Time Management for Writers
Writing is a Business -- Treat it Like One
Because they work at home, writers are often pigeon holed by friends, family and neighbors who believe they hang out all day in their pajamas, hair uncombed, face unwashed and teeth unbrushed. To prove them wrong, the serious writer presents his professional side by trading his favorite flannel boxers and faded t shirt for real clothes as if he were reporting to a job outside the home. If a writer apears not to take his job seriously, his critics won't either.
Designate A Work Space
Ideally, a writer's work space is a separate room where nothing but writing takes place. In his book On Writing, Steven King says, "The space can be humble,(and probably should be), and it really needs only one thing, a door you are willing to shut." If a writing room is a luxury the writer can't afford, any room with a door will do. Once the writer has carved out a space for his desk and set up his computer, he's ready to write. But even without a door to close, the writer has options. Author Anna Scanlon suggests using a folding screen to partition off the corner of a room. Creativity is key. In the popular TV show, Everybody Loves Raymond, sports writer, Ray Barone, worked at a desk in the basement next to the furnace.
Same Time, Same Place
If a writer worked outside his home, he would report to work ar the same time every day and, with a few exceptions, in the same place. The writer should treat his writing business the same way by setting regular hours and determining when he does his best work. Some people are more productive in the morning while others prefer the afternoon or even the wee hours.A writer needs to be realistic about how much time he can devote to his work each day. Whether it is 15 minutes or 8 hours, he should report to his writing space at the same time each day and work for the scheduled amount of time without surrendering to distractions like house work, television or surfing the internet.
Set Realistic Goals
The professional writer gets up, gets dressed and reports to his designated writing space at the same time each day.The next step is to make a list of specific goals and stick to them. For example,novel writers may decide to finish a chapter and set aside an hour to complete that task . Freelancers may set the goal of conducting an interview and give themselves 30 minutes to complete it. Once a writer has achieved a goal, he checks it off his list.
Time To Write
The professional writer indicates to the world that he takes his business seriously. He commits to a place to write and a time to write. He sets specific goals. By practicing good time management the writer smooths the way to a more productive and more lucrative business.
Time Is On Your Side
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Writing & Publishing
Latest Articles