Though I'm retiring soon and hope to have lots of writing time, I think every person trying to make it in this often frustrating business has to address the problem of time management. As a teacher, I always expected myself to get lots of writing done during the summer months. But last year was the first summer when I actually fulfilled that expectation. The previous years, it seemed the more time I had the less I accomplished. I've heard other writers say the same thing. They do better when they know they only have a few hours rather than the entire day.
Full time writers I've spoken to have described how they establish a regiment of how much time they spend on social media, on email, on promotion and then actual writing time. Some set aside certain times of day to do each thing. It works for them.
I recently read an article in a writing publication from a very successful author where she spoke about how to manage your writing time. She believes in the 'lock the door and stay in the chair' philosophy. Her one statement was to never leave the keyboard to do the laundry. It stuck in my mind because I do the laundry while I'm writing on the time. Some is in the dryer as I write this post. And that works for me. When I'm not sure how I want to say something, I go throw the towels from the washing machine into the dryer. Or I may go chop some veggies or make a cup of tea. I step away from the keyboard and do mindless chores that allow me to ponder.
My point is that reading all the opinions and advice articles in the world, including mine, may not solve your time management problems. You have to find the method that works for you, in your situation, with your personality, your outside responsibilities and that will help you meet your goals.
Have you tried following someone else's advice on time management? Did it work for you? Is time management a problem for you?
33 comments:
I wish I was organised enough to have times for each separate facet - instead I feel like I'm just chasing them all. One thing will take my attention (marketing, for example) and that's all I can deal with. It's not ideal. I hope you find a method that works for you. Happy retirement!
Aargh! Advice on time-mangagement always give me an eye-twitch and makes me feel like I'm not doing it right. (I'm very easily influenced.)
However, I have two kids, (one a needy toddler) a husband who expects me to acknowledge him-- at least occasionally, a blog that saps all my time, domestic duties and a job. Somehow, by hook or by crook, by staying up late and getting up early, by hammering out a few words here, a line there, by writing passages in my spiral notebook longhand on break at work, and mostly by not thinking I had to be uninterrupted to be productive-I wrote my latest novel of 65,000 words. It just kinda happened.
So, my method? Get 'er done, anyway--anyhow. Damn the torpedos.
~Just Jill
You are so right! My sister has her day organized out in fifteen minute segments and it works really well for her. To me it sounds like hell on earth, but for her it works.
I don't know about time management but I'll gladly ignore the laundry while at my computer.
I want to - need to! - manage my time better. I get more easily distracted now than I used to and I'm not sure why. :(
I don't have a problem throwing the laundry on while I'm blogging etc, but I can't do anything else while I'm writing a story or working on a novel. I also find my routine varies depending on where I am in the process - daydreaming, note taking, actual writing, revising, etc.
I had such a good schedule that was working with me, but with my kids home for summer, and wanting to savor that time with them, I've gotten out of whack and am not being very productive. But I've decided that there is a reason for this particular season and that I'm just going to go with it, without inducing guilt or "shoulds" on myself. I'll find my groove again, I'm sure.
Totally agree, just because something works well for one person, doesn't mean it will work for another. You have to find your own method of doing things. I get all of my household chores done before I sit down to write, then I have no reason to get up until I'm done.
Time management is definitely a problem for me. I have the best of intentions and then life gets in the way. I'm always changing my schedule for one thing or another and I don't work. I'm learning to just go with the flow.
Elsie
I'm still working on ways to manage my writing time. It's tricky because I'm the type that needs to get in the zone so trying to write for 10 minutes here and there doesn't cut it for me.
I just block out a couple hours to write each night and do it no matter what.
I go through periods when I'm super organised, but it doesn't last long. I tend to go through phases.
mood
Moody Writing
Everyone have their own methods. If a person is easily distracted then I think her advice makes sense, if a person is like you that you can think about where your writing is going while keeping your hands busy then it works too. That's multitasking is what it is :D
I do a combo of both... sometimes is just me being lazy and therefore I require total discipline other times the breaks help my mind wonder...
