Summary

The article provides seven practical tips for writers to manage their time effectively and meet deadlines.

Abstract

The article "7 Tips For Time-Crunched Writers" addresses the common challenge faced by writers who struggle to balance their busy lives with the demands of their writing schedules. It emphasizes the importance of discipline and productivity, suggesting strategies such as disconnecting from the internet, avoiding excessive revisions, postponing grammar checks, limiting research, planning ahead, scheduling writing time, and staying committed to the writing process. These tips aim to help writers increase their efficiency, ensuring they can complete their writing tasks on time without compromising quality.

Opinions

The article suggests that while the internet is a valuable resource, it can also be a significant distraction, and writers should consider disconnecting to focus on their work.
It advises against the habit of constantly re-reading and revising completed work, as this can lead to time wastage and indecision.
The author opines that correcting spelling and grammar in the initial stages of writing is counterproductive and should be saved for later drafts.
The piece cautions against excessive research during the writing process, advocating for a balance between detail and productivity.
Planning is considered essential, with the author recommending outlining or setting clear goals for writing sessions to enhance efficiency.
Scheduling dedicated writing time is presented as a method to gain control over one's time and increase the likelihood of meeting deadlines.
The article encourages writers to maintain discipline and adhere to their plans, suggesting that rewards for meeting goals can be motivating.
It acknowledges the difficulty of starting new projects but advises writers to begin writing without overthinking, as refinement can occur in subsequent drafts.

7 Tips For Time-Crunched Writers

If you don’t have much time use these tips to meet your deadlines

If you are trying to increase your productivity, try these tips to shave off more than minutes with your writing.

Does time stand between you and success?

You may be the most talented writer in town, but if you can’t meet your deadlines, it doesn’t matter.

Yes, we are all busy. Have you ever heard someone say there were not busy? So, how do you manage your busy life and meet your writing deadlines or get more writing done at all?

I have a few tips to help you out here.

1. Switch Off The Wi-Fi

The bad thing about it is that it puts a world of information at our fingertips. The good thing about the internet is that it puts a world of information at our fingertips.

Writing is a solitary game. It can get lonely. Make a deal with yourself — ‘If I finish a draft of this story, I will treat myself to some time on Facebook.’

“It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?” — Henry David Thoreau

2. Don’t Circle Back To the Top

Similar to the first point, resist the temptation to re-read over work you’ve already completed. It’s a time trap. Of course, changing a word or two here and it is fine. Don’t re-write the opening paragraph five times or decide to change the heroine’s name and nationality — you will be in trouble.

3. Don’t Keep checking as you write

Don’t correct spelling and grammar in your first draft. Don’t do it until you’re sure you’re ready to show it to someone. Save it for when you have completed your document. Many sentences, paragraphs, and scenes will not make it to the final draft. You’ll waste time if you polish stuff that you may dump.

“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” — Jim Rohn

4. Go Easy On The Research

This is a tough one for me because I love to do research and every sentence I write makes me want to dig in and learn more. However, too much is a time suck. In your first draft, you need just enough detail to help you make the story seem authentic. If your book demands more research, schedule this time separately from writing. You can keep notes or create a marker where you need to check out a fact.

5. Spend A Few Minutes Planning

You have heard the old saying, ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail.’ Do some preliminary planning before you start. Outline if that helps you. Or, write a list of what you want to complete for the next hour.

6. Schedule Your Writing Time

Scheduling your writing time gives you a lot more control of your time and helps you plan what you want to accomplish. If you want to meet a deadline, make a plan.

7. Stay With It

Just start and don’t stop. You have a plan that helps you meet your deadline, but if you don’t follow it won’t matter. Be disciplined and reward yourself if you meet your goals.

Starting a new project is always tough. It’s those first words you need to get on the page to get going. Just start and don’t worry if they are not exactly what you think you need. You’ll figure it out.

We all need more time. There never seems to be enough to accomplish everything we have on our proverbial plates. The best you can do is create a schedule and then stick with it. Give it a try.