If you have been wondering why your writing projects take so long or even remain unfinished while you move on to other things, it is possible that you might just be working too hard. Working too hard or forcing yourself to write can be a major block to doing good and productive work. However, there are ways and means to get around this problem with a few simple organizational tricks.
1. Make lists and schedules
Making lists help you keep your focus on what needs to be done. When you check off an item off the list, it feels great and is an ego-booster. Once you have a visual list of all your work in progress, you can easily work out an effective structure for your work over a period of time. The first thing you need to do after making a list is to break down the different tasks into more manageable bits. Make an outline of all that has to be done, and work out a rough schedule. Try to stick to this schedule as closely as possible, though of course, you will need to make allowances for some deviations once in a while.
2. Insist on privacy
Unless you are already a rich and famous writer, your writing is not really respected in general. If you are working at your home, the chances of your work hours being respected is even lower. So you need to put your foot down with anyone who is likely to disturb you. First of all, schedule your work hours every day, and sit down at your desk to work. If possible allocate a room to yourself as an office, so that your family members don’t disturb you. Even if this is not possible, you can always appropriate any room of the house for the morning during your working hours. Refuse to chat on the phone during your work hours and soon everyone will get the message. If you have children, explain to them that this is your work time and they need to fend for themselves just as if you were going to work outside the home during this time.
3. Take regular breaks
It has been scientifically proved that taking frequent breaks during work actually increases productivity. This is especially true when it comes to creative professions like writing. Studies have shown that around ten to fifteen minutes of break after every hour of work is extremely beneficial. Taking a short nap of around ten to fifteen minutes during the work day can be very helpful because short naps leave you refreshed. Breaks will help increase productivity and creativity in the long run. Not just during the workday but you need to rejuvenate yourself every week and take the weekends off to spend time with your family or friends, or to follow your hobbies. A well-rounded life will ultimately be the best aid to creativity.
4. Fix flexible deadlines
Whether you like it or not, deadlines are expected to be fulfilled in every kind of work, though some are more flexible than others. If you are an author, professional writer or blogger, you will have to consider deadlines. Set your own daily or weekly deadlines in ways that are comfortable for you as well as setting a bigger deadline for the completion of the project. Completing your deadlines on time will make you feel more confident and successful and is a psychological boost to your morale, which will help you to focus better on your work. While setting deadlines, give some buffer time for unexpected problems cropping up from real life.
5. Structured research
When writing fiction, authors need to devote some time for research. The fact is that some genres of fiction require more research than others, but all writing is influenced by actual facts of life to some extent or the other. Even the most imaginative author cannot make up stories out of thin air. The thing to remember is that research is an ongoing process. Note down everything you find interesting and think you can work into your book. For genres such as historical fiction or science fiction that require specialized research, devote some time for detailed research. In the end, your goal is to write a creative, interesting and well-researched book with well-rounded characters. Anything you do for achieving this, counts as research.
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[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/IMG_20141217_101736441.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Kavitha is a freelance content writer and French translator, and has been working in this field since 2008. She has degrees in computer applications and international business and has a background in business and international trade. She enjoys learning languages and is currently learning Japanese. Her interests vary from books and writing to travelling and history.[/author_info] [/author]