Comments on: Getting Stuff Done

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 05:39:14 +0000

Maisey – totally with you there, m’dear. You have been my time-management inspiration you know. Especially writing even when you think your ms sucks. That’s been very important for me since I tend to slow down and stop when things get hard.

Caroline – hehe! Yeah, I’m pretty dedicated. I just love writing so that’s what I do. 🙂

By: Caroline

Caroline — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:06:14 +0000

Great post Jackie – as always. You sound a *whole* lot more dedicated then I do. Must. Write. More. ;o) Caroline

By: Maisey

Maisey — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:44:13 +0000

This comment has been removed by the author.

By: Maisey

Maisey — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:43:50 +0000

Jackie, great post! I love what you said about guilt. It's true. If I'm honest with myself I felt guilty before I was a writer (house not clean enough, didn't read enough books to the children whatever I could make up) and that goes a long way in helping me manage it now.

My advice? Just like work, you have to schedule time. And work during that time. Writing is my job, if I don't get it done, I don't get paid. That means I better WORK.

Get up early or stay up late. I do either one depending on what's happening in life. I get less sleep sometimes. Like the guilt, I live with it.

Set goals. I set goals daily, weekly, and a goal for when I want to finish the book. These goals are not my actual deadline. So far, this has worked for me, and I've always been able to turn my books in early.

Write when you don't feel like it. (work like it's a job, remember?)

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 08:29:52 +0000

Pamela – that sounds awesome. Guilt is a terrible thing and so hard to overcome. I’ve kind of conditioned myself to not think about it but it’s always there. Procrastination is always there too!
Well done with the lists. You gotta do what works for you I reckon!

By: pamelacook

pamelacook — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 01:03:38 +0000

Great post Jackie. I need to constantly work at time management, my greatest enemies being guilt and procrastination. I’m getting better though and find that making lists of what I want to acheive each day and week helps me focus.

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:35:46 +0000

Scarlet - *hands over David Tennant and the Tardis* But they're on loan only, okay? :-) Yeah, it is a juggle. And sometimes it's just having to accept the sacrifices. No, you don't spend as much time with your friends as you would like. But I guess if you're working a day job and writing, you have TWO jobs. And there's no easy way to fit everything around two jobs.
I like the 1k a day. That works well.

Rach - thanks my lovely. You're a star! And a busy star. :-)

Alli - Hehe. Nope, you're definitely NOT the only one! Hope sharing helped!

By: Alli Sinclair

Alli Sinclair — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:43:43 +0000

Oh my! Have you been in my head? I feel and think every thing you said. Thank you for helping me realize I am not the only one that feels this way!

By: Rachael Johns

Rachael Johns — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:03:45 +0000

Absolutely BRILLIANT post Jackie. A lot of it really resonated for me 🙂

By: Scarlet Wilson

Scarlet Wilson — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 06:28:14 +0000

Woo hoo! You did it! Well done! But – you still owe me David Tennant in the Tardis. I do feel, however, if you give me him I might never write again!
I definitely agree with the friends thing but am not sure whether that’s due to the writing or constant juggling of children’s night time activities.
My only tip is to write 1000 words everyday. It’s manageable and everybody can do it.