The October Checklist (Or EEEKS! It’s Getting Scary Now!)

Maybe it’s because it’s ninety-three degrees today. Or that I’m still lounging about in flip-flops and cut-off shorts while dead leaves fall into my frozen adult beverage. The point is, I did NOT see October coming until I turned the page on the calendar—and I screamed like the teenage girl in the horror flick who knows (or technically, doesn’t know) that she’s doomed.

Because October means just three more months before 2019 ends, and with it, all the goals and resolutions and whatever else I planned to accomplish by the end of the year, of which I don’t have a bat’s chance in you-know-where of finishing.

Ugh. I don’t know how this keeps happening to me, but I do know how to take care of business (after I’ve finished all the panicky shouting and running into walls, that is). So if you’ve just faced the ugly realization that you’re way behind, take a look at my October Checklist and we’ll catch up together:

1. Give Yourself a Hand. Find that list you made way back in January and celebrate each and every goal you’ve accomplished. I always include a couple of wants that I automatically do on a regular basis—like reading 50 books—just so I can feel good about accomplishing a goal. But I’m also usually surprised at how much I’ve done throughout the year. So check off what you’ve accomplished and enjoy a little bit of bliss before you start berating yourself. Wheee!

2. Prioritize. The art of prioritizing is very useful no matter what you want to accomplish, and I use this skill daily with my Things To Do List. You see, I invariably list more than I can do in any given day, but I adjust as the day progresses to make sure that I accomplish what I absolutely must get done that day.

So find your 2019 list of goals or resolutions or whatever you call ‘em and put them in order of importance, preferably listing them into a couple of subheadings: Must Do, Should Do, Only If I Have Time To Do. This will force you to intentionally look at your goals and figure out how important each one is.

3. Time to toss. Yep, it’s time to get real up in here. You have three months, and if we’re being honest, you really have about sixty days to get ‘er done. So now you can see why all that hard thinking and prioritizing was important. If you used subheadings, now is when we toss the “Only If I Have Time To Do” goals. If you put your goals in order of importance, toss at least the bottom third of your list. Come on, you were never going to get those goals done, so toss ‘em right now! See how freeing that is? Next, tackle your “Should Do” goals.

My shoulds are usually things like, “redesign my website” or “get new business cards”…basically, they’re on my list because it’d be nice if I did these sorts of things, but there are no dire ramifications if I don’t. Still, sometimes it can be a bit trickier, so if you’re having trouble deciding, think about the consequences of not accomplishing a goal. I guarantee that you’ll easily figure out that there are “Should Do” goals that can be tossed and others that have to be added to “Must Do.” And now all that is left is what you absolutely need to get done in the next three months. Wheee!

So October doesn’t have to scare you anymore. Because unlike the crazed teenage girl, you’re not doomed; you have a new (way shorter) list of goals or resolutions or whatever you call ‘em and you can bask in the knowledge that you’ll accomplish ‘em before the 2019 deadline.

Well, maybe everything but fixing Thanksgiving dinner. EEEEKS!

~Cathy C. Hall

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7 comments Cathy C. Hall, deadlines, goals, prioritizing, resolutions

Monster Rewrite: Conquest on a Deadline

Just over two weeks ago, I got a message from one of my editors. “We need a rewrite. One section didn’t work so add information to chapter 5 or create a new chapter. Whichever works. In addition, there are a handful of other things that need to be done. See the notes throughout the manuscript.”

I downloaded the manuscript and discovered 150 notes on 70 pages. Good grief. How many of these notes involved the possible new chapter? There must be a lot since there were only a handful of additional fixes.

I went through the notes and discovered 20 were compliments or observations with no work involved. Another 20 involved the new content. That meant that 100+ comments involved the "handful" of other things.

How did I get this done in just over a week? First, I list out the various comments by chapter. I’m dyslexic and all of those comments as well as “track changes” make the manuscript almost unreadable. So I list which comments need to be dealt with in each chapter. Chatty comments and repeats don't make it to the list.

