Time to get organized!

As writers and creatives, there is a lot going on in our lives that always takes precedence over letting our creative juices out. Then when we go to sit down, everything is halted. The desk is messy. The dog threw up. Everything pulling you away from your one passion. Being creative.

In Organization Part 1, we covered different ways to organize your life. Including: planners, bullet journals, and spreadsheets. In Organizing your Story, we discussed how to flush out your story. This time we’re covering at home topics that will make your writing life easier, especially if you’re prone to distractions, like me.

We want to sit down and write. Not clear off the desk or clean up our desktop that’s full of icons and folders. Just a nice place that we can get work done without having the everyday distractions These tips are here to help you boost your creative juices during the times that you can write.

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Organize Your Environment

I don’t know about you, but it is very difficult for me to work in a messy environment. My mind wanders way too much and I never finish anything. To help this, I recommend keeping your work area clean and tidy. You can do this by simply dusting the area around you or purchasing desk organizers. When you have nothing distracting you, it’s easier to complete your goals. Especially when we’re writing and anything can be a distraction from completing a word goal.

You should always keep this designated area clean, as it will always be a safe place to come and write when you’re ready to sit down.

I found some pretty cute but practical organizers at Amazon and Etsy that would be perfect for some nice desk organization.

My personal favorite way to keep organized besides my planner is post-it notes! You can jot down your thoughts for that next epic plotline and then stick it anywhere. Your desk, the wall, the refrigerator. There is no need for a notepad when you have post-its.

Organize Your Documents

Ensuring that your documents are organized is key to being successful as a writer. You don’t want to send the wrong file of your book to your editor or to a reviewer or even as the interior file for your book (if you’re self-published). All of those potential hazards can be avoided if you ensure to name your files correctly.

For example, each draft of your book should have its own file. That way it limits the potential for mixing up the documents. I have a file for each draft of my book Not Like Everyone Else. All labeled with their respective draft number. That way I know exactly what file to pull up when I’m working on my edits.

There is no real program or anything for this one, but to save you the stress of finding a document, keep them clearly labeled.

For those of you on Scrivener, I suggest using that binder to your fullest advantage. Scrivener provides with you with everything you need to stay inside the program without ever having to venture around your computer to find anything. Not even that pesky internet that always steals our time away. I’m not going to go into detail right now because I’ll be doing a Scrivener post in the near future, but take my word that it’s worth it if you’re looking for even less distractions.

These are my top organizational tips for writers. This is to help ensure that you make the most out of your day. I hope you find these useful and find that you are more productive after putting these tips into place.

Do you use these tips? What’s your favorite way to organize your documents? Is there any other organizational tips out there that you use? Talk writing with me in the comments below!

Don’t forget to check out Organization Part 1 and learn how to keep your writing life organized.

Click for a Pros and Cons List on Scrivener

Looking for other Writing Resources? Click here for a list of other resources you need as a writer.

 

This page may contain affiliate links. Click to read full disclaimer. I only promote products I support.

 

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