|
|
 |
Managing time effectively is one of the biggest obstacles to any writer's success.
These articles will all help you, in some way, to make better use of the time you have available to write.
|
National Novel Writing Month
November 2009
NaNoWriMo 2009: According to the official website, NaNoWriMo is the largest writing contest in the world. Anyone who gets to the end of November and then uploads their 50,000 words to the website to be validated is a winner. That's right: no prizes for being the fastest, or the best... if you complete 50,000 words in November, you're a winner. . . . keep reading
|
Short Writing Tasks
Marg McAlister
A great deal can be accomplished in successive small windows of time. Next time you realise that you're putting off starting something because it's all just too large and overwhelming, grab a piece of paper and divide the job into small, achievable tasks. Then tackle them one at a time. The tasks suggested here can be slotted into a short window of writing time. . . . keep reading
|
"Window-Time" vs. Golden Time
Lynda Davies
Research is showing that the more tasks we try and tackle at the same time, the less effective we are as thinkers. There's a reason we feel brain-mushed at the end of the day. So instead of keeping fifteen balls in the air at the same time, I try to find windows of time during which I can achieve a writing job. BUT... I also schedule 'golden time'... . . . keep reading
|
XNote Timer
- a handy gadget for writers
Marg McAlister
XNote Timer is a really simple, really useful little gadget to add to your desktop. It's a small file, and does the two things that most of us need: it counts down (timer mode) if you're giving yourself a time limit to finish a task, or it tracks time if you want to see how long it takes to do something (stopwatch mode). . . . keep reading
|
Writing at Night - My Writing Timetable
Jenny Sharp
I never really thought I had a writing timetable until I was asked to think about it. And yep, it was there all right - right in front of my eyes. It's amazing how little things like time tables surpass us! I am fortunate to have a supportive husband and family. Otherwise I don't think I would be able to do what I do. Making time for family is vital for my work - my writing work... . . . keep reading
|
Finding Time to Write -
Working Into the Night
Jenny Sharp
Sometimes I feel like Peter Pan, coming out at night to play. To play with words, to play in my own created space; my world, my friends, while the real world sleeps around me. My mind wanders, thoughts rising and falling - slowly at first, as if on a child's merry go round. My characters come to life inside my head and begin to laugh and play, often a giggle escaping my lips as the vividness of the scene playing out in my head becomes a reality... . . . keep reading
|
Steve Martin: How I Organise My Writing Life
Steve Martin
Steve Martin first aroused my interest when he got back to me with a few suggestions for the Writing4Success Calendar/Planner. From what Steve said, I got the impression that he was a highly disciplined and organised writer - so I asked him if he'd like to share some of his 'secrets' with others. . . . keep reading
|
Increase Your Efficiency - Create Your Own Checklists
Marg McAlister
Checklists are an efficient means of keeping yourself on track with all your writing tasks, from improving your technique to streamlining your home office. You can find checklists in many places on the Internet (such as those offered by Writing4Success) but the more you personalise those checklists, the more useful they will be. . . . keep reading
|
Devious Tricks to Get That Book Written
Marg McAlister
It's time to be devious. No more Mr Nice Guy. No more reluctantly agreeing to do yet another task while grinding your teeth and picturing dolls with pins stuck in them. No, it's war. That book has to get written. White lies (or even big ugly black ones) are entirely permissible... . . . keep reading
|
12 New-Year Tips for Writers
Marg McAlister
Some people hate setting goals (it seems so corporate!). For some, it's actually even counter-productive - if they set goals and don't achieve them, they feel a depressing sense of failure. So instead, sit back and put your feet up and let your mind wander. Just think about the bigger picture. What do you want for yourself in the coming year? What would make you content? . . . keep reading
|
Writing Tips for Busy People
Marg McAlister
At times it can seem so hard to snatch time to write that you feel like just giving up. Any writer can identify with that feeling! Here are some suggestions that will help you organise your material so you're ready to take advantage of whatever snatches of time you have - and whatever energy levels are present! . . . keep reading
|
Overcoming Procrastination
Marg McAlister
For a writer, there's not much worse than forcing yourself to sit in front of the computer when you're just not in the mood to write - especially if this goes on day after day. It's important to attack this "I just don't want to write" mood head on, before it gets to be a real problem. . . . keep reading
|
Can YOU Write a Book in a Month
Marg McAlister
Can you write a book in a month? Well, it's certainly possible. Many people have proved that. Could YOU do it? Probably, if you don't have any family/work disasters... illness, unexpected trips, etc . We're talking about the rough draft here, not a book that's ready to send to a publisher. You can polish and edit to your heart's content once you have the finished product in front of you. . . . keep reading
|
|
|
|
|
Ann Harth
