The Busy Writer's Book of Checklists Read Online Free Page B

essential to my creative being.”
    Enough said.
    Even if you don’t want to get organized now ,
the time will come. When it does, it really helps to have a checklist at hand.
    These three checklists will help you
organize your time, your working space, and your files. If they don’t suit your
present needs, use them as a basis to create your own ‘Get Organized’ checklist.

Checklist 10 – Organize Your Time
    Before you can start using your time more
productively, you need to be aware of how you currently use time. This
checklist starts with that, then goes into other aspects or organizing time.
    #  Know how you use time: draw up a
chart in half-hour increments, starting when you get up and finishing with your
normal bedtime. Fill in hours already taken (your job, household duties,
social/family commitments etc), and then fill in what's left as you do it. Keep
this record for 2 days. Then start culling.
    #  If you don't want/need to be on
certain committees or a member of social groups, do what you need to
(phone/write/visit in person) to opt out.
    #  If you are carrying too much of the
household chores, create a new roster or outsource some of the work.
    #  If you watch certain TV shows just
because others like them, block off that time and use it to write/plot/edit
instead. Or else keep a notebook by you and use the time to jot down
plot/character ideas based on the show.
    #  Eliminate anything that you either don't enjoy or don't need to do.
    #  Look at all areas of your life:
family, health and fitness, recreation and relaxation, self-development,
finances, employment, writing. Rank your goals in order of importance. Now look
at the time you are allocating to achieving each of these goals, versus the
time you NEED to allocate. Juggle the allocation until the most important goal
gets the most time.
    #  Create timelines to achieve your
goals. Remember you don't have to achieve everything at once. Some goals can be
worked on in 3-6 months' time.
    #  When you have decided on the amount
of time you want to allocate to your various goals, plan your day the night
before. (Especially what you want to achieve with your writing.) Don't overload
your 'to do' list. Set yourself up for success, not failure.
    #  Balance
your to-do list to maximize success. Put fast and easy tasks at the top of the
list. Next schedule the 'big' tasks - those that need concentration or a large
chunk of time. (Place your not-so-favorite tasks here, while you're still
fresh. If they threaten to run over time, decide whether it's more productive
to finish them now or continue the next day.) Finish off your list with
smaller, more easily achievable tasks, or ones that can get away from you (e.g.
social networking, email.) 
    #  In a notebook, draw up a list of
small tasks you can work easily wherever you are. (Make these things you can
finish in a short time - anything from 5 to 30 minutes. E.g. think of a name
for a character, write an opening hook, write 10 lines of dialogue, create a
setting. Keep the notebook and pen in your handbag.)
    #  Institute a system of
prioritizing/dealing with tasks as they arise. The easiest is the 4-D method:
Dump it, Delegate it, Delay it, Do it. (The trap for the procrastinator is the
3rd 'D': 'Delay it'. Keep that particular list SMALL.)
    #  Learn to say "NO"
gracefully (but in a way that leaves no room for negotiation). Your time is
precious.

Checklist 11 – Organize Your Work
Space
    To organize your work space, you first need
to understand your needs and your work flow. Then you can
organize your work space to accommodate those needs.
    #  Do you need to move your work space
somewhere else? (Two contrasting scenarios: you might need to move your work
area somewhere closer to the kids' TV/play area so you can supervise them while
you're working, OR you might need to move your work space AWAY from family
noise.)
    #  Do you need to negotiate with family
to give your writing a higher priority? (E.g. is it