by Irene S. Roth, Contributing Editor
If you’re a writer, writing every day is one of the most important things you can do.
However, to write consistently, you must use your time efficiently.
Managing your time helps you write faster and improves focus.
Good time management can also help reduce stress and give you more time for your other obligations.
Here are some five tips for making the most of your writing time.
1. Avoid distractions.
It is so easy to get distracted with electronic and human interruptions.
These distractions can interrupt your thought process and make it hard to continue writing.
Once you get distracted, it can take up to 20 minutes to get back on track.
That’s a lot of wasted time.
One way to avoid electronic distractions is to turn off e-mail and phone notifications.
This endless stream of distractions can make it difficult to focus.
When you keep hearing beeps, your attention will be scattered.
These beeps can even harm productivity and impede the creative process.
It can also be distracting to interact with people while writing.
Therefore, you should consistently set some time aside to close your office door and write.
Let your family know you need time to write.
After your writing session, you may want to do something nice with your family as a reward.
2. Set clear goals.
Setting clear goals can help you manage your time efficiently.
Having specific targets in mind can keep you on the right path as well.
It can also help you accomplish your goals regularly.
For each writing project, start by listing your objectives.
If you list your objectives before you write, you need not worry about forgetting something important.
In addition, by taking the time to sort out your ideas, you can see the best way to make them flow.
Your list of ideas may even become an outline, which can organize the details of your project.
The more organized you are, the better.
3. Prioritize Difficult Goals and Do them first.
Do you tend to tackle easy, low priority tasks first instead of working on hard goals?
This is considered false productivity since you’re not working towards your main writing goals.
Therefore, aim to finish your main goal first, then move on to your easier goals.
Give your most difficult tasks top priority.
If you can, do them first thing in the day, depending on when your day starts.
Then you will set yourself up for a successful day.
4. Don’t strive for perfection.
When you write first drafts of your manuscripts, you shouldn’t keep revising as you write.
Revision should be a separate process.
Just continue writing your manuscript as quickly as you can, so you get it all down on the computer.
Then you can revise it.
Also, don’t expect your story to flow and for there to be no challenges with your first or even second draft.
Instead, be grateful to have your manuscripts written and then continue from there.
5. Write in short spurts.
Don’t think you need large chunks of time to get your writing done.
Instead, try to find short pockets of time to write, such as when you’re waiting for your child at the dental office or while she is in dance class.
Use whatever time you can find to do even a little work.
Another way to write in short segments is to use the Pomodoro technique when writing.
It’s an effective time management strategy that teaches how to work in focused, 25-minute intervals.
It’s a great way to stay focused and productive if you only have a little free time on your hands.
You can find these small pockets of time with a bit of reflection and commitment to your goals.
Every writer should know to manage their time efficiently, especially when deadlines loom, and they don’t have a lot of time to write.
Try one or more of the tips, above, to make the most of your time and get your writing done.
More articles about how to manage your time effectively:
https://www.writebythesea.com/time-management-for-writers/
https://www.writebythesea.com/batching-tasks-to-organize-your-business-and-save-time/
About Irene Roth
Irene Roth has a master’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from York University, Ontario, and is currently using her expertise to write books for adults about how to be a productive writer.
Irene has published over 150 books and e-books for adults on different topics such as the writing life and different aspects of chronic illness. She has been running workshops at Savvy Authors on many topics for writers for over ten years.
Irene also leads a very successful mentoring group for writers on Savvy Authors that is in its sixth year. She coaches writers on how to be their best. She lives in Ontario with her husband Jim, cat Toby, and dog Milo. Find out more about her and her books at irenesroth.com.
