It’s hard to keep writing projects organized when working on several things simultaneously, but without some sort of plan, productivity can come to a crashing halt.
Successful writers – freelancers, columnists, poets, novelists, essayists, or a combination of several of these types – have a system for keeping their work on track. Many tout the benefits of submission tracking software or websites, while others prefer working with a hard copy such as a writer’s calendar book. Either way, busy writers benefit from having a reliable system in place instead of trying to remember where work was sent or when a first draft or article is due.
Making a tickler file for keeping deadlines and ideas straight is one method of taming the chaos which regularly threatens to invade writers’ desks. Maintaining a production file in our workspace encourages the productivity flow. When projects and their parameters are compiled in a neat and accessible fashion, we spend less time searching for pertinent information. General orderliness helps the inspiration muse do her magic.
Whatever system is used, a handy reference, calendar and idea pile will always be nearby. When writer’s block threatens, opening up a production file full of ideas, quotes, research notes, and/or project due date reminders jump starts the creativity motors.
Filing systems can be housed in word processing documents, in expandable folders, on spreadsheet programs, in a recipe file box or good notebook set aside for just that purpose. For travelers, a zippered binder will fit inside a laptop case for carrying ease.
The type of production file a writer chooses is less important than being dedicating to using it. Organizing thoughts, ideas, data, and deadlines benefits writers of all genres, no matter how long they’ve been in the writing biz.
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 and Profession, Synopsis, Outline and Miscellaneous.
Important data for each project should contain detailed contact information, expectations, submission deadlines 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.
Organization keeps writers in the writing groove. It makes for productivity and saves time. Story ideas develop with more ease, and deadlines don’t fly past. With discipline, sweat equity and a workable production filing system in place, writing enthusiasm isn’t far behind.
With all that said, my home office still looks more like this, but it's on my To Do list to remedy soon:
Thank you for voting in the Whose Right poll. I am now officially entitled to a fine meal and an admission from my friend that she is wrong about the humanity of agents! :)
What's your best organizing tip?
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