Goals Day 5: Putting it all together

In Day 4, you began time management and building your writing blocks. For our final goal-setting class, you will expand and fine-tune your writing processes.

Tools of the trade

Reading widely is the number one tool for the writer, but when it comes to putting the skills, knowledge, and adventure of your story together, there are many tools that can help the process along.

Of course, you can write with pen and notebook. This time-honored tradition works. There is a mental connection between the mind and the pen moving across the page, but at some point, you’ll need to put that creative work onto a typed page, and more than likely, into a computer document.

I prefer to type while in the creative process because I can type on my laptop nearly as fast as the words and images flow through my brain, but ultimately, the format of the completed work is all that matters.

Microsoft Word is the industry standard so your editor, agent, or critique partners will likely need a Word file to work with, but writers have access to many other options. I personally write in Word as it’s like a blank page without any confusing or unnecessary elements, but there are some worthwhile products to enhance your writing process. I haven’t used all of these but thought you should know what’s available.
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Where will you write, as in what format will you add word to page. Consider some of the following:

• Pen and paper.
• Microsoft Word is the industry standard format, but most other apps allow you to export or copy your prose to Word, so you do have options.
• Google Docs is a free online word-processing tool. It has limited functionality, which may be fine for your use. You don’t need to create columns or word art in order to write, and Google Docs allows you to export to MS Word format.
• Scrivener is a word-processing program and outliner designed for authors. Scrivener provides a management system for documents, notes and metadata (Wikipedia).
• Save the Cat! The Last Story Structure Software You'll Ever Need is a software app that uses Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet and Board. While it’s main focus is for scriptwriting, they do have a novelist version.
• LivingWriter is a fairly new addition and is hailed as including the best features of writing apps of the past and melded them into one app with a clean interface.

In addition to writing helpers, you should also consider time management tools.

• A paper calendar. I used this for years and in many ways it is less time-consuming to use than some other options, but I began to lose track of my notes, my schedule, my writing output, so I opted for other organization tools.
• Post-It Notes. You laugh, but I’ve invested heavily in neon-colored sticky notes. They’re all over my desk, my wall, and inside my calendar. A well-placed “You should be writing” note can keep you accountable.
• An electronic calendar. Your computer likely came with one. You can use iCal, Google Calendar, or another form. As long as it allows you to schedule blocks of time, it will work.
• Amazon’s Alexa. I have not used this, but if you have one, you can use it for reminders such as “it’s time to write,” etc.
• Notion is an organizational tool to write, plan, and stay organized. Their logline is “Too many tools? Too much chaos? With Notion, all your work is in one place.” The best thing about Notion is that it is free to use, although they do offer an expanded version for a fee. I’m an addict. I use it for content creation, creative writing, to store research, old drafts, bookmarks for websites, to-do lists, etc. The only thing Notion does not do is a calendar, which I’m hoping they’ll soon rectify.

Now that you have selected your tools, from paper and pen to the most recent software, it’s time to put your goal setting, action plan, and time management to work.

Automation

Because I have a natural tendency to over schedule myself, I build my writing blocks, my day-job schedule, appointments, and everything else into one place. I create repeating tasks, alarms, notifications, and reminders to keep me productive and on time. It also prevents me from missing appointments, which when I’m on deadline is a definite possibility.
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No matter if you use the low-tech sticky note or the high tech app, you will need to build time into your week for writing.

Timing is everything

Our most productive work time varies by person, so today, consider the best time of day to write. Conventional wisdom is to write first thing in the morning while you’re still fresh. I guarantee a morning person came up with that plan. Night owls are not more productive in the morning, they’re barely coherent. Choose your time wisely, based on what is best for you.
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Note, don’t try to change your circadian rhythm. As someone who struggles with insomnia, I know that this kind of thing can be destructive.

Brainstorm

• What is the best time of day for you to write? When do you have the best mental focus? When do you have free time in you day or week?
  
• What tools do you plan to use for writing?
  
• What tools do you plan to use for organization and time management?
  
• You will probably experiment and try new products before you settle on the tools and times that work best for you. The goal is to use your time efficiently and productively.
  

Day 5 Homework

• Think of the responsibilities, events, and activities throughout your week. Block out the times that you are involved in non-negotiable work such as your day job and family responsibilities. Once you’ve added those things that you cannot change, start to notice where you have blocks of open time.
  
• Begin to block out writing time based on your preferred method from Day 4 (Pomodoro, Sprints, or other). Create a weekly schedule that meets the needs of your goals, your action plan, and your available writing blocks.
  
• Evaluate the time you’ve set aside. Is it enough time to meet the goals you created in Day 2? Given your writing pace, is there enough time to write the number of words in your daily/weekly action plan from Day 3? Do you need to adjust your goals or your action plans?
  
• Take some time to block out writing time in your calendar (paper or digital). Spend a few weeks putting this block schedule into practice. Give yourself time to adjust (21 days to form a habit). After a few weeks, re-evaluate to make sure that you’re using the time well. Make adjustments as necessary.
  

Community comments

The comments are open for you to chime in with your goals, your action plan, or any questions you have about the process. Did it help you? 

*remember, no self-promo and no trolling.