Tackling Time Issues

“It was really just a hobby that snowballed.” - Dominic Knight

I believe my problems with time issues stems from the fact that I had a very different life before I became a published author. In that other life, writing was a hobby. Hobbies are fun activities you do in your spare time when your work is all done.

Switching gears in my mind that writing is now work and everything else is a hobby hasn’t been an easy transition. I’m not complaining. Seeing my manuscript turned into a book has been a dream come true. It’s simply that changing from hobbyist to professional is a bit more daunting and time consuming than I ever imagined.

However, the response to Monday’s post made me realize I was not alone in my need to develop better time management skills. Therefore, I planned use today’s blog to write about helpful time management tips.

Obviously authors have a huge issue with time because Googling ‘time management for writers’ resulted in 15 million hits. I’m no pro on this subject, but even I figured out wading through all these sites would not be in my best interest or a valuable use of my time.

I checked a few sites and found mostly common sense rules, such as keep a ‘to do’ list, work at the time of day you are most productive, designate a workspace and set realistic goals. These are things I do already, so maybe I don’t really have a problem.

After reading “Time Is Not on Your Side: Time Management Tips for Writers,” by Michael Stelzner on copyblogger I realized I have a big problem. Step one in the article was a test to find out if you are a time waster; step two, a time log to help keep track of your activities and the time they take; step three, a form to help you set goals.

I took the test. I’ll never reveal my score—I’ll only admit that I qualified as a time waster extraordinaire. I printed out the time log and goal setting forms. I am ready to take the plunge and begin to change my bad habits when…well…as soon as I have the time.

Thanks for stopping by.

Tags: Dominic Knight, time management, hobbies, Google, copyblogger, Stelzner,

A Writer’s Most Valuable Assets

“You may be able to take a break from writing, but you won't be able to take a break from being a writer.” - Stephen Leigh

In 2007, I posted my personal list of the top ten assets I thought a writer needed. At the time, I had signed a contract with ArcheBooks Publishing and had been waiting, rather impatiently, for the production process to begin. Therefore, the number one item on the list was patience.

I revisited the list and decided it needed a little tune-up now that The Ride has been out for about eight months. Here is my latest list of assets I believe every writer needs.

10. A basic understanding of grammar and punctuation

9. The ability to take an idea and turn it into a novel, short story or article

8. The perseverance to revise and edit your work ad nauseum

7. The strength to delete a paragraph that you spent the last eight hours perfecting after realizing it has nothing to do with the idea you were hoping to convey

6. In order to resist the urge to slice your wrists open with any sharp object within reach, you must develop the ability to fluff off rejection notices and not so glowing reviews with a flick of your wrist.

5. The self-discipline to sit down and write or rewrite daily, even during those periods when playing solitaire might seem a bit more productive

4. To keep your publisher happy, you must be able to focus on writing the next book, while trying to arrange signings, interviews and other innovative marketing techniques for your currently available book(s)

3. The skill to set up and maintain a presence on dozens of social media sites—which also means you have the ability to express yourself in 140 characters or less.

2. The knack of retaining all the passwords and log-in info for the numerous sites and forums you’ve joined

And the number one thing a writer must possess: (imagine a drum roll here)

1. The ability to cram at least 48 hours worth of writing, marketing, blogging, reading and networking into a 24-hour day and still have a life

In 2007, patience was my number one concern and today it’s time management. I’m sure if I wait a few more years to re-examine this list, it will change yet again.

What do you consider a writer’s most valuable asset?

Thanks for stopping by.

Tags: ArcheBooks, The Ride, assets, social media, time management, Stephen Leigh,