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10 things authors can do to get organized for success

  • Writer: Denny Segelstrom
    Denny Segelstrom
  • Oct 27
  • 5 min read
This weeks blog is about some very tangible and specific ideas on how you can use organization to get further ahead in this game of writing and getting published.
10 things authors can do to get organized for success
10 things authors can do to get organized for success

Organizing for writing success is a crucial practice for authors. A structured approach not only manages the creative process but also boosts productivity and maintains momentum. By focusing on smart goal-setting, creating dedicated space, and leveraging the right tools, writers can transform scattered ideas into a polished manuscript

In covering this subject I realize that there are more than 10 things authors can do to get organized for writing success but if you are doing these 10 things than you are way ahead of most of your competition. The good news is that success in writing isn't just for those with a natural knack for organization. It's a skill you can build with conscious effort and the right system. Here are ten practical things you can start doing today to get organized and set yourself up for a thriving writing career.

1. Set specific goals and realistic deadlines
The reason that realistic is underlined is because many of us have not yet learned what that word means in our lives much less in our writing habits. So before you can organize your work, you need to define it. Instead of a vague goal like "write more, be specific. Aim for a daily word count, a weekly chapter, or a draft completion date. Use a firm deadline to give yourself a clear finish line and create a sense of accountability for yourself. If a marathon is too intimidating, start with sprints. The key is what is really realistic for you?

2. Create a consistent writing routine
At first this sounds rather simple but in the challenging world of family, friends and media distractions, it can be a daunting task.
The difference between an aspiring writer and a published author often comes down to consistency. Schedule dedicated writing time in your calendar, and treat it like an important appointment or even better like a business. Generally if your spouse, girl or boyfriend, kids and friends understand that you are working on your business, they will leave you alone and allow you to complete your tasks.
Even 15 minutes a day of focused attention can build momentum and solidify the habit. The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes for your brain to switch into "writing mode." This is not only true of writing but also of creating letters or emails out to publishers who may be interested in accepting your book for publication.

3. Create a dedicated writing space
Designate an area, no matter how small, that is just for writing and organizing. A consistent environment trains your brain to enter a creative mindset when you sit there. Keep the space clean and free of distractions. A tidy desk can lead to a tidy mind.

4. Develop a "capture everything" system
Brilliant ideas often appear at the most inconvenient times. Instead of trusting your memory, use a system to capture them immediately. This could be a small notebook, a note-taking app like Evernote or Google Keep, or a voice memo on your phone. By having a single place for all your thoughts, you ensure no idea gets lost.

5. Research and outline before you start
Before you dive into a draft, get a lay of the land. Use brainstorming techniques like mind-mapping (a visual brainstorming technique that organizes information hierarchically around a central concept) or free-writing (a technique where you write continuously for a set amount of time without stopping to edit or judge your work) to generate and organize your ideas. To start with don’t edit just write, use your imagination to picture your scene’s location and placement of characters. A clear outline acts as your road-map, providing structure and focus for your narrative and helping you avoid getting lost along the way.

6. Organize your digital files
Come up with a system that works for you! Separate files for different projects, or even different chapters, this will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by a single, massive document. Use tools like Scrivener (a powerful word processing software for writers), which is specifically designed for this "islands of content" approach, to easily rearrange sections and keep your work manageable. Create a systematic way to organize research materials and character notes in folders on your computer or within your writing software.

7. Back up your work frequently
If you have been around a while you’ve probably lost your hard work due to computer problems, failure or corruption and it’s frustrating and annoying. Use a local back up hard drive to regularly save your work this is non-negotiable. Don't risk losing months of effort to a tech failure. Also you can use multiple backup methods, such as a cloud service or Dropbox, to ensure your manuscript is safe.
A very personal example of this is me. In the last two months my laptop (Windows 10) has been corrupted twice and although I regularly back up my writing, video files for my YouTube channels and my audio work. In both cases I lost critical data that cost me in uploads to my channels and my records in doing this blog. I now bi-daily back up everything new to my external hard drive. As a side note after years of using Windows products (3.5 to Win 10) I have switched Op systems to using Linux Ubuntu and Libre Office Writer instead of Windows 10 & office 360 and I couldn't be happier.

8. Implement productivity techniques
To enhance focus and prevent burnout, try strategies like the Pomodoro (a time management method) Technique, which involves focused work sprints followed by short breaks. Other methods, like "batching" similar tasks (Eg..., all your editing in one block), can also make you more efficient and productive.

9. Manage your notes and research systematically
Keep your research and world-building notes organized and accessible. Whether you use a physical notebook, a digital tool, or a combination of both, a clear system will save you from hunting for misplaced details. Evernote and Scrivener are great for linking notes directly to your project.

10. Stay on top of your progress
Track your word count, chapters completed, and daily writing time. Tracking your progress allows you to see how far you've come, which is a powerful motivator. Use a writing tracker or a simple spreadsheet to log your sessions and what you've accomplished, so you always know where you stand.

By implementing these organizational strategies, you’ll spend less time searching for notes and more time creating. The result is a smoother, more successful writing process and, ultimately, a finished book you can be proud of.
In closing: I will throw this tidbit in and that’s to reward your efforts. Change can be a difficult thing but with consistence and persistence you can reorganize your writing strategies, to work for your best good and not spend lots of time searching for that idea that you came up with a week ago. Then when you have made progress getting organized be sure and reward yourself for the changes you have made.

As always, I wish each of you the best in solving and exploring these 10 things authors can do to get organized for success ideas and I hope it helps you on your path of becoming a better writer.
bye for now
Denny


 
 
 

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6 days ago

Some first rate info, that I needed to hear

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