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5 Time Management Tools for the Busy Writer

5 Time Management Tools for the Busy Writer

Writers rarely have the luxury of focusing on one project at a time. In addition to the actual writing, there’s marketing, outreach, networking, research, etc. And that’s only for one project (there’s rarely just one).

Without the right time management tools, writers can fall prey to burn out, quitting, or driving themselves mad with too many balls in the air. You’re not a circus clown but you MUST learn to juggle like it’s your job. Because it is. That means juggling fire and chainsaws, not scarves. Below are five time management tools for the busy writer, that includes new writers developing their process, seasoned writers who could use a refresher, and the many folks that fall in-between.

1.Organization

For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.

– Benjamin Franklin

A clean and tidy workspace will help keep your project (and your mind) organized. While organizing takes time away from your writing, you’ll have even more time to focus when it’s done. Nothing breaks a writer’s flow worse than when you need to access something quickly but have to spend the rest of the day tearing your office apart looking for it.

If the thought of organizing your office feels overwhelming, hire help. It’s a small price to pay for better energy, and once everything is set up and complete, you’ll be able to maintain it with minimal effort.

  1. Priorities

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.

–Stephen Covey

While most of us understand our priorities on a grander scale – i.e. devoting time to family, friends, and health – our daily priorities are constantly changing. Take inventory of each day and decide what’s most important based on your deadlines and goals. Now when distractions arise, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what has to be completed first.

A warning: Be aware when the people in your life put their priorities on you. Their urgency is not your urgency unless you make it so. And while you want to help others, your priorities come first. If you let yourself bend and sway to the schedule of others too often, you’ll never find time for what’s important to you. If you really want to dive into this, research The Eisenhower Matrix for a visual chart!

  1. Theme Days

A confused mind does nothing.

– Dallas Travers

Theme days are a lifesaver, especially for those who create their own schedule. Why? Because there’s always an errand to run or a book to read, and your week can become muddy when you have a great big ‘to do’ list in front of you with no clear order. In addition to setting priorities, look at your week and create theme days. Todd Herman talks about this in his 90-Day Year goal setting program – also worth looking into.

For example, set themes at the beginning of each week based on all the things that need to be done. Try an “errand day” where you’re out of the house shopping, picking up the dry cleaning, or running by the post office. We’re far more efficient when we step into certain modes and stay there. You can have days dedicated to everything from phone calls to finance. Of course, life happens and it’s important to be flexible, but theme days give us the peace of mind that things will be taken care of on their designated day – avoiding confusion about what to do next. Put those tiny errands and distractions in their allotted day, then focus on writing by getting into the zone and staying there.

  1. Deadlines

A goal is a dream with a deadline.

– Napoleon Hill

Whether someone has set a deadline for you or it’s self-imposed, deadlines will help you move forward with the things that matter most – making priorities clear as a whistle.

When setting your own deadlines, up the stakes by asking someone to hold you accountable. Know what your weaknesses are with deadlines and tell that person what you need. Will you not complete a task unless someone actually reads your work? Let them know! Do everything you can to set yourself up for success by getting clear on what works for you, what doesn’t, then asking for what you need.

  1. Take Action

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us get up and go to work.

– Stephen King

Are you a perfectionist to a fault? Don’t confuse time management with perfect timing – there’s a big difference. The goal of time management is to help one make the most of their time. Perfect timing is a fool’s errand, convincing perfectionists that they have to wait for the heavens to open up and offer divine conditions. Avoid this trap at all costs!

Do your best with what you have when you have it. Procrastination has been known to knock on your door – wearing a wig and funny glasses – disguised as a perfectionist. Take action and don’t expect things to be perfect. Get it done so you can move forward and hone your work as you gain more knowledge.

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

5 Time Management Tools for the Busy Writer2018-04-27T12:50:40-04:00

PW’s Fast-Growing Independent Publisher 2018

After a soft 2016, Morgan James came roaring back in 2017, posting a 35% increase from last year, giving the company a 32% sales gain in 2017 over 2015.

PW’s Fast-Growing Independent Publisher 20182018-04-27T14:36:42-04:00

Hot New Releases for April 24th 2018

Morgan James Publishing is excited to announce these Hot New Releases for this week!
Each of these are available at your favorite bookseller or online starting this week.