In terms of the actual writing, I start with the easy fixes. These are the ones asking for clarification or if I really meant X instead of Y.  As I take care of a comment, I cross it off the list. Next I tackle the ones that require me to go back to a source. I expand on points and give additional examples.

Big problems that might require a new chapter? Those I tackle last. I tried to fix this one with a bit more information in Chapter 5 but that didn’t work. So I pulled a bit out of this chapter, a bit out of that chapter and did the research to write a bit more.

With a new chapter composed of text that had to be moved from one point to another in the manuscript, I then read through all 70 pages. I needed to make sure that I struck the information now in the new chapter from where it has first been located in the manuscript. I had to make sure that transitions still made sense and references to earlier information were still referring to earlier information.

Last but not least, I read through all of the comments one more time. With 150 it is easy to miss something. This is also when I respond to comments that deal with things I didn’t change. Often these are cases where someone’s motivations cannot be determined and I won’t speculate or I made a fix different from what was requested.

Some people may think that they key to working through 150 comments is to tie yourself to the desk. That doesn’t work for me. I need to get up and move. Sometimes I go to yoga. Other times I game with my family. Still other times I take the pruners and cut out honeysuckle. Yes, I do yard work, but all of the invasive honeysuckle (think kudzu with flowers) has been annihilated.

And I also managed to meet my deadline.

--SueBE

To find out more about Sue Bradford Edwards' writing, visit her blog, One Writer's Journey.  Sue is also the instructor for Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults. The next session begins July 22nd, 2019.

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3 comments deadlines, meeting a deadline, rewrite, rewriting, Sue Bradford Edwards

Friday Speak Out!: Writing by Assignment

by Elizabeth Morabito

I'm a writer who doesn't put many words on paper. I have the usual excuses – no time, writer's block, can't focus, I suck, yadda yadda yadda. For a long time I refused to even call myself a writer. Until one day I realized I really am.

How do I know? Well, I figured something out about myself fairly recently. It only took a few decades.

I think in sentences.

Weird, I know. But my thoughts are more often than not well-crafted sentences. Compellingly complex in their simplicity. Thought provoking. Nobel Peace Prize worthy. Okay, maybe not. But these structured subjects, verbs and objects are a part of me. Part of my soul. The very essence of who I am as a human being.

Now if I could only get them out of my damn head. When I try to write, like now, I panic. The eloquence just isn't there. The words won't flow like they did when captured in my cranium. I'm getting antsy. I can't catch my breath. I want to exit out of this godforsaken document.

But this time I won't.

I understand a writer needs to practice the craft. Writing something, every day, will make it easier and I will improve over time. I get it. I. Just. Can't. Make. Myself. Do. It.

That's why I'm writing this submission for The Muffin Blog. I've decided to give myself assignments. Enough excuses. I'm a veritable task master – I adore checking things off a list. When an assignment comes my way, I sit down and crank it out. With a given subject, word count and deadline enforced upon me, I can structure the swirling cyclone of thought-words into what is required.

I'm actually published. And paid, believe it or not. Nothing of major import. Magazine articles and advertorial publications mostly. But, paid, published work nonetheless. Assignments.

My dream is to write for the pure enjoyment of it. But that is so rare, it's nearly non-existent. I have dozens of journals. No lie. They speak to me with their empty pages and implied opportunity. But mine are all blank or have pages ripped out or are the start of some great writing adventure I abruptly aborted after a few days. But I keep them all.

I wonder what my poor kids will think when they go through my things after I'm gone. Hopefully they find the magazines as well as the crazy-lady journals. Maybe I should put them in the same place.

* * *

Elizabeth Morabito grew up a voracious reader. Her love for writing stems from this lifelong passion. She hopes to someday be an author. For now, she is comfortable simply calling herself a writer as she strives to be authorship worthy. She is a single mom of three kids and five fur babies - two pit bulls and three cats. Besides reading and writing, she loves to mountain bike, search for treasures in thrift stores, and help nonprofits achieve their missions. Elizabeth is working on a website in 2019, but can be reached at elizabethtellsall@gmail.com.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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3 comments deadlines, Elizabeth Morabito, excuses for not writing, Friday Speak Out, inspiration for writers, journal writing, writing practice

When Obligations Get in the Way

I have a confession to make. Last night, I realized I forgot to write my blog post, which was due today.

