10 Tips for Managing Writing Time
Often, when I work with writers and try to manage my own time, the issue of writing time and managing writing tasks arises.
At the Columbia University Writing Center, we talk about kairos, that qualitative aspect of time, which often feels in opposition to chronos, the orderly task master of time. But chronos and kairos working together are the power couple of writing projects (and really all of art)!
Often, when I work with writers and try to manage my own time, the issue of writing time and managing writing tasks arises.
At the Columbia University Writing Center, we talk about kairos, that qualitative aspect of time, which often feels in opposition to chronos, the orderly task master of time. But chronos and kairos working together are the power couple of writing projects (and really all of art)!
Sit down with someone and talk out the things you need to accomplish.
Sit down with a friend, a partner, a coach, a fellow artist (virtually or in person) and talk about your projects and what you want to achieve. Often a good listener can then say back to you what they've heard in a way that allows you to have a "eureka" moment about next steps and how to organize them!Use your version of the pomodoro method.
The pomodoro method is 45 minutes of writing/work time and 15 minutes of downtime. Your version might look like mine does today: 30 minutes on a particular task, 5 minutes of stretching or breaking from the screens, 30 minutes on the next task...or something similar.Start by mind mapping or otherwise laying out the various pieces of your current project.
Mind mapping allows you to compromise with bad habits by putting tangent projects on the outskirts of the map! I always want to have 25 projects at once when what I can really handle is about 3 (or 1 or 5).Be gentle with yourself and begin by overestimating the amount of time things take.
Things in the real world take actual time. Painting takes time. Choreographing takes time. Writing your artist's statement/bio/newsletter/blog post takes actual time, too!Leave room for silence.
(It lets the thinking happen and the wisdom come.)Make your to-do list, but label it your To Create or To Manifest list or whatever feeds your heart at this moment and will allow you to return to it with fondness rather than rancor.
Ask for help when you get stuck.
Know that all writers, like all artists, hit some blocks...
when this happens, do what refuels you: go for a walk, a hike, a wild swim in frigid water, a massage, a meet-up with friends, binge watch a thing. Whatever it is allow it to refuel you without allowing the perceived block to derail you. Come back to the page fresh and refreshed.List out the pieces of your writing project.
List out some time estimates for them. List out your other obligations. List out the resources you have to draw on that will support your work on both. Breathe and start blocking time in your daily schedule for those pieces!Identify your key writing supports and either think, sketch, or write about how you can use them to support you in your current writing project!
BONUS TIP: work with a writing coach or consultant who can help you make it through...