Writing Lesson 2.35 – Wasting Time?

Summer is here! It’s tempting to sleep late, play games, watch TV, or waste yourself in your favorite way. I can relate.

I’m not the person to talk to you about time management. Well, maybe I am since it’s a problem for me. I frequently get lost on the Internet or in emails. Time can mean money for a writer, so let’s talk about a way to become more productive and organized.

Instead of wasting our summer vacation, let’s use it to create better habits. Will you take this challenge with me?

• Make a list of the items you should complete during the day. (Clean your room, write 500 words, read 50 pages, help Mom do the laundry…)
• Be realistic. My list is always too long. If that happens, move those unfinished items to the list you make the next day.
• Determine the amount of time needed for each task you listed. This may take some trial and error. Our goal is to accomplish more when we manage our time appropriately.
• Set a timer and don’t get distracted.
• Take a break for some exercise, food, and fun.
• Don’t forget to set that timer to bring you back to the next task.

It’s okay to allow some free days. After all, that’s part of summer vacation. Set aside time for working on your writing skills and reading great books.

I want to write a first draft, or at least a hefty chunk, for another book. I’ll report my progress this fall. Gaining control of my time-wasting habits should help me accomplish that goal. I’d love to hear what you accomplish by mastering some time-wasting habits.

Ready, set the timer, go!