I know. I know. Shame. But you know how life is.

Maybe you’re a parent, like me. I have two children who participate in activities almost every day after school. I cook dinner so they can eat healthy foods, and I clean up afterwards for my own sanity. I help the kids with homework, remind them to clean up after themselves, and interfere when their fights get physical. I cuddle with them at night so they remember that I love them.

Maybe you work in a stressful job, like me. I’m a teacher, and I work all day, and then I keep working when I’m at home. Always a glutton for punishment, I have a second teaching job teaching AP Language and Composition sessions to super-eager juniors (sense my sarcasm) on weekends for extra income.

And, like everyone else on the planet, I have other obligations, like doctor appointments, and grocery shopping. I know I need to keep up with friends so I don’t lose them, keep up with my parents so they don’t worry, and throw my poodle’s favorite toy so she doesn’t drive me crazy with her barking.

The list goes on, and on, and on, and on.

You’re with me, right? You know what it’s like. So, when life gets in the way of writing, try some of these strategies:

1. Take a deep breath - Sometimes, writing seems like a chore, and we never want our passion to be something we have negative feelings towards. Taking a deep breath helps expel the negativity.

2. Make a list – By making a list of the obligations from which we can’t immediately escape, and completing them as quickly as possible, we'll feel less harried. This leaves room in our schedules to write.

3. Find a quiet place – With distractions everywhere, excuse yourself for an hour. You’ll be amazed at how productive you can be when there is nothing to stop you.

4. Just say “no” – Over-obligation is a problem. Explain to your friends and family that you need a little time to regain your sanity, and say “no” to invitations for a week or two.

5. Remind yourself you aren’t alone - We all write, and we’re all in this crazy rat-race together. It’s okay to give yourself a break.

I can vouch for these ideas. I used each of them this morning and, voila! Blog post! Even if you don’t make all your deadlines, it’s important to regroup and keep writing a positive element in your life. Hopefully trying some of the tips above will help keep you on track.

Have any great tips for keeping your sanity? I’d love to hear them!


Bethany Masone Harar is an author, teacher, and blogger, who does her best to turn reluctant readers into voracious, book-reading nerds. Check out her blog here and her website here.

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3 comments deadlines, finding time to write, how to write when you work, keeping positive, parenting and writing, writing, writing challenges, writing obstacles

You Want it When? When Your Editor Asks for the Impossible

I knew a rewrite request was coming. After all, I didn’t expect them to tell me that it was perfect as is. When my editor e-mailed me Friday afternoon and asked to have it back by Tuesday, I noodled it over for a minute. Maybe just maybe I could have it done by Tuesday if the changes weren’t too bad. 

Of course, my aunt was in town and coming over for dinner Friday night.  I still needed to finish cleaning the house (translation: excavating the dining room table) and cook dinner.

And this was Halloween weekend.  That meant that I’d have 14 extra teenagers in the house for almost 14 hours on Saturday.  It’s a Halloween tradition. It just wasn’t going to be possible so I told my editor No.

Hey, you! In Detroit. Quit shuddering. I saw that. It is perfectly legitimate to tell your editor no. After all, they are asking for the rewrite because they want your book to be the best that it can be. That’s why they want the changes and they want the changes to be good. More often than not, that means not writing with fourteen extra teenagers.

But I didn’t just say No. I briefly explained the problem. I also proposed a different deadline – Thursday – and told him that I’d turn it in before Thursday if possible. I hope to send it to him today.

Not surprisingly, because he does want a top notch book, he agreed. But I don’t think that is the only reason he said yes. In fact,  I think these three reasons also played a part:

1. I make my deadlines. It’s one of those things I’m pretty rigid about.

2. I try to give my editor what he wants the first time around.  If I goof up, I admit it. One of the resources I used in writing this book was a federal government website.  One of the pages included a typo.  Because of said typo, I got something wrong and only realized it later on the day that I submit the finished manuscript. I quickly e-mailed my editor and apologized than I offered to fix the mistake and resend the file.  Because he has already started editing, he made the change himself but I did offer.  After all, I’d rather fix my own mistakes than have the copy editor catch them.