Contributor: Muller, Aaron

Annotation: The Lifestyle Business Owner reveals how ordinary people can buy a small business in their community, earn a six-figure income, and make the business run without them. Aaron Muller, founder of Lifestyle Business Owner Academy, reveals the 3-step formula he utilized to go from a kid who didn’t attend college to the owner of eight companies that run without him. Now it’s your turn to discover the secrets to owning a business that gives you the financial freedom, lifestyle, and contribution you desire.

Contributor: Lamb, Jonathan M

Annotation: Economics has become a taboo topic because is not well understood. As a taboo topic it doesn’t get discussed, and since it is not discussed, it is not understood–what a vicious cycle!

Shying away from open discussions about money, budgets, markets, and trade has resulted in many misconceptions. Economics is all around us, and with a little common sense understanding of economic principals, Jonathan M. Lamb changes the way people view the world. Economics is Like Sex advocates that economics isn’t a boring subject filled with charts and theories cooked up by some dead guys who lived centuries ago. Economics is about decisions. Decisions that relate to money, life, love, and happiness. Economics is not just for government and business, but is a way of everyday life, and some very simple economic thinking can make life just a little bit less complicated when it comes to money.

Money can’t buy love or happiness, but Jonathan Lamb opens the taboo topic to provide a common sense understanding of how basic, easy, common sense economic principals can change the way people view the world.

Contributor: Lake, Maureen

Annotation: Being Happy, Raising Happy helps moms design a wellness program that honestly fits their family and lifestyle on their journey to revitalize their minds, bodies, and spirits with the tools Maureen Lake provides for decreasing stress and anxiety levels.

Contributor: Baucom, Lee H

Annotation: What if there are some rules to living?
What if these “laws” are frequently broken?
In fact, you probably are breaking some of them right now.

Anyone struggling or feeling stuck in life is breaking at least one of these laws. Just like gravity, these laws affect every person, whether that person understands them or not. Instead of breaking the laws (even without realizing it), readers discover how to obey the laws. They learn how to get “unstuck,” find success without chasing it, and finally, obtain peace.

The Immutable Laws of Living helps readers understand:
Why life isn’t fair, and why that isn’t the problem.
How to deal with life challenges, and come out ahead.
How your thoughts keep you stuck, and how to free yourself.
Why fighting change won’t work, and why you don’t have to.
How to deal with your fears and get them to help you.
How to make a real and lasting impact.

If you believe there are hidden rules or laws to living a great life, there are. And you can learn them for yourself. Follow the laws and learn to thrive!

Contributor: Brundage, Kurt Michael

Annotation: Across the United States, almost daily, a news story is reported about another teacher who was recently arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with a student. And every time, principals across the country do exactly the same thing: absolutely nothing. After 3PM is an exploration of this damaging epidemic within the school systems — asking the question: “Why do teachers have unlawful relationships with students?” …by a teacher who did.

Hot New Releases for April 24th 20182018-04-24T21:07:09-04:00

Spring Into Writing

Spring Into Writing

Spring is in the air and, depending on where you live, this season is either in full effect or well on its way. Although writing offers the wonderful freedom to work from home, it can also make things tricky as you search for balance between ducking into the writer’s cave and getting some fresh air. It’s easy to neglect the outdoors because of a deadline, but if your reality (or goal) is that your writing is in high demand, it’s important to schedule regular outside time for vitamin D, the grounding that only nature provides, and an appreciation of the world around us.

If you’ve become ‘that writer’ – the one who’s paler than a working mime – it’s time to step outside. Below are 5 healthy ways to get your work done, while taking time out to enjoy this refreshing spring weather.

Balance: Writing Outdoors

Writers are the envy of many, if only for the sole reason of being able to work from home. But technically, we don’t work from home, we work from anywhere and everywhere. Home is one place in the world where we can get things done, and while it’s often the most convenient and controlled environment, it’s not the only answer.

If you’re in a flow, don’t interrupt it unless the curtains are on fire. But if you’re coming up for air, literally come up for air. Go outside. Switch up your surroundings. Take your laptop to an outdoor coffee shop, go to a park, or lounge poolside. Create an outdoor writing space to give balance to your indoor writing space.

Walking: Creativity Boost

The benefits of walking seem endless. Not only does walking help your body, it increases mental stimuli. A Stanford study found that walking actually boosts creativity by a significant amount. No wonder Steve Jobs was known for his walking meetings.

