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authors, blogging, blogs., books, freelance writing, journaling, journalism, planning, Queensland Writers' Week, writing
Now that Queensland Writers’ Week is well and truly underway, I thought some ideas about the need for planning would be in order.
Every writer needs to take planning seriously. You see, quite apart from the planning that goes into a particular story, we also need to plan out our writing day.
How much time do you have available for writing? What will you be spending that time actually doing? Are you going to just work on your latest book, or can you also schedule in time for writing blogs, tweets or freelance articles?
I like making use of a default diary that sets aside time for checking emails, reading stuff online, researching and writing. I also make sure to include enough time for gym, visiting coffee shops or taking a break. You see, the last thing I want (or need) is to freeze up with the dreaded writer’s block.
So how do you allocate your time? What do you find works best for you?
Time management is important for any writer, but I do find that most people waste a lot of time that they can be using. I am writing my third fantasy novel, on the bus to and from work, and during my lunch breaks. With this, I achieve 500-1000 words per day. I don’t think that anyone really can say that they “don’t have time”. My weekends are for reading for enjoyment, promotional work, book signings (when I have them), and other things I do… like enjoying time with my family.
Writers block can be defeated by discipline and prior planning. I have my bad days, and sometimes life can get in the way. But if you have discipline, and you have a plan and goal for writing, you can make it happen.
Peter Koevari
You are absolutely right, Peter. I completed a BA Degree in Communication on the bus!