Writing...Real Intense Today Everyone

In less than two weeks I will be in Philadelphia at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference - http://www.writehisanswer.com/philadelphia/ for four days of learning, networking and sharing. I have my to-do-lists scattered about, portfolios labeled with sticky notes and lists for my list. I have the folding snack tables out with my piles organized atop for easier location when I need them. I have printed out chapters to be merged, summaries to be edited, and laid out the index cards that correlate with said chapters. The jazz music is playing loud, the fan is on, Facebook and email are off.

I am an organized planner yet have learned I work well under some pressure. A good attribute to have when looking to publish and work with an agent and publisher in the future, don’t you think? School ended, I attended a writer’s conference, our wonderful foreign exchange student arrived and spent three busy weeks with us, we volunteered at Harborfest to earn some new bags and shoes, our daughter turned thirteen yesterday which brought more teenage girls into the house for a sleepover, and finally it is time to bust a hump and get to work. I’ve been making notes, organizing and prepping for the days that start today – With the exception of one morning and one afternoon – I will wear my “writer” cap.

Michael Hyatt posted a blog about the “7 Steps to Getting Unstuck and Becoming More Productive” (http://michaelhyatt.com/7-steps-to-getting-unstuck-and-becoming-more-productive.html) and these have been invaluable steps to organizing my summer hours to maximize my output. I enjoy reading other blogs that help me improve my writing and prepare me for the world of publishing.

Some of the steps I was utilizing but my order and expectations were too high (Hush to my dear friends who chuckled when reading that line) – instead of a page of things to do, I now list no more than seven. I enjoy listening to jazz when I’m writing and creating but contemporary Christian when I’m organizing and compiling. In the past, I left my Facebook and email up in case someone needed me – no longer. If I’m writing, then no distractions! (Sorry Aimee, lol)

I’m learning to focus on one task at a time (no multi-tasking, ouch!) and grouping similar tasks together. The biggest piece I was missing was step number six – “Take Frequent Breaks”. I have never scheduled breaks, I work until my eyes are closing or I’m sitting cross-legged. This was an eye opening and novel idea – breaks are allowed!! No, necessary! Michael Hyatt suggests blocking 25 and 48 minutes sessions with a set break time in between too. I need to pick up a timer when I am at the dollar store today. I implemented the timed work/break (rinse and repeat) methodology today and oh my gosh…moving mountains.

Instead of a simple prayer or sporadic Scripture verse I have been utilizing the Bible Study and Scriptures by Marlene Bagnull, “Write His Answers – A Bible Study for Christian Writers” as my opening. I find praying these selected verses helps me hear from God and guides me in a writer’s frame of mind.

My alarm just went off, time for a break! I can’t believe it. I don’t want to stop. How long for a break…hmm…long enough to drive the teenagers to the pool for a swim. I’ll pack my bag and bring work for my next work session with me.

Writing and living for Him! Praying for the upcoming conference – for the agent and publisher God would have for this book and for my readers. Thanks everyone! Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine.

And the Lord said to me,
"Write my answer on a billboard,
large and clear,
so that anyone can read it
at a glance and rush to tell the others."
Habakkuk 2:2-3 TLB