I’ve noticed that I am much more productive when I work in an organized space. If my writing area is cluttered with Post It notes, bills, paper work from my kids’ school, it is too easy to get distracted. I like to be surrounded with bright colors, family photos and amusing images, especially when I’m writing about the ugliness of the world, until lately when I’ve noticed the Smurfs smirking at my pathetic attention span.
It is time to organize, clear away the clutter and keep only the items which inspire. No more good luck gnomes at eye level or Rubik’s cube within reach. The only items on my desk are the tools I need close by, a telephone, a notepad to jot ideas and a jar of pencils. My reference books have been put back on the shelf where they belong and all those pesky notes pushed into a drawer until I have time to read them.
To ensure the time spent working is quality time, create a comfortable atmosphere. I have let in light, moved a plant into the corner and invested in a comfortable chair. When I write, I turn the TV off, but usually have music playing low in the background. It’s barely audible, but I’m reassured by some noise opposed to silence.
I clear my desk each day so I can start fresh tomorrow. My work is 90% paperless, but I still get swamped with magazines and newspapers, notebooks and scraps of papers with ideas jotted in barely legible writing. I keep my paperwork filed by topic; crime news, diet, exercise, science, organization, etc. I don’t write about everything, but I do keep notes on everything I might want to write about. If an article catches my eye, I’ll rip pages from a magazine, even at the doctor’s office. (Shhh, don’t tell)
Sort according to subject but limit the number of categories. When filing systems become to complex, it’s nearly impossible to find the right place for anything. Assuming you do find the right place to put it away, the chances of retrieving it are practically nil.
Of course the best tips to be more productive and write more is to have a consistent schedule. I let my family know that certain hours are off limits. I shut the door, turn off the phone and get into the zone. If I skip two or more days, I have to spend time getting back to where I left off. When I choose the time to write, I make sure I am rested, mentally alert, physically comfortable and that I have a minimum of 30 minutes available.
If I start to feel tense or tired, I’ll stand up and stretch. I’ll drink a refreshing glass of ice cold water or take a brisk walk around the block. You can only sit at so long before you start to
slow down and lose concentration. If you want to be a writer, you need to create a space to write and devote time to your craft.
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