I only got 2205 words written this week. But I’m soooo close to the goal I set on my Supernatural (Sam & Dean!) spreadsheet. So close. It said last night I needed to write 2561 words per day to meet my goal. I have only one day left. Today. It’s church night, so I really don’t think I can do it. But I WANT to so badly! What should I do? Could I handle an after church writing marathon???
I think one of the biggest problems I’ve had with writing is I’m not really scheduling my time. Yes, I have an idea in my head about what I want to do but…look, there’s another cool Big Fish Game. And I have a free credit, so I can download it! Um, where was I? Oh yeah. Anyway, I think schedules need to be WRITTEN DOWN. And then adhered to as best one can. It’s especially important that I get my schedule worked out because I have four proofreading jobs from now until the end of July. I’m just glad they didn’t all come in at once. LOL.
So here’s what I’m thinking for May:
Monday-Tuesday: Work on a cozy mystery I’m thinking of writing under a different pen name
Thursday-Saturday: Work on whatever my WIP is under Lauralynn Elliott
Sunday & Wednesday: No writing
Monday-Friday during lunch (and possibly Saturday): Work on my proofreading jobs
What do you think? Does this schedule make sense? Do YOU make schedules for yourself?
And don’t forget…if you need content editing, line editing (proofreading), formatting for ebooks, or all of these, check out The Forge: Affordable Book Finishing
lauralynnelliott.com 
Lauralynn, I think a schedule makes sense, especially when working on more than one WIP, or writing one and editing one, or whatever–anything beyond one piece tends to drop off my radar unless I’ve scheduled it. I had to laugh at your being distracted by the free credit for a game–that is SO me!
I use schedules all the time to balance the writing I have to do for the day job with what I want to write during breaks, lunch, and that lovely 5am hour.
Also, this may sound weird, but there is something in writing things down that tack them in my brain better than if I just plan in my head.
I think this will be so necessary for me for now. I agree…there’s something about writing stuff down that makes it stick.
This week has been pretty off for me, too, and it’s the same problem underlying it, too: scheduling. This week, for a variety of reasons, I couldn’t keep my usual schedule as well, and it threw everything off, and now I’m just looking forward to the end of the week so I can push the reset button and do better again. It’s crazy how much of a difference it can make, but it really, really does.
I think your schedule there is really solid. Focused, with some wiggle room and free time. Good luck!
And if you do try to go for the marathon after-church writing drive, I’ll be rooting for you! I’m sure you can make it if you go for it, but the world won’t end if you don’t. 🙂
We just have to be a little more disciplined with our schedules. I really want to do the after church writing, but I’m always so tired after work, then by the time church is over, I’m REALLY tired. We’ll see. But I won’t beat myself up over it if I don’t do it.
I can’t speak for you, Lauralynn, but I find that writing something down helps me remember something later, even if I don’t look at the note ever again. So, yes, I’d definitely endorse writing down a schedule to help keep you on track.
Though I did have to grin when I read about the Big Fish game thing… yep. I can sssoooooo relate.
I do think writing something down makes it more…real.
I love my Big Fish Games!
I think you’re doing great with your writing word counts. Schedules are great – sticking to them can be the problem. 🙂
Thanks, Emma. I’m going to really try to stick to my schedule for May. The only thing I might change is the Mon-Tues if I find I can’t write two books at once.
I think your schedule is doable, especially since you proofread during lunch. That’s an easy time to do it because it’s hard to type while you’re holding a fork. 😀 I don’t think it’s how much time we have to do something but what we do with the time we have that makes all the difference. The key is finding out how we can best utilize that time, and writing something down definitely helps. I keep a word count journal by my chair so I can track my progress. It keeps me on track better than anything else I’ve tried so far.
Good luck with your schedule. I still need to get that graphic for The Forge so I can put it on my blog. You’re an awesome copy editor!
I am so bad at using my time wisely, but I’m going to have to start doing better. Writing it down will make the difference, I think. One of the reasons I like to proof during lunch is that my eyes are still fairly fresh during the day. At night, they are tired, so I can’t work as long.
Thank you for your confidence in me!
I say whatever works, works. If you find it easier to write a schedule down to help you stick with it. Then do it, or at least try it and see if it works. I should try it.
Hey, Chris, maybe you SHOULD try it. 🙂 I’m going to see what happens.
My method is more a matter of flow than schedule – but that’s based on my life and the way my mind works.
This does seem like a good approach for your needs…
And maybe I should schedule that sponsor post…it has to do with- well, a Big Fish game! =)
I think because I work full time, I am going to have to do this in order to get done all I have to do. That doesn’t mean I can’t be flexible when something comes up. If you’re too rigid, then you might freak out if your schedule is messed with. LOL
Oh,and I look forward to reading about that Big Fish Game. 🙂