[…] This week we shift the focus to a more pragmatic part of the discussion, considering a variety of tips about how to manage time and projects more efficiently. Here is what we …read more […]

Sott, just replied to the previous post on the subject but the timer approach I have been using more and more in 30-60 minute increments and it works really well. Also love the 'freedom' app on mac because it turns off the net (I will be honest, I don't trust myself with turning off just wifi) Another more important thing that I keep on the side of my computer screen is a screenplay by a screenwriter more established than myself to guilt me when I go astray. Along with my yearly goals written down in giant CAPS on my desk. Works every time!:)

Sammy's got no choice but to run.

I use the Pomodoro technique as well, and it mostly works for me. I have a tendency to do prep-writing, but also research while I write so I'm not sure the Freedom app would work for me. Not only that, but I have a tablet I use as a second monitor to use as a research tool so it probably wouldn't work for me. I'm hoping to get myself to a place where I can set a time to write everyday, but I've found my life isn't structured enough to do that. It's a weak excuse, I know (who controls the structure of one's life but that person, after all?), but it's true for me. Instead of the one page per day rule that Scott suggests, I'm hoping to take some inspiration from National Novel Writing Month next year and write 365,000 words over the course of 2014. That's 1,000 words per day, which seems like a lot but isn't so bad if you can get into a decent groove in a writing session. I expect most of those words will be rubbish, but there are bound to be a few that work as stories.