I think -some- advice is fine but, in the end, we all have to figure out what works for us...regardless of whether or not it works for Stephen King,or James Patterson, or J.K. Rowling.
Some of us just take a bit longer to figure out what will and won't work...lol.
Egads, time management is always a problem with me. I need to stop being so easily distracted!
Great point, Susan! Following other's program never works, you have to find your own way- just like in life!
Time management is huge - and trial and error on finding what works for you is so important. Very helpful post! Thanks :)
I used to give time-management seminars, so time management is not an issue for me.
There is no one advice that fits all when it comes to writing.
But work is work. Whatever you do, whether it's 5 minutes or 5 hours, give it 100% of your attention.
I knew I picked a topic everyone would have an opinion on. I can't believe how many different methods were shared in the comments.
I am a HUGE ass to chair writer. It's the only way I see, for myself, to get it done.
Ass in Chair - nothing beats it.
PS: The Shredded Wheat always has coupons on Smart Source and Coupon Network. Usually a buck off, though recently in the Sunday paper, we received a two dollar one. Anyway, passing along the info.
Happy Savings & Happy Writing :-]
Not having a private place to write is my biggest problem right now. However, I do get blocked for ideas. Often sitting and forcing myself to think doesn't help. Many of my best ideas come in the shower of all places. I have even started calling it The Think Tank. Go figure.
Hi, Susan,
Sadly, my time never seems to be enough to get what i'd like to do. I spend WAY too much time blogging, but I LOVE it so and I can't not support anyone who asks for my help. SO must of my writing time is helping other bloggers. I makes me feel good to know I am doing something to help another blogger's dream.
But, it sets me back. I don't seem to get to my revisions or my work. That isn't good. I just hope to figure out a way to be able to find time for both. Not just plug away for myself OR for my blogger friends. There has to be a balance somewhere. I hope to find it soon.
I usually put a load of laundry in before I sit down to write (not that I've been doing much writing lately). I agree, whatever works for you is what you need to do.
i think i am pretty good with time management and am currently, trying to pass it on to a few people near and dear to me :)
I think most of us suffer from time management problems. I'd love to meet the person who always used their time well, wouldn't you?
I agree that person A's suggestion may not work for person B. It's great to read advice and try it out then decide if it works for you.
I've seen folks setting writing goals in the blogosphere and do find it helpful when I plot out writing/blogging/social media in advance, for sure. Only I can't regularly find the head space to do the preliminary plotting! :-) But I reckon I will...eventually.
Some Dark Romantic
Time management is hard but necessary. There are many ways to succeed in writing and best of luck with retirement and writing full time.
Blog: Queendsheena
IWSG Co-host.
I happen to do my laundry and write at the same time. I also do that while washing the dishes in the dishwasher. I call it multi-tasking.
Since I am on disability I ought to have plenty of writing time, but I just have difficulty with time management.
There's a medical explanation. I have an autism spectrum disorder (Asperger syndrome) and one of the symptoms is a lot like having AD/HD.
And it does not help that my cats act up during my writing time, and I have to keep getting up in the middle of a sentence to break up a cat fight or shoo a cat off a counter.
Time management is always an issue, I tend to try and go with the flow, grabbing a couple of hours here and there to do some long hand writing. I've promised myself however when it comes to typing this writing spree that I'll spend the day typing it up (or two) without interruption...I hope!
I suspect "not doing the laundry" is a blanket tip for not letting things distract you from your story, but sometimes it's good to get up and walk around. It's actually unhealthy to sit for so long, and sometimes you need a little physical action to stimulate the brain. I know I still think about stories while I do chores, and that's part of the process. :)
It's very difficult to find the balance between writing, blogging and reading.
Different methods work for different people.
There's no one-size-fits-all.
Congratulations on the retirement!
Writer In Transit
I've been a teacher for the past 14 years, but I've only pursued my writing seriously for the past 5 or so -- that's when I quit my summer jobs so I could focus on the writing. You're right: time management is huge with so many online distractions.
I find that when I have more time, I seem to waste more time. I accomplish more when I don't have the time to waste. So when I'm able to write full time, I know I will have to keep myself to a strict schedule.
Post a Comment