3. I only say no when it is essential. Out of 10 books, with 3 deadlines per book, I’ve only suggested an alternate deadline 3 times. 

Because of these things, when my editor asks for the impossible, I can say No. After all, he knows that, like him, I want to produce the best possible manuscript.  We’re a team that way.

--SueBE

To find out more about Sue Bradford Edwards writing, visit her blog, One Writer's Journey.
She also teaches our class, Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults.  The next session begins December 5, 2016.

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3 comments deadlines, negotiating, rewrites, telling an editor no, the writing life

Deadlines vs Taking a Break

This was “The Week of Deadlines.” Educational activities with photos. A sample chapter. A book outline. It made for some really long days.

I’ve learned this week how to tell when I need a break. The first sign came when I told my son that I didn’t appreciate his subtext. He’s sixteen so he shot me “a look” for that one.

The second sign came when I read an article on how not to be too wordy. Instead of just reading the examples, I found myself editing out additional unnecessary words.

But the biggest clue came when I tried to quickly paint my toe nails. I told my son I’d put lunch in the oven as soon as I finished drafting my toes. We decided he should deal with the oven.

So what do I do when I need a break but I have so much to get done? I take a break.

I know. It sounds counterintuitive, but I’ve learned that once I hit that wall, I need to stop. My progress has slowed to a crawl anyway, and if I keep pushing myself I’m going to do more harm than good.

My top three breaks?

Meal time. It isn’t that I’m food obsessed but skipping meals is a big mistake. Low blood sugar does not go hand-in-land with creativity. If it happens to be lunch and I’m home by myself, I listen to an audio book. It gives me something else to think about for a while. Dinner time is family time which always pulls me out of work mode.

Yoga class. Home workouts are too easy to skip as is gym time. Because of this, I signed up for a twice weekly yoga class. I was tempted to skip this week but I made myself go. It meant 90 minutes away from my desk filled with both exercise and deep breathing. I came back to my office focused and re-energized.

Knitting or crochet. Doing something creative, and non-writing related, recharges my batteries. Maybe it’s that I see results. Maybe it’s because it’s meditative. I’m not sure, but it does the trick. I come out of my craft time with writing related solutions ready to go.

Even if you have a deadline or three to meet, be sure to get up and get away from the computer every now and then. Set a timer in another room if that’s what it takes to make you leave your desk. But get up. Don’t skip meals. Move around. You’ll see the difference when you sit back down to write.

--SueBE

Sue is the instructor for our course, Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults. The next session begins on November 9, 2015.

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Leave a Comment deadlines, giving yourself a break, meeting deadlines, taking a break

Switching Brains: What to Do When You Have Simultaneous Deadlines

I’m pleased to announce that as of Friday at 10:36 a.m., I officially finished all of the course work for my first year as a doctoral student.

I had three, yes three, 20-page essays due this week. Not to mention I also had to create a multimodal video, a webpage, a newsletter, conduct research for a departmental project, and grade reports for the Technical Writing course I’m teaching. And write this blog post :-). Oh, and I raced a 25K in the mountains last weekend.

by jesadaphorn @ freedigitalphotos.net

I could easily see the point of this post being “know when to say no” to taking on too many projects, but that’s not it. Maybe next time.

What I want to discuss today is how to “switch brains” when you have so many different projects you’re working on all at once.

My classmates and I converse via facebook to ask question and get advice on assignments, and, last week, we used it to discuss/complain about our essays. “I need to work on the other essay now,” one of my classmates wrote. “How do I switch brains?” And, thus, she inspired this blog post. (Thanks, Katie!)

For projects with staggered due dates, it’s easier to prioritize and/or work on the ones with the more recent due dates first. But what if they’re all due in the same week, or, gulp, on the same day?

I told Katie that I liked to work on them on separate days, that way it wasn’t so confusing.

“Yes, ideally I would do that,” responded Katie, “but I have to revise both of them tonight because I won’t have time later.”