Put in your Bluetooth and take calls on the move. See how many coffee dates you can have on your feet. Instead of sitting down to drink your java, grab one to go and enjoy the neighborhood with a friend. Walking stimulates the mind and creates a more three-dimensional experience.

Plan: Schedule Outings

Professional writers are planners. They work from deadlines and have a daily writing schedule to get things done. When you know you’ll be in the thick of a project, schedule a stroll or hike like you would a writing session.

By planning an activity, we change our expectations and start to look forward to that event, instead of staying indoors (and most likely in front of a computer). It might be uncomfortable at first, but it will eventually become second nature to get into nature with a little consistency.

Breaks: Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool, but it also operates on the idea that we’re most productive with intermediate breaks. Yes, writing can be a ‘jump in and don’t stop’ process, but a lot of the work we do involves emails, research, and editing – things that don’t involve a magical flow that can’t be interrupted. When that’s the case, get up and move.

Instead of checking email, which doesn’t give your mind and eyes a break, go outside. Walk around the block to get the blood flowing and to energize your mind and body for the next mini work session. At the very least, open a window and take a deep breath.

Habits: Create Routine

We are creatures of habit, whether those habits are positive or negative. Create the routine of doing one daily activity outdoors and stay consistent. Just as you always brush your teeth after coffee, know that every day you will go outside to water your plants, walk to a nearby store, or to ride your bike.

Have a check-in with a family member each morning for ten minutes while on a stroll. Anything that grounds this outdoor routine can have a positive impact – and if you have an ‘all or nothing’ personality, remind yourself that five minutes outside every day is beneficial.

What outdoor routines and practices work for you? Reach out and let me know!

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

Spring Into Writing2018-04-18T16:32:15-04:00

After a motorcycle accident, this woman ‘just wanted to keep my leg’

Amberly Lago survived a devastating motorcycle accident and endured 34 surgeries and extreme chronic pain. She joins Megyn Kelly TODAY to share her story, as recounted in her book “True Grit and Grace: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph.” She says her leg was “completely shattered” and explains why she chose not to have it amputated.

After a motorcycle accident, this woman ‘just wanted to keep my leg’2018-04-18T13:23:59-04:00

Hot New Releases for April 17th 2018

Morgan James Publishing is excited to announce these Hot New Releases for this week!
Each of these are available at your favorite bookseller or online starting this week.

Contributor: Lago, Amberly

Annotation: True Grit and Grace is the true story of how Amberly Lago’s life was forever altered by a devastating motorcycle accident, and the victory she discovered through her recovery. In this memoir, Lago weaves the tale of her childhood and early adulthood alongside the grueling process of healing from 34 surgeries and being diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Amberly inspires readers to thrive, even when their circumstances have narrowed their possibilities, and delivers hope and encouragement to others who suffer from chronic pain.

Contributor: Andrus, Jeanne D

Annotation: Think Again! shows midlife women that they aren’t losing their mind and can manage brain fog symptoms simply.

Contributor: O’Brien-Martin, Stephanie

Annotation: A comprehensive guide to navigating pitfalls on the pathway to success.

Contributor: Lynne, Amy

Annotation: Written to help readers look at the positive side of life, It Matters helps readers refocus on the things in life that are important, get rid of negative baggage and negative emotions, and in turn, experience the freedom of forgiveness. Amy Lynne guides readers in developing a trusting relationship with God through stories, Positive Word Confessions, and a prayer with every chapter. Emphasizing the importance of wearing spiritual armor every day, It Matters can be used both individually or as a group Bible study to understand spiritual warfare and realize God’s faithfulness in the journey of overcoming past hurts.

Hot New Releases for April 17th 20182018-04-17T21:24:34-04:00

Morgan James Radio Episode 25: Live Boldly and Accomplish Anything with Will Matthews

Morgan James Radio Episode 25: Live Boldly and Accomplish Anything with Will Matthews

Will Matthews joins us on Morgan James Radio to discuss the five self-coaching keys that can help you live boldly and accomplish anything. Too often, we allow external factors impact what we believe about ourselves.

Listen in as Will reminds us that success is an inside-out endeavor. No matter what is happening on the outside, Will’s book, You’ve Got This, will help you understand what you can accomplish.

