How I Multi-Task My Writing

I have big plans for the next two months, and it means being very specific with my time.
In order to achieve my writing goals, I decided to work on more than one project at once. Yes, I'm multi-tasking, and yes, I'm enjoying it!


When faced with a towering to-do list, I always take twenty minutes to plan what I can delete from the list and how I'll get the remainder done.

First, I determined what would feel like a win each day, and I knew without a doubt that making progress on my most pressing project, we'll call it Book A, would give me that boost. Since I want this done soon, I'm devoting the bulk of my hours to it.

Here's the thing, if I don't make progress early in the day, my mood sours, I inhale chocolate, and I mentally beat myself up. Then the procrastination sets in, and Facebook becomes much more important than work. Oh, and Book A? Grows into a big, ugly bear--one I know I can't defeat.

The solution? Rules!

Here is my list of rules for the next two months. (I'll reevaluate my goals in early April and make a new set of rules then.)

1. After a short session of checking in social media sites and reading e-mail, I block off a large chunk of time for Book A. I also set a deadline for each phase to stay on track and prevent myself from quitting early.

2. Twice a week, I work on my Extra Projects. I set aside thirty minutes to an hour to research, write, or edit these.

3. Late in the afternoon or in the evening, I spend an hour working on Book B, which is in the early stages. Right now I'm working on pre-writing tasks, but soon, I'll be writing the first draft.

4. When Book A is finished later this month, I'll bump Book B to top priority, continue setting aside time for the extra projects, and I'll throw revising Book C into my late afternoon, evening spot.

Honestly, I can achieve more when I make smart decisions. If I only worked on Book A, I would be short-changing myself.  Switching gears helps me stay fresh, and I find I'm not as mentally tired at the end of the day because I've challenged myself on different levels.

Do you work on more than one writing project at once? Or does your brain work better with one at a time?

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

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