Organizing a Disorganized Writer

 

“An organized writer is a productive writer” – Amanda Barke

INTRO:

I travel all over the Ozarks speaking to various writing groups spanning all genres. I hear one complaint throughout every group. “I can’t get very much accomplished. I don’t have enough time. What am I doing wrong?” The answer lies on the writer’s desk. If you spend most of your allotted writing time looking for things, you won’t get much accomplished. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time.

           

I: Organize your Time:

 

Everyone wants to be their own boss, but this freedom has its setbacks. Housework, yard work, and procrastination can hinder your work ethic if you let them. Schedule time to write and let others know you are ‘at work.’ Create a “writer at work” sign and post it on your door if needed.

 

Keep a calendar or a planner nearby and write a daily ‘to do’ list on it. Prioritize this list the night before. This will give you a clearly defined goal for the day. Without a goal it’s easy to waste time. Remember: Time is precious; you only have so much of it.

 

Keep a ‘time log’ to manage your work schedule. This will allow you to see how much time you actually spend working, and it will help at tax time as well. A submission tracker is another great organizational tool. This will allow you to focus on other things instead of resubmitting your work to the same publishing house.

 

II: Organize your Desk:

 

Organizing your desk can be a daunting task for some. I understand not everyone gets excited when file folders go on sale. Organization means different things to different personality styles. Here are a few tips to get your desk as organized as possible.

 

Create a filing system for all your research documents and office supplies. Sort all your papers into ‘labeled’ file folders. Keeping your projects in separate folders will allow easy access. Research should be filed by topic and should be limited.

 

Using an online dictionary and thesaurus will save space on your bookshelf. Research can be saved in file folders on your computer to save room in your filing cabinet, and to save the rain forest. Pens/pencils can be stored in a desk organizer or even a cup, but they should not be scattered everywhere.

 

III: Tax Time Tips:

           

Organization is key to relieving tax time stress. Keep track of your business mileage on a calendar/planner throughout the year. Then make a spreadsheet to show your totals. Keep your receipts and log them on your spreadsheet as they come in. Track your sales and profits on your spreadsheet. Update your records monthly don’t wait until December. Remember: More organization equals less stress.

 

 

IV: Mandy’s Tips and Tricks:

 

It’s ok to say no: Say ‘no’ to unnecessary, time-consuming tasks. These unneeded tasks waste the valuable time you could be spending with your family and friends. (That is the whole reason behind being your own boss, right?)

LOG OFF of Facebook: Social networking is a very important marketing resource, but don’t spend too much time on them. This also applies to web surfing/research.

 

Go green: You don’t have to print every word of research. Save it into a file on the computer and save a few trees. (Besides, your desk will stay clean.)

 

It’s ok to throw things away: I know some have a difficult time throwing things in the trash, but it is necessary. Don’t keep every scrap of paper you’ve ever printed. If it is not pertinent to your current project, file it or toss it.

           

 

 

V: Suggested Supplies:

 

Organizational supplies can be tailored to fit your budget, style, and office space. A filing cabinet is helpful, but can be replaced by hanging file folders, or even three-ring binders. Labels, post it notes, and bookmarks are needed and can be filed in a drawer or even a plastic storage box. Desk organizers can hold writing utensils, scissors, and staplers. If you don’t have an organizer, you can even use a coffee cup.

 

Even if you lack the desire for organizational boxes and folders, you can still organize your desk. Find new and tailored ways to organize your workspace. You will be surprised how much more you can accomplish in a day.

 

VI: Online resources:

A)      http://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Your-Desk-to-Aid-the-Needs-of-a-Writer

B)      http://www.wikihow.com/Procrastinate-and-Still-Get-Everything-Done

C)     http://www.ehow.com/how_2091170_organize-writers-notebook.html\