Morgan James Radio Episode 25: Live Boldly and Accomplish Anything with Will Matthews2018-04-17T13:12:58-04:00

Hot New Releases for April 10th 2018

Morgan James Publishing is excited to announce these Hot New Releases for this week!
Each of these are available at your favorite bookseller or online starting this week.

Contributor(s): Medford-Rosow, Traci (Author); Coughlin, Kevin (Author)

Annotation: Unblinded is the true story of the only known person in the world to have lost his or her sight only to regain it again twenty years later, without explanation or medical intervention.

Contributor: Hessel, Robert

Annotation: It’s a basic human right to feel and be safe in your community–where you live, work and play. But, few people know or understand everything it takes to make this possible. Safe City details the concerted effort and integration of new technology it takes to make communities safer for everyone.

From fire departments detecting fires within seconds with thermal imaging to police departments detecting gunfire immediately through gunshot detection sensors, technology continues to evolve daily. Even surveillance cameras have taken great strides from the grainy images of years past, and just one camera can make a difference (read about how police identified the Boston Marathon bombers through a department store’s video camera inside!).

Safe City teaches the public how to harden targets and protect their homes, businesses, communities, themselves, and their loved ones. It takes a community effort to help reduce and prevent crime, and Safe City answers the questions people have along with pointing out many more that should be asked.

Contributor(s): Leinbach, Ken (Author); Senge, Peter (Foreword by)

Annotation: With climate change in the news, an urban core that has reached boiling point, and many children growing up without role models and with limited dreams, where is hope?

There is a quiet experiment in Milwaukee that is turning heads. It starts with the simplicity of getting a city kid exploring their neighborhood park. How is it that so much life, community, and opportunity can grow from this unlikely soil? It’s been called a miracle. It’s contagious. It’s spreading. It’s exciting. And it works!

This is the story of a group of ordinary people in a neighborhood who created something extraordinary.

Readers will discover… the power of getting a city kid outside in nature; that kindness does work; how to say no while following the yes; the value of clarity and focus; how to find abundance within their own diverse community by simply and humbly asking for help; ten tried and tested rules for raising money (a lot of it!) while having a ton of fun doing it; a positive, believable, and very real vision for the future of the environment (we’ve got this!); and… how to join the Urban Ecology movement.

Contributor: Hallett, Kristina

Annotation: Reveals the secrets to being truly happy by encouraging readers to be their own best friend.

Imprint: Morgan James Fiction

Contributor(s): Dileonardi, Tony

Annotation: Legacy Letters is a transformative parable that will entice and equip readers to build principled legacy for themselves and their organization.

Contributor: Catalano, Gina

Annotation: Shows entrepreneurs how to take the next step after they’ve built a successful business.

Contributor(s): Yaste, Christian (Author); Hufanda, Joe (Author)

Annotation: An immensely readable book showing Baby Boomers how to maximize invested time, procedures, and cost at the dental office and how to choose the right dentist for their needs.

Hot New Releases for April 10th 20182018-04-10T18:22:15-04:00

Hot New Releases for April 3rd 2018

Morgan James Publishing is excited to announce these Hot New Releases for this week!
Each of these are available at your favorite bookseller or online starting this week.

Contributor(s): Wright, Brian K

Annotation: Success Profiles: Conversations With High Achievers is a collection of the some of the greatest interviews that have occurred on the highly acclaimed Success Profiles Radio. Guests address topics such as success, leadership, building a successful business, financial excellence, and self-development, and include experts such as Jack Canfield, Tom Ziglar, Greg Reid, and many more. The leaders featured all had to overcome difficult obstacles on their way to financial success; they were nothing special when they started. This is a unique collection of wisdom from some of the greatest leaders in personal development and success today that shows readers how the success these leaders achieved is available to everyone and how to unlock their own journey to the top.

Contributor(s): Milani, Richard

Annotation: Death and Dollars: Solving the Epidemic of Chronic Disease is a guide to navigating through the ever-changing field of healthcare while incorporating technology and other advancements to improve the quality of care and decrease illness, simultaneously improving and extending lives. The medical crisis of the 21st century is chronic disease, which means it is directly related to our behaviors and lifestyles every day. Dr. Richard V. Milani, MD, takes a look at how physicians, healthcare practitioners, administrators, and policymakers can create lasting change by empowering patients to become active partners in their own healthcare.

