May 5-11, 2003 - Get Some Help, Finding Lost Documents
Volume 2, Issue 17
The weekly ezine with a road map for
sidetracked writers.
"Be better writers today
than we were yesterday."
Welcome to Writer-Reminders!
Thought for the Week - Get
Some Help
Have you ever tried to tackle an
organizing project, and you just
can't seem to get going? You
wander around, pick up a few
things, tell yourself, "I've
got to get this place
organized!" and then wander
away shaking your head.
When you get stuck like this,
call in some reinforcements.
Schedule a cleaning date with a
friend or relative, or hire an
organizer if you can.
Between redecorating and being
pregnant and then with an infant,
our basement had gotten out of
control. I called in my favorite
organizer, my mom, to help. In a
couple hours, we had the place in
pretty good shape.
What are the secrets to a helpful
helper? They know where to start,
they tell you the truth (pitch
that thing!), and they act as a
cheerleader (This won't take
long. Look how good it looks
already!).
If you've been meaning to tackle
your desk and writespace, jump in
this week, and get some help if
you need it.
This is a short edition this week since my computer was zapped -- thank goodness for backups!
Don't forget -- next weekend is Mother's Day! Have you got a present (and the card)?
==> Your May Time Map
==> Reorganize Your Writespace
==> Finding Lost Documents
Mon, May 5, 2003
Time Map
Your Time Map should be constantly evolving. I used to think I could find the perfect schedule, and then everything would fall into place. Well, sort of. Your Time Map should be revised as your life changes -- at least as the seasons change, or as often as every month. For parents, the school year changes their time map.
Is your schedule for May going to change?
Tue, May 6, 2003
Goals? Who Me?
What's your most important goal this week? For the month of May? For the second quarter? For this year?
How can you make progress this month?
Thu, May 8, 2003
Your Writespace
We have two goals for your writing space this month. One is to get rid of the clutter if you have any, and two is to redecorate the space to encourage your creativity.
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to deal with the clutter is schedule an appointment within a week or two. If you know someone is coming, you will have to jump on cleaning.
Then start thinking about what is in your office. Does it need to be there? Do you really need your textbooks from college? Or your husband's bowling trophy from five years ago? Lose the stuff that doesn't directly improve your business or make you smile.
Then look at what's left, and consider the optimal space arrangement for everything.
Here are a couple of my favorite tips for keeping your office organized:
1. Have a literature sorter (if you pile) or a filing cabinet (if you pile) within reach of your desk.
2. Use a fisherman's tackle box to store office supplies.
3. Put a calendar and bulletin board within glancing distance of your computer.
4. Spend some time on the colors in your office. Be sure to pick ones that stimulate creativity (yellow is considered a good color for this). Include at least one plant, or even fake greenery to soften the environment.
5. Try to combine equipment when it makes sense. My husband and I splurged on an HP all-in-one printer, fax machine, and scanner, and I love it.
6. Have a bookshelf, and if possible, a comfy reading chair in your space.
This month I'm going to preach about backups since my computer died last week -- Are you doing regular backups of your files? It's on the weekly checklist, but just in case you've missed it, be sure to back up your stuff!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there!
-- Julie
To
get this newsletter in your email each week:
Get
the book that goes with the plan for only $14.95!
"I'm on day 5 of your book and already have done more writing and compiled more ideas in this short time as I usually do over several months." -- reader M. Howard
M T W T F S S
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1. Declutter (only 5 minutes)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. Read (only 5 minutes)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3. Assess (30 seconds to 5 minutes)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 4. Write (at least 5 minutes)
Weekly Checklist
For freelance writers: Use this weekly checklist to find, write and send a query every week of 2003!
Monday
__ Make notes on a new idea.
Tuesday: Accounting Day
__ Post your accounting records.
__ Pay bills.
__ Follow up on outstanding invoices and queries.
Wednesday
__ Find a new market using links below.
Thursday: Errand Day
__ Make copies.
__ Return books to library.
__ Make deposit at bank.
Friday
__ Finish query and submit.
__ Match your query to the market.
Saturday Weekly Review
__ How was this week?
__ What's up next week?
__ Review your Projects list in your planner and check the
status.
__ Jot the next action steps for your projects on next week's
calendar.
__ Backup your computer files.
__ Virus scan your computer.
Sunday
__ Relax and enjoy!
__ Do something fun today!
Thanks for visiting Writer-Reminders! If you have comments,
success stories, or suggestions, reply to this message or e-mail
me at :julie@writer-reminders.com
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