June is an editing month for me. I have four client edits scheduled. Yes, I'm a crazy woman. On top of that I have critiquing for Rate Your Story and editing for Leap Books. I also know I'm getting edits on my 2016 title with Spencer Hill Press, Fading Into the Shadows soon. So how do I fit it all in, especially when Thursday is my daughter's last day of school before she's home with me for the summer?
I thought I'd share some of my tips and tricks for making extra time in the day. Here's a few ways I try to carve out extra writing and/or editing time:
- Get Up Early There's so much to be said for being the only one awake. It's quiet and there are no distractions.
- Even Ten Stolen Minutes Can Be Devoted to Working If my daughter decides to play on the iPad for ten minutes, I get my laptop and get as much done as I can in that time. Ten minutes might not seem worth it, but trust me, if you take ten minutes here and there, it adds up.
- Work During Commercials At night, I like to watch TV before bed, because I'm usually busy working all day. So I kick my feet up and relax. But…I hate commercials. So, I bring my laptop to the couch and I work during commercial breaks.
- Work Outside My daughter loves to be outside, but the second the neighbors come out, I'm old news. She ditches me to play with them. I bring my laptop on my deck so I can keep an eye on her and get my work done.
- Only Use Social Media for a Few Minutes at a Time and Only on My Phone We all know that social media is part of what we do. You can't avoid it if you want to build a platform. But…you can make sure you limit your time on it. I use my phone with the speech to text feature, which is quicker than typing responses on blog posts. I can also steal time, like when my daughter is showering, to post to FB and Twitter, which I have linked so posting to one posts to the other. It's a definite time saver.
- Designate Daily Work Time I told my daughter that right after we have breakfast, I need to work in my office for about two hours. That will be her time to play in her room, either with her Monster High dolls or on her laptop. Designating specific time like this establishes a routine for my entire household, which helps me a lot.
Do you have tricks for carving out more time in your day when summer rolls around?
Some great tips there, Kelly.
ReplyDeleteMy many trick is to be hard on myself. I'm easily distracted which is the main reason I write in a notepad rather than on the computer.
I write in a notebook sometimes, too. I find it helps me when I get stuck.
DeleteVery good tips, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteGreat tips. We're in the throes of summer vacation, so I'm trying to work out a new routine.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how quickly this school year went that I'm already readjusting to a summer schedule this week.
DeleteI was never able to focus with other media around, (TV, or even others' chatter) but I applaud you for being productive in this way. I wholeheartedly endorse designated "sacred time" for work and even if it's only two hours a day. The phone callers (and the kiddos) must respect it.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty good at tuning out the world to work. ;) Maybe too good.
DeleteGreat tips. I'm still trying to figure out how to manage my time. I think winging it is my thing.
ReplyDeleteSome people swear by the winging it method. You have to find what works for you.
DeleteI think often we have to take our own writing time seriously. When we respect it, our family and friends will. So when you say you need two hours to write to your daughter, you're setting a period of time aside each day that you want people to respect. I think that's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks. My family is very supportive, so I know I'm lucky in that sense. They understand that it's my job as much as it's something I love.
DeleteYou've got a good plan. Being a mom and a writer is a tough gig. Kudos:)....And enjoy your summer:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra. You too.
DeleteGreat tips, Kelly. I agree that 10 mins can really make a difference. It doesn't seem like much but add it up over the week or month and you have quite a bit of time stored and used for work. You sound like you have a ton on the go right now. My kids are grown so that limits the distractions. Still, there's social media (I like your tips for using the phone and dictating comments) and other stuff.... :)
ReplyDeleteI think moms have to be great multitaskers. Anything that will help me do things quicker and more efficiently is for me. :)
DeleteI wake up early and get a lot done in the morning. I tend to have many tabs and documents open as I do a little bit here and there, because it all adds up. I'll use my computer, phone, iPad, word processor, and whatever else that I have in front of me to get things done throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteI want to know how you read so much.
DeleteGreat tips, Kelly! Hey, I've given you an award on my blog. Check it out! http://allynstotz.blogspot.com/2015/06/giveaway-winner-announced-and-award.html
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you. I'll head over to check it out.
DeleteSuch helpful tips, especially the last two - limited social media time and designated writing time. It's so easy to get lost in social media while building a platform and networking with readers, bloggers, writers, and others. Limits are vital.
ReplyDeleteYeah, limits are important. Otherwise social media can drag you into an endless hole. Lol
DeleteNice tips and tricks! I especially didn't know you could comment thru voice w/your phone like that. You learn something new every day. =)
ReplyDeleteYes, I love that feature. It's so much quicker than typing. I'm a fast typer, but not on my phone. I'm so slow on my phone.
DeleteGood advice for only using social media for a few hours.....Now to follow it:)
ReplyDeletelol ;)
DeleteYep, I like getting up earlier than everyone else, too. Precious quiet hours. I sometimes write during commercial breaks. Enjoy your edits!
ReplyDeleteYes. :)
DeleteThings have been so busy lately that I need all the tips I can get! I am trying to cram so much into each day. If I could have a paid vacation from work that would really help. :) Great advice! Voice commenting sounds like a time saver.
ReplyDelete~Jess
It definitely is a time saver. A paid vacation sounds amazing.
DeleteYou have such an interesting blog. Thanks for sharing. Reading blogs is my hobby and I randomly found your blog. I enjoyed reading your posts. All the best for your future blogging endeavors. Please keep in touch with me in Twitter, @ipersuade.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Deleteit's SO hard finding time for writing in the summer...I always write during commercials, it's about the most i get done lol. also early morning! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is. Usually my husband is home to entertain my daughter for an hour or two while I write, but he just got a new job and has to work during the summers now.
DeleteWhat I've started doing for some needed time in reading my assignments is going to the library down the road! It works.
ReplyDeleteLibraries are great! :)
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