Friday, September 16, 2011

Writing Tip #2
I've learned a lot since joining twitter. One writing tip that has helped me is called the pomodoro technique for time management. It's very simple. Set the kitchen timer for 25 minutes and write. When the dinger dings, set the timer for 5 minutes and do something different. Get out of the chair, put clothes in the washer, whatever. But after 5 minutes, get back to writing for another 25 minutes. It works! I've been able to stay on task for 25 minutes at a time and progress through the first edit of my WIP. This technique will work for anything you have to do. The 5 minute break makes all the difference. Here's a picture of my son with his horse, Sparky, taken last August in our back pasture. It has nothing to do with writing, but I like it. :-)  

3 comments:

John Waverly said...

I've used the Pomodoro technique for a long time. It's great. Especially on those days when I just need the motivation or I have a lot of interruptions. There are several good applications you can install on your computer or phone to help too. The good thing is that all the applications are simple to use (because the technique is simple). Me like simple.

Stephanie Black said...

Great idea! I frequently set the buzzer for 15 minutes, clean the house like crazy, then get a break. It's interesting how much easier it makes it to get to work sometimes if I have a set time period then a break!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Isn't it fabulous? I learned it from John's blog, and it's just been incredible for me. I LOVE it!