How to manage time as an author
As an author, you know that time is a precious commodity. You never seem to have enough of it, and when you do, it seems to disappear in the blink of an eye. So how can you manage your time effectively so that you can write your next bestseller? Well, worry no more – I’m here to help!
In this blog post, I will share with you some tips on how to manage time as an author so that you can focus on what’s important: writing. Let’s get started!
Manage time as an Author-Make a schedule and stick to it
A schedule is like a map. It tells you where you’re going and how to get there. But unlike a map, a schedule is useless if you don’t follow it. That’s why the first step to keeping a schedule is to actually stick to it. Set alarms leave reminders, and do whatever it takes to make sure you’re sticking to your schedule.
Once you’ve established that habit, everything else will start falling into place. You’ll be more productive, more organized, and less stressed. So if you’re looking to turn your life around, start by making a schedule and sticking to it.
Establishing a routine tells your body when it is time to write, and focus on your goals.
It is important to find a time that suits you, and work out when you are most productive. However, it is also important not to become a slave to your routine. If you find yourself struggling to stick to your schedule, take a step back and reassess what is working and what isn’t. There is no perfect way to keep a schedule, so find what works best for you and run with it.
The most important thing is that you make a schedule and stick to it. It doesn’t matter how perfect or imperfect it is. Just get started and the rest will fall into place.
Set deadlines for yourself
One of the best ways to ensure that you get things done is to set deadlines for yourself. Of course, these deadlines need to be realistic – if you’re only giving yourself a day to write a 10,000-word essay, you’re setting yourself up for failure. However, by setting reasonable yet challenging deadlines, you can push yourself to achieve more than you ever thought possible.
And if you miss a deadline? Don’t stress – just learn from your mistake and try to do better next time. After all, even the most successful people make mistakes sometimes. What matters is how you learn from them.
Every November, I believe, there is a NaNoWriMi writing event. The goal is to write about 50,000 words by the end of the month. Taking on the challenge with a solid deadline will help you focus to finish writing that book you have brewing in your creative mind.
If you’re not a novelist, set a goal to write a certain number of articles or blog posts in a month. You can also join a writer’s group that will help support and encourage you to reach your goals.
When it comes to setting deadlines, the sky is the limit. Just make sure they are achievable for you, and that you give yourself enough time to actually complete the task at hand. There is nothing worse than putting pressure on yourself to finish something that is simply not possible in the timeframe you’ve given yourself. Be realistic, be challenging, and most importantly – be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful writing career.
So there you have it – three tips so far!
Get rid of distractions
If you want to be productive, you need to get rid of distractions. That means no more wasting time scrolling through social media or reading articles that have nothing to do with your work. It also means setting aside time each day to focus on a specific task, and making sure that you’re not interrupted during that time.
Of course, eliminating all distractions is easier said than done. But if you’re serious about being productive, it’s a necessary first step. So turn off your phone, close your email, and get to work. The world won’t end if you take a break from checking Facebook. I promise.
Another way to eliminate distractions is to change your environment. If you find yourself constantly getting sidetracked at home, try working in a coffee shop or at the library. The change of scenery will do wonders for your focus and productivity. And if you can’t seem to focus anywhere, consider investing in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. They’ll help you tune out the world and focus on what’s important – your writing.
Take breaks when you need them
There’s an old saying that goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” And while we may not be Jack, we can all relate to the sentiment. We’ve all been there – stuck in a rut, working ourselves to the bone with no end in sight. It’s tough, it’s draining, and it’s definitely not sustainable.
That’s why it’s so important to take breaks when you need them. Breaks are essential for maintaining our sanity and our productivity. They give us a chance to step away from our work, clear our heads, and come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes our way. So next time you’re feeling burned out, take a break. Your future self will thank you for it.
And when you do take a break, make sure it’s actually a break. That means no checking your email, no browsing social media, and no working on anything related to your writing. Just relax, breathe, and let your mind wander. It’ll do wonders for your mental health – and your writing.
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Find someone to hold you accountable
Just do it. That’s the Nike slogan, and it’s also good advice when it comes to finding someone to hold you accountable. It’s easy to make excuses for why you can’t achieve your goals, but it’s much harder to justify yourself when you have to explain your choices to someone else.
A friend, family member, or trusted colleague can be a great accountability partner. They can help you stay on track by providing encouragement and support, and they can also give you a reality check when you need it. So if you’re looking to make some changes in your life, find someone to hold you accountable and Just Do It.
My hubby pushes me to write and to do better. With all my projects. When I lived alone, I was nervous and scared to reach out to the online community. Now things are different. And I am not scared anymore.
Just reach out to the writing communities you are involved in online, letting them know the type of group chat you are looking for. You are bound to find like-minded people with similar goals and interests.
In the End…
If you can follow these five steps, you’re on your way to becoming a successful student. But don’t forget – success is also about enjoying the process. So make sure to take breaks when you need them, and find someone who will hold you accountable if necessary. And most importantly, stick to your schedule!
