Where Does a New Writer Start? (part 2)

I'm continuing an earlier post where I respond to a new writer who wanted advice on how to get started  writing picture books. See the first part of the post here. 

"How do you stay organized?"

"What's that now?" I call from under a stack of papers while leaning on a pile of dirty laundry.  First, I'm quite anal-retentive, so I do love organizing. In fact I like it so, it is my first go to when I want to procrastinate.

I have a mirror system, I suppose. Electronically the folder "Writing" (creative, yes?) holds folders for PBs, MG, YA, Publishers, Agents, Craft, Critiquing, Blog.  Then I have a nerdy numbering system to organize stories within there, but we don't need to draw attention to my nerdiness.  I back this up to the cloud and on a little flash drive.

It is super helpful if you can type
this fast.
(image by Hisks via sxc.hu)

I like to keep a paper copy too, just in case on e-goblins and so I can grab it to go to the coffee shop.  I use binders with those pocket tabs so I can slide the latest manuscript and it's lovely rejection letters in the pocket together and have room to stick post it notes about pros/cons and submission strategy on it.

"What's your schedule? How do you to keep track of goals & accomplishments?"

I write whenever the kids are out of the house, which is not nearly enough. I write a lot at night after they go to bed, but not every night because my husband likes to talk with me on occasion too. I use a lot of found time - 10 minutes at drop off, 5 minutes in the shower, 15 minutes hiding in the laundry room. 

I have developed ways to be effective with this time - printing a story I need to critique and sticking it in my purse.  Jotting down ideas in Evernote so I can expand them when I have the chance. Carrying printouts of a draft to edit.  With picture books and short stories, you can accomplish a lot with 10 minutes of focus.

Because of my background in finance, I have an extensive spreadsheet that holds all my goals, action plan, daily to dos, manuscript list, publisher information, magazine information, etc.  Must we keep focusing on how nerdy I am?  But a simple list with three goals and three actions under each goal hanging from a bulletin board is a great place to start, especially if you aren't naturally endowed with geekitude. 

Next week we'll look at where to start finding your voice and we'll answer the question that wasn't asked, because I was always trained to answer the question people don't even know they have.