Miscellaneous Monday

Where has June gone? It's been a busy month here, complete with writing projects, high temperatures, and fun times with my 8 year old grandson. Has June treated you well? I hope so. Thought these helpful links would be a good way to finish off the month. :)

Are you easily distracted when you're supposed to be writing? Is your middle name "Procrastination"? If so, you might find help from Kenda Turner's post, On Rainbows and Inspiration to Get the Job Done. Kenda shares her challenges and insight, as well as handy links that will aid the process.

Does your head spin at the thought of marketing your work online? Chandler Bolt shares 6 great tips in this post, Social Media for Authors. His doable, friendly advice will infuse confidence in even the most "social media shy" writers.

Is it important for writers to have a website? Even though writers aren't selling mattresses or smoothies, we offer books, articles, and other services such as blogging, editing, or speaking. In Why You Need a Website web designer and illustrator David Lange offers insight into why an online presence (such as a blog or other site) is important. And yes, he's related to me, but he does know his stuff. :)  

Most writers know that book reviews help book sales. But are you aware of the most common book review myths? Dana Lynn Smith elaborates on the 6 most common ones in Busting Myths about Book Reviews at C.S. Lakin's blog Live Write Thrive.

Looking to take a writing course this summer? Sign up for a July class at the Coffeehouse for Writers and receive a $10 off holiday discount! Don't forget, I teach the Boot Camp for Writers, and I'd love to work with you or someone you know. For class descriptions and more, visit the Coffeehouse site. Hurry, offer ends soon.

Summer is a great time to add a splash of color to your home! Okay, I know this isn't writing related, but I couldn't resist sharing a post I wrote for a local business entitled 6 Ways to Add Summer Color to Your Home. If you're in the mood for some DIY ideas, I invite you to check it out.

What are you writing this week? How is your summer going so far? Do you have any DIY projects planned?

Happy writing,
Karen





Photo credit: Free Images

Juggling Time or Tasks?

Can you juggle time? 

We might think so, but it's probably more accurate to say that we juggle tasks. From the necessary to the enjoyable, we try to accomplish it all, but not always with great success. The trick is to keep these tasks airborne to create the illusion that we're getting it all done. But are we?

If you were to look at my to-do list, you'd see that I'm not getting it all done. Within reason, this is okay. Life happens, and it needs to be enjoyed too. But I've been reviewing my habits in relation to my goals, to write well and productively. There's one small issue, though - I am a master procrastinator, and with that, get distracted often. I need regular reminders to stay on task. So thought I'd share my observations and action steps on the off chance that you might have similar "juggling" challenges.

• Ignore the internet. It's like a magnet. Facebook, Twitter, email, it's just crazy. Trying to write an article with my email open is a tangent waiting to happen. So I keep those windows closed, or bribe myself. Article done = dark chocolate. Or something similar that helps motivate me. 
• Ignore the phone. Or at least, screen calls. That way, if the Super Duper Contest Company calls to tell me that I won, I won't miss it. I also designate working hours, otherwise interruptions can hijack the day.

• Ignore the chores. I don't mean ditching housework forever, only for a bit when it means getting a project finished. Saturdays are often my chore days to get general cleaning done. Knowing that keeps the distraction level down.
• Ignore the "must-do-now" items. You know, like the files that want to be alphabetized, or the unfinished craft project mocking you from the next room. Focusing on the task at hand frees up time later to work on those other items.

Pretty basic, I know, but when keeping these things in check, a lot more gets accomplished. Which means I can enjoy the other facets of life, which are just as important. A balance of self discipline, flexibility, and determination makes that juggling act a lot easier. 

(Speaking of easier, one helpful resource is Jeanette Levellie's book, Shock the Clock. It offers great tips on time management for writers and other creatives.)

Are you a procrastinator? What tasks do you juggle? What helps you focus and get things done? 

Taking a break before heading into my 7th blogoversary celebration in March. We'll have a few guests and maybe even a giveaway or two. :) See you on March 7!

Happy writing,
Karen

  
Image credit: Free Images

Procrastination Central

To the casual observer, my writing space looks like any other home office.

Sometimes though, it is known as Procrastination Central.

Yes, I admit, I am quite often a procrastinator.

My office is not only used for writing, it's where I facilitate online writing classes and work as bookkeeper for my husband's/son's carpentry business. So there's much happening there, with great potential for procrastination and distraction. As much as I like to get right to a task, I often circle around them, wasting time.

Can anyone relate?

After a few super crazy weeks, I felt the need to revisit my strategy. These tips should help convert Procrastination Central into Productivity Central.




1) Ignore the internet. I often compare the internet to an abyss. It's too easy to fall in and get lost. Ignoring it for a while is a must. 

2) Minimize potential interruptions.  Take care of pressing must-do items (like paying a bill), set the phone on silent, etc..  
                                                                                                                                      
3) Assemble resources. Place snacks, beverages, files, books, etc. within reach.

4) Set small goals. Break tasks into segments. Progress, even in small chunks, offers a sense of accomplishment and motivation to press forward.

5) Set the timer. This correlates with #4, and provides a catalyst for productivity. 

6) Dangle the carrot. Set mile markers and include rewards. Meet a small (or large) goal and celebrate with chocolate, a walk, or something equally fun and exciting. :)

7) Apply the principle of sowing and reaping.  Build good habits by exercising self control and perseverance. Sow discipline and determination, reap productivity.

What would you add to the list? What's the craziest thing you've ever done when procrastinating?

Happy writing,

Karen


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Are You a Saboteur?

Do you sabotage your work? Not intentionally of course, but how often do you dance to the tune of procrastination? Or allow distractions or lack of confidence to get you off your game?

At my house, pending projects fade into the background when the dryer's lint screen is full. Spotlights appear out of nowhere, shining on every single cobweb. The sticky spots on the kitchen floor can no longer be ignored. Alas, I become a saboteur....

With a book deadline pending, I'm reassessing my days, and hence, my strategy. Even with the best of intentions, writing time is wasted more often than not. Can anyone relate?

So here's the breakdown on the new plan.

1) Prioritize - Everything clamors for attention it seems, but some are more pressing than others. Weigh things in order of importance. When in doubt, pick one, do it, and cross it off the list. Voila! Progress.

2) Set Goals - Daily, weekly, or whatever works best. Without a target, we wander aimlessly and get little done.

3) Deadlines - Even self imposed ones can motivate, build self discipline and productivity. The feeling of accomplishment after meeting one? Priceless.

4) Ignore the Gobblers - Assess what gobbles time (Facebook, email, laundry, phone calls) and determine, even for short stretches, to ignore them. Tackle must-do projects or errands at designated times to lessen distraction potential. 

5) Utilize Unproductive Time - Years ago I heard Roger Palms (author/former editor of Decision Magazine) speak; he stressed the importance of taking advantage of unused time. You know, the five minutes here, ten minutes there, while waiting for a call, or before you leave for an appointment, that are sometimes available and are otherwise unproductive. I call them pockets, and use them to make an outline, scribble a paragraph or two, visit blogs, do internet research, etc. They provide opportunities to chip away at the to-do list.

6) Keep Moving Forward - One step at a time eventually brings us to our destination. Meeting a goal provides a sense of satisfaction. This stifles doubts and boosts confidence.

Simple points, I know, but ones that help me stay on track.

How about you, do you sabotage your work? What steps do you take to avoid the saboteur syndrome?

Happy writing,

Karen 

Photo credit: Stock Exchange