The Organized Writer by Angie Ledbetter
It’s hard to keep writing projects organized when working on several things simultaneously. Without some sort of plan or system, productivity can easily come to a crashing halt.
Successful writers—freelancers, columnists, poets, novelists, essayists, or any combination thereof—have ways of keeping their work on track. Many tout the benefits of submissions tracking software, while others prefer working with a good old-fashioned hard copy calendar book. As any busy writer knows, having a concrete system of reference in place is more beneficial than relying on a sketchy memory. Setting up tickler files to keep deadlines and ideas straight is an important practice in taming the chaos which regularly threatens to invade writers’ desks.
Maintaining a filing system in the writer’s physical workspace also helps to encourage productivity flow and keep writers in the groove. When projects and their parameters are compiled in neat and accessible fashion, writers spend less time searching for pertinent information or waiting for the inspiration muse to do her magic. Story ideas develop with more ease, and deadlines don’t fly past. During times when writer’s block threatens and the creative motor needs to be jump-started, it’s comforting to know that a workable system is in place and writing enthusiasm doesn't lag too far behind.
Filing systems can be housed in word processing documents, in expandable folders, on spreadsheet programs, in a recipe file box, or in a good notebook set aside for just that purpose. For travelers, a zippered binder fits nicely inside a laptop case for carrying ease. The type of production file a writer chooses is less important than their dedication in using it. Organizing thoughts, ideas, data, and deadlines benefits writers of all genres, no matter how long they’ve been in the writing biz.
Some typical categories for Work in Progress (WIP) entries might include: Title of Work; Themes & Settings; Plot (opening, middle, and end); Threads; Character Traits & Personality; Physical Descriptions; Education & Profession; Synopsis; Outline; and Miscellaneous.
Important data for each project should contain detailed contact information, expectations, important submission deadlines and dates, and anything pertaining to the successful completion of the project. Having a place to store “extras” for each task, such as photos, magazine pictures, ideas for future use, research, sketches, and notes, is also helpful.
Good organization can be an invaluable tool in helping to achieve your writing goals. By making better use of your time and resources, you will have more creative energy to spend on the development and completion of your stories and projects. And because it is a continuous process, the discipline and dedication you develop in organizing can ultimately produce positive effects in other areas of your life.
Angie Ledbetter is a Co-Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal. You can visit her in the blogosphere or Twitterville.
This is very helpful!
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Thanks, Angie. I need all the help I can get when itcomes to organizing.
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Glad it was helpful. I need a major reorganizing effort in my home office! Or a backhoe.
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I am Mis Dis Organized . . . but getting better.... lawd. I really do want to be more organized, though, and am vowing to myself I will do this in 2011 - I don't make resolutions, but maybe this should be one!
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