Another classmate piped in and suggested we could have started on our papers earlier, but we quickly agreed that that was impossible because it would have conflicted with earlier assignments’ due dates.

A fourth classmate, who had been reading the conversation and giving us thumbs up to let us know she was listening, said she was going to turn in for the night and return to her papers in the morning with a fresh eye. Taking a few hours’ break before revising: always a great idea.

by photostock @ freedigitalphotos.net

A great idea, yes, but not an option for Katie. She had meetings early in the morning.

I, too, went to bed then and wished Katie best of luck. I felt sorry that I wasn't more helpful.

In the morning I saw a message Katie posted two hours after I went to sleep: “So...a break on the treadmill did the trick! Who knew exercise had academic benefits!?”

Exercise! Of course! Why hadn’t I thought of that? The reason I signed up for a 25K mountain run was to force myself to take a break from work and rejuvenate my mind and body.

So there you go, ladies...when you need to “switch brains” to work on simultaneous projects, all you need is a quick jog on the treadmill, a couple of yogic sun salutations, or a few squats.

Written by: Anne Greenawalt, writer and writing instructor

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3 comments Anne Greenawalt, deadlines, saying no, switching brains

Back from the Book

Stack of research used for my forthcoming book
on gluten-free eating. Photo credit: E. Humphrey

I'm so glad to be here again. See the pile to the left? That's just one of many piles of research I collected when I set out to write the book I recently finished.

I promise you, this pile is neat and tidy compared to what it was when it was accompanied by a huge stack of books for my research.

Earlier this year I received word that I would be given the great opportunity to write an Idiot's Guide. Once the contract was signed and my outline was turned in, it was time to get writing.

I had to drop out of sight...hiding from family, friends, and even some fun. That was the time I had to eat and breathe the book.

I kept my head down and turned in my draft and am now in the author review stage. The book is scheduled for a January 2014 release.

Each writing project that I've done has differed from the last. But this project touches on so many elements that WOW! Women on Writing delves into daily. I figured for my next few entries I would share some of what I learned along the way about:

• Auditioning for the part of the writer...and believing in yourself
• Deadlines! 
• Staying focused and getting the work done
• ...And other tips and tricks for writing

There is so much I want to share, but I don't know where to begin, well, except for: I'm happy to be back writing at The Muffin with its fantastic community of writers and readers. 

So, do you have any questions for me about this process? I will do my best to address them in my next post.

Elizabeth King Humphrey writes and edits in Wilmington, North Carolina. Now that the kids are back in school she's looking forward to some quiet writing time. (Or longer naps!)

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8 comments becoming published, books, deadlines, Elizabeth King Humphrey, non-fiction

Still Time to Set Resolutions

by LuAnn Schindler

We're not quite half way into the first month of the new year, so if you haven't taken time yet to develop a list of writing goals, don't worry. There's still time. But instead of procrastinating (do writers do that?), take a good look at what you accomplished last year and where you want to direct your energies this year.

Unsure where to start? Here are a few ideas I implemented last year and a couple I plan to complete in 2010. Consider it a productivity map.

