I’m currently working on the first draft of my new novel, which is about two women who are both completely misunderstood by their families. It’s great fun to write, but I as I have now signed a publishing deal, which could possibly include a sequel to the book they are publishing, I need to make my workflow easier.
I’m not very good at writing lists, as I often forget where they are. This is what should be on my list during the time my publisher is editing my upcoming novel.
Marketing schedule for new book.
Complete 20,000 words for current manuscript.
Edit/proof current work.
Cover design ideas.
Book blurb.
Keep up with social media commitments, including hosting #CreativeBizHour on Twitter.
Start sequel for soon to be published book.
Write 2 blog posts a week.
Newsletters.
Obviously this includes family commitments and household chores. But by this time I’m scared of my list and have hidden it somewhere I will never look again. A good idea today seemed to be under the dog’s bed!
As with most jobs, we all have to multi-task and the kitchen timer on my writing desk does beep and tell me to get on with it, but as a bit of a dreamer (which helps with my job), it means better planning needs to creep into my day and the usual ‘make it up as I go along’ vibe might have to take a back seat for a while.
I’ll let you know how I get on:)
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Congrats!!! Huge opportunity. Enjoy working through your list.
Thanks Lucy:)
Congratulations! Go you!
Thanks Florence!
It’s a big job, isn’t it? I think it’s only when you fall in love with your work, you then realise the potential it has to take over your life …
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
Thanks for the wonderful reblog Kim!
Some ideas for getting to first draft here, Lizzie. I used Kelman’s method in The Punished to imagine what it felt like to have your house requisitioned by the British Army in 1943 https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/aug/05/james-kelman-my-writing-day
Thanks Cy. Sounds interesting! I’ll take a look.
I keep trying to stick to lists and commitments, but something else is always arising. It does take discipline!
Good luck with everything. And I love the cutie at the end of your post 🙂
Thanks Mae. It certainly does:)
My dog is such good company when i’m writing. She keeps my feet warm too!
I gave up writing lists a while ago, mostly because I kept losing them, and when I did find them, couldn’t understand what was on them! Nowadays, I do all my ‘chores’ (routine stuff) in the mornings, and choose just one new thing to do in the afternoon. I don’t like it when I start to feel pressured, so this routine works well for me!
That sounds like a good idea. I tend to try and write until lunchtime, then spend the afternoon on chores or marketing. In the school holidays, this all goes out of the window though. My schedule is being a taxi driver for my children!
Luckily, I don’t have to do that anymore, either!
🙂
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
Thanks for the fantastic reblog. 🌟
That is one long list!!
Lol! There are probably other things that should be on there too. I’m really trying hard to be more efficient and not go out as much.
The lovely thing about writing for a job, is that travelling and visiting new places can be used as an excuse for research and creativity! 😂
Yes, traveling can take on a different meaning to a writer:)
It really can. It’s also where I usually have pockets stuffed full of pretty little notebooks!
Congrats on a book deal! 😀👍 That dog is super cute 🙂
Thank you! It’s very exciting. Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you here again soon.
No problem 😊