Thursday, February 18, 2010

Schedules, Deadlines and Planning Oh My

I have a confession. I've been anti-scheduling. Not that I don't see the benefit in them, I do. But it’s like being forced to eat broccoli everyday as a kid. Eventually you may want to feed it to the dog.

As a project manager for 10 years, the time line was my BFF. Other than finding creative ways to tell a client how to utilize our software to maximum benefit, I pretty much had to follow the rules. There was no room for loosy-goosy schedules if I wanted a project delivered on time, within scope and within budget. Once I got out of PM and started focusing more on my writing, I slipped out of the shackles that I felt bound me – no more spreadsheets, due dates, or graphs for me!

It worked for awhile, I could just let my creative side take over without any rules. I write when I want which is as often as my life allows. But, I’m starting to see where I could benefit from the old me, where a schedule and plan could enhance my writing not hamper it.

The idea that the two ‘me’s’ could co-exist started with Nano (National Novel Writing Month – if you haven’t participated and you want to write a novel, go for it). I started Nano last November with the idea that I would write the required words per day and stick to it. About one third of the way through I was behind and panicking. So, PM girl from my past jumped in. She (my alter-ego) created a spread sheet with dates, word count and even little red numbers that showed I was behind and how far. That motivated me. I wanted to get rid of the red! So, I adjusted my daily word count, pushed through and won. (Nano calls anyone who completes a novel in 30 days a winner. I like that!)


So, this week I created a spreadsheet for the “Road to An Agent.” I’ve committed to editing a chapter of my novel a day until I’m done on March 10th. Then I work on the synopsis and my plan for finding representation. There, I’ve committed to the date for all the world (or the ten people reading this blog ; )) to see and hold me to it!

Write on and read on!

~Cat~

9 comments:

  1. I'm sure you and PM girl will have thing whipped into shape in no time. There's nothing like having a plan and sticking with it.

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  2. Thanks, Joy. You inspired me ; ). x Cat

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  3. Good for you, Cat!! I created a whole side blog just to keep me on my toes:

    corra's writing room

    It's been working. I update the word count daily.

    I like a chart and a graph. :)

    Cheering for you!!

    Corra x

    from the desk of a writer

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  4. Red numbers suck. LOL.

    I need structure but I hate it. LOL.

    But I don't give the dog broccoli anymore, she gets gas.

    Tirz

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  5. Excellent point, Tirz. I already have an emissions problem at my house with the dog and the boys so don't want to add to it! Cat

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  6. Hi Cat! Just letting you know I moved my blog. I'm at Wordpress now:

    from the desk of a writer

    Hope you're well!!

    Corra x

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  7. Hey Corra!! I'm heading there now : ). Cat

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  8. Congrats Cat!! That is good for you to fire you up--keep going!!

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  9. Uups sorry, I haven't introduce myself.
    I'm a member of TNBW and know your blog from the writing forum.

    Check mine too when you have spare time.

    Have a great evening.

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