Contributor(s): Law, Michael S

Annotation: The Founders’ Revolution enlightens readers about the forgotten history of how the Declaration of Independence came into being and urges readers to return to the principles and the truths found in the Declaration of Independence, showing how the Declaration is still applicable today.

Contributor(s): Stevenson, Kenneth E
Imprint: Morgan James Faith
Annotation: As an original team member of STURP (The Shroud of Turin Research Project, Inc.) who were given the rare opportunity to intricately examine and test the shroud, Dr. Kenneth Stevenson brings forth his fourth treatise on the subject with intriguing new perspective.

NAZAH offers an outlook on the Shroud of Turin that looks at both the vast amount of clear, scientific research and evidence, and the heart of the Holy Scriptures. Joined with historical fact, prophetic confirmation, Judaic burial customs and personal reflection, the mystery of the shroud of a crucified Jewish man, whose image was left to be seen, is now brought forth to inspire and challenge a new generation of truth seekers.

With additional discussions of the relic’s historical and spiritual significance, NAZAH will touch the hearts of not only those of Jewish faith, but the hearts of people of all faiths who seek deeper meaning as to what the Shroud of Turin means to today’s generation.

Contributor(s): Zeek, Brian (Author); Brooks, Dee Dee (Author)

Annotation: There’s More to Financial Planning than Financial Planning reveals how not to waste thousands of dollars every year on details and fine print that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Contributor(s): Kallman, Ted (Author); Dromi, Aric (Foreword by) Kallman, Andrew (Author)

Annotation:

Simple is rarely easy to implement.

However, as a recent Flow trainee puts it, “Flow ‘plays nice’ with everyone! And, it will enable you to successfully customize and implement whatever solution you choose.”

Flow is the distillation of over fifty years of successful, hands-on experience that has delivered more than 100 million US dollars in value-add to companies in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Putting Flow into practice, one company increased profit $550,000 in one year on $2.5 million of revenue, and a large Asian telecom turned around a mission critical project from a projected 2-year schedule overrun and 300% budget increase to delivering seven months early and $4 million under the original budget in a 90-day period.

Ted and Andrew Kallman unify Traditional management and Agile methodologies enabling successful results, regardless of the existing leadership framework. Simple and easy to understand, Flow helps individuals, teams, and organizations create and sustain high performance.

Contributor(s): Marsoobian, Arsen S
Imprint: Morgan James Faith

Annotation: Encourages readers to reflect on major issues and questions about death that most people consider at some point in their lives through three main areas: Spiritual, Relationships, and Finances.

Contributor(s): Kitson, J W
Imprint: Morgan James Fiction

Annotation: Song of the Tree Frogs tells the story of two brothers in a brutal reality, revealing that there are no throwaway kids, especially when unconditional love works its transforming power.

Contributor(s): Ale, Cheryl (Author); Smith, Colleen (Foreword by)

Annotation: The Spark will help create a legacy dance students will never forget!

The Spark: The Legacy that Changed the Dance World is about the journey of creative artists and dancers-turned-teachers who are now struggling with the complexities of teaching. Choosing a ballet program that juggles all styles, techniques, and methodologies and that all levels of students will progressively love is a daunting task. In this book, dance teachers will discover what the greatest masters have always known: the true essence of dancing. Quite simply, they will learn how to teach pure, fluid movement with an age-appropriate curriculum proven for the past 60 years to effectively transcend any limiting beliefs about the basis for all dance.

If you’re looking for an empowered learning community with the perfect balance of discipline, integrity, and a curriculum that forms lifetime bonds with students, teachers, and parents, you’ve come to the right place. Celebrate your “sparkdom”!

Hot New Releases for April 3rd 20182018-04-03T21:46:05-04:00

Morgan James Radio Episode 24: Freelance to Freedom with Vincent Pugliese

Morgan James Radio Episode 24: Freelance to Freedom with Vincent Pugliese

Faced with disappointment in his career, Vincent Pugliese walked away from his dream job.

In this interview, Vincent shares openly and honestly about the struggle that led him away from his career and towards financial, time, and life freedom.

Listen in as Vincent discusses how he tapped into his skill to find freedom through freelancing.

Morgan James Radio Episode 24: Freelance to Freedom with Vincent Pugliese2018-03-28T13:57:16-04:00
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