Organization Will Set You Free

That’s my motto. My goal is to be so organized that things practically do themselves. My problem is the other mammals that live in my house. My husband tries…sort of. The dogs just look at me as if I’m crazy when I tell them to put their toys away. And the cats…are cats. So it’s up to me. I’ve heard that if you want something done, give it to a busy woman. My family takes that way too seriously.

Last year, we moved and my writing slipped to the bottom of my to-do list. I got cranky and that’s never a good time for anyone. This year, I’m going to get a head start on the holidays.

Yup. I’m starting now. First and very important get a book-style calendar. One you can make lots of notes in.

1. This is the time to hit the sales. Do you have your Christmas cards yet? This is a great time to get them on sale. You might as well pick up wrapping paper and bags as well. After all, they’re 75% off.
2. Put all your card recipients’ addresses on labels. When the first of December comes, all you have to do is write a short letter or add a picture and you’re done except for the trip to the post office.
3. Get all the cards you need for the rest of the year. Yes, I already have Valentine cards and all the birthday cards for the year. There are some cards you can’t get because they’re seasonal, but do what you can. There’s nothing worse than to get all wrapped up in your WIP only to look at the calendar and realized your brother’s birthday is tomorrow and there you sit in your pajamas with no card. To make matters worse, it’s 10:30 and the only place open is the 7-11. Better to plan ahead.
4. Stick the cards in your calendar according to the month you’ll need them. If you really want to save time, address them and stick on a stamp.

Now that you’ve done what you can for special events, it’s time to turn to planning for spring. Flowers. The sight of spring with all its color and fragrances spurs the creative juices.

1. Order the flowers you want now. There are great deals on-line and you can do it all from the comfort of your favorite chair and in your jammies. Think of the time and gas you’ll save. Everything will come to your door and all you have to do is stick them in the ground. Note: Plant perennials. They come up every year and you only have to mess with them once a year, leaving you more writing time.
2. If you plant a garden, this is also a great time to get your seeds.

Now that you have all that off your plate, you’ve got time to write now and later. Speaking of writing, this is a great time to begin a new project or wrap up last year’s.

1. Make a list of the agents and editors you plan to submit to.
2. Jot down on that new calendar when you need to send in dues to the groups you belong to. This way you don’t get dropped from your favorite groups.
3. Outline or brainstorm a new book. Even if you won’t be able to start it for a while, it will get you excited about the process and spur you to finish your WIP.

I hope these suggestions help you find more time to write.

What do you do to save time? Do you have a plan for the unexpected events that always pop up?