene is working, the tension is amazing, it all is flowing. I suggest that stopping in the middle of a scene like this is the best thing to keep that momentum going the next day. It gives you something to look forward to tomorrow. 

     In brackets, write what you’re imagining will come next in brief summary, so you don’t forget, and turn off the computer or typewriter or scribbling pen. You can continue to think about it during your pockets of time, since brainwork is important work, but focusing on the rest of your life is also important. Believe me, your family or day job will thank you. This may be the hardest part for most of us, but with practice you will see the benefits.

      Now that you've got some tips under your belt go ahead an put them into practice. Of course, these are just suggestions. You know yourself best and if your system is working--keep going! Good luck with managing your writing time. I know I'm still working on balancing creative writing versus non-fiction, but it's something that will come with time and practice. 

     What are some basic tools you use when you are managing your time? Leave a comment below!