1. Submission / Time Tracker: I used to keep track of submissions and queries by creating a folder in the document section on my computer. Sure, it showed who I sent it to, but I wanted to be able to use a tracking system so I could list experts and interviewees, possible publications for submissions, type of submission (feature, how-to, FOB), time spent on research and writing, and publication and payment info. I revamped a query tracker previously posted on Premium Green (WOW!'s premium subscription newsletter) and it makes my life so much easier! I've used the system to come up with new article ideas based on information from experts, which increases the bottom line. It's a win-win! How do you keep track of submissions and amount of time spent on each article or work?
2. Data Backup: I need to work on this one. Do you? I have CDs filled with photos and flash drives loaded with documents. Now, I need to get it all in one place. Thanks to the data backup program that came with my laptop, I will now be able to keep all my files safe and accessible. What do you use to backup photos and writing files?
3. Project Deadlines: Do you have a large project that seems like you'll never complete? Don't worry. You're not alone. Unless we writers set a deadline for major projects, we'll likely let them continue throughout the year. That's not healthy for a writer's bottom line. Set deadlines, whether it's writing a set amount of words per day, a certain number of pages, or a certain amount of time. Use a planner or calendar to mark the deadlines. The brain makes a stronger connection and gives a stronger sense of urgency to those tasks we note as being important. How do you track deadlines?
4. Network: Establishing relationships with other writers and editors is important. It's also important to continue to make new contacts. I plan to send three queries to new markets every week in 2010. I also plan to step up my social networking campaign. How will you build or increase your network?
5. Website: Do you have a web presence? About four years ago, I started a website, but I wasn't happy with the design and eventually, I quit adding material to it. And then, I got married and I never updated the site to include my new last name. In 2010, I will create a new website and keep it updated. I'll keep my blogs updated, too. Do you have a website to promote your skills and expertise? If so, what's one new element you can add to market your skills and reach new audiences/clients?
6. Skills: As a teacher, I have to update my repertoire of skills and learn new methods to reach students. As a writer, I have to update my repertoire of skills and learn new methods to reach editors and readers. I'm enrolling in a one-hour credit class for web design and animation. I'm also teaching a writer's workshop for a local community college. How will you improve your skills?
7. Fresh Ideas: Ever feel like all your articles/blog posts/storylines are the same? Challenge yourself by tackling a new subject, writing from a different perspective, or trying a different genre. I've already written a piece and submitted it to a market I never would have considered before. But, once I saw the potential for earning money, I decided to try. And guess what. I enjoyed it! How will you challenge yourself in 2010?

Having a road map for the new year will keep you on the "write" track, push you to try new ventures, and make you accountable for your successes and failures. Set goals for a productive 2010.

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2 comments building new website, data backup, deadlines, goals, LuAnn Schindler, networking, query tracker, setting goals, social networking for writers, time management, writing skills

Am I too old for all-nighters?

(Image courtesy of The Unofficial Stanford Blog)

If there's one thing I despise, it's a missed deadline. I’m definitely guilty of it, but I try my darnedest to meet them--even if that means staying up all night. The problem is, when you're tired you make more mistakes, and when you're finally finished with the project, you want to sleep for days. I think this holds true the older you get. Many of my co-workers and team members ask how I do it all. I don't have a set list of instructions, but I've had plenty of practice.

Before I started WOW!, I pulled many all-nighters for my graphic arts business. Many of my clients wanted their catalogues and ad layouts done yesterday. Being the nice person I am, I always complied with their crazy schedules. Without really realizing it, I got into the habit of donning my Wonder Woman costume and "making it happen." These marathons consisted of a week of nose to the grindstone, sleep deprivation, and lots of caffeine, and later, wine. Thing is, I'm still doing it, for a lot less pay. But when does the time come when I can just relax?

I find that the older I get, there's more need for recovery time. There's more need for vitamins and headache pills. And now, every chance I get, I like to gel in front of the TV and tune-out. Is this the life I really want to lead? I often wonder.

Sticking To My New Year's Resolution

Our team members know this, but I made a New Year's resolution that I'm trying to stick to, and have been fairly successful at--though it's a WIP (work-in-progress). I'm dolling out assignments (paying for them) and delegating more. There comes a time when you have to realize what your time is worth--even in this tough economy. You can do it all yourself, but if it's killing you and not good for your health, or your overall business, why not pay to have someone else handle the task?

Delegating More, Doing Less

This method can be applied to anyone who owns her own business or freelances--which is basically the same thing. So next time you are commissioned by a potential employer and think you can handle it all, why not try tacking on a little extra to your price and having someone else take some of the burden off of your shoulders? That's what being a businesswoman is all about: delegating and moving forward. Form a team of talent that can help when you are in need. Network with individuals in your same field. Be an agent. Never turn down a job. Say yes, find help, and charge accordingly. And lastly, get some sleep already! You don't have to take on everything yourself. Think of your health and well being, like I'm trying to do.

What is your method for working less and maximizing your time? I'd love to hear your advice.

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2 comments all nighter, deadlines, delegating, freelancing, health and well being, New Years Resolutions, time management