Brilliant: How to Fit Writing Into A Busy Schedule

Today is writing day. I’m doing a test to see how many pages of non-fiction I can write in a week. So far, 7 pages, which is really good, considering how much paying work I have to do. I’ve also picked up another blogging client, helped a blogging client move to page two in Google ranking, and completely burnt myself out copyediting for my day job. So what’s new?

How do you fit the writing in?

This is what I did this week:

1. Hauled my Neo around with me everywhere. That cute little portable writing machine that I bought end of October has earned its cost back and more. Since I type much faster than I can write by hand, I’m getting five pages of notes down in the same time it would take me to handwrite one or two pages.

2. Kept my focus. Pinned a notecard to my bulletin board above my desk that asks “How shall my book be organized?” “What is my frame?” (thanks to Eric Maisel’s The Art of the Book Proposal), so I’m thinking about this project constantly.

3. Kept the music inspiring. I’m very oriented to noise. I crave background noise when I’m awake and when I sleep. So the music I choose to stay focused is vital. This month it’s movie soundtracks, from Harry Potter to 300 to Pirates of the Caribbean to Henry V and on and on and on. Even the Killers new cd is working for me now.

4. Every 25 pages of copyediting I finish, I get 30 minutes to write. And a handful of semi sweet chocolate chips. I am not picky with my chocolate it seems. Just give me chocolate chips and I’m happy.

5. Big honking long-term reward. I get to sit down and watch LOST season 4 when I finish my 25 pages this week. The dvd set is sitting on my dining room table mocking me. Seriously, I may go crazy with anticipation before I can finish, but it is moving me forward.

My anthem for the week: BIC HOK TAM (butt in chair – hands on keyboard – typing away madly)

So, what’s your writing goal?

Tagged as: brilliant, writing