A Writing Schedule
Today, I am thrilled to host my guest Alex Cavanaugh. He has a new book release, Dragon of the Stars (more about that later). His topic today is about scheduling time to write--cause if you don't make time to write (or whatever your passion be), um, you won't. Deep huh?
A Writing Schedule That Works
Writers are always trying to cram things into their days. We have jobs, families, writing, social media, hobbies, and church or other obligations. Plus don’t forget maintaining the household, eating, and sleeping. It’s a lot to fit into one twenty-four hour span.
While we don’t have time to do everything, I think most people have time to do what they really need to do. Many things can mess up our schedule, but distractions are what do most of us in. Most of us haven’t really prioritized either.
I joke that I have clones to help me. While that would be nice, I really don’t have any. I don’t have a teleporter or time machine, either. I’ve just learned to prioritize my obligations and set aside blocks of time to get things accomplished.
So I’m going to outline what I’ve done to bring order to my life and be productive with my time.
First, I’d like to challenge you. Take one week and write down everything you do. Print out a grid with all seven days and all twenty-four hours. Note what you are doing every hour. Has it been a week? Great, we’ll continue.
Look at what you wrote down. How many unproductive hours did you have? (Not counting sleeping and eating – those are important!) Note where you basically screwed off and didn’t do anything worthwhile. And it’s all right to have hobbies and down time. We need that. But did you have down time before your down time?
Now list everything you need and want to be doing. Rank them in order of importance. Now, take another of those weekly grids and plan your week. What time will you allow for social media? What time will schedule writing? Plan out the whole week.
While we don’t have time to do everything, I think most people have time to do what they really need to do. Many things can mess up our schedule, but distractions are what do most of us in. Most of us haven’t really prioritized either.
I joke that I have clones to help me. While that would be nice, I really don’t have any. I don’t have a teleporter or time machine, either. I’ve just learned to prioritize my obligations and set aside blocks of time to get things accomplished.
So I’m going to outline what I’ve done to bring order to my life and be productive with my time.
First, I’d like to challenge you. Take one week and write down everything you do. Print out a grid with all seven days and all twenty-four hours. Note what you are doing every hour. Has it been a week? Great, we’ll continue.
Look at what you wrote down. How many unproductive hours did you have? (Not counting sleeping and eating – those are important!) Note where you basically screwed off and didn’t do anything worthwhile. And it’s all right to have hobbies and down time. We need that. But did you have down time before your down time?
Now list everything you need and want to be doing. Rank them in order of importance. Now, take another of those weekly grids and plan your week. What time will you allow for social media? What time will schedule writing? Plan out the whole week.
Now, no one can live by a set pattern every week. There are outside activities and unforeseen events. But you can get yourself into a rhythm and learn to set aside time for the things that matter regardless of what else is happening. If you have two hours set aside for writing on Wednesday night, then ignore the Internet and the television and write.
Can you do it? That’s up to you. All I know is that setting a schedule works for me. I don’t write all the time, but when I am working on a book, the writing is scheduled for two hours every single night. Sometimes three hours. And I budget the rest of my time to include working, practicing my guitar, blogging, time with my wife, and eating and sleeping. Plus even some down time. (Because I am a movie junkie.)
You want time to write? Find a schedule that works for you!
Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
Print ISBN 9781939844064 EBook ISBN 9781939844057
The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. Poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?
One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?
Purchase Dragon of the Stars at:
You can find Alex at:
Thanks, Alex, for stopping by and sharing your knowledge on writing!
Do you know Alex? (I know that was a silly question.) Have you read his books? When is your most productive time (writing or not) during the day?
Comments
Thanks again, Teresa!
I have a demanding day job that requires grueling hours and travel. So every minute counts.
Waving to Teresa ♥
Thanks for the advice, Alex.
I've never been able to stick to one of my schedules. This post is great encouragement to keep trying. I'm honestly blown away by everything you manage to do.
I'm going to make that grid... especially after missing that Bonehead blog hop today!! Thank you, (smile).
And you just squeaked in that blogfest.
You lied to us? All this time? No clones? No time machine?
I'm hurt and even more impressed with you than I was before!
I need a burly, possibly angry, person to stand behind me and smack me in the back of the head every time I go off task!
Heather
Well done Teresa - great guest poster ... always good to hear from Alex .. and his balance of life ... cheers Hilary