I write whatever idea I have on whatever is closest. I have notes from one WIP in about 5 different notebooks. It makes it very difficult to find what I want when I need it. I end up finding notes from 6 months ago that are obsolete now, but I can't remember where I wrote the one I want to work out. Zombies finding a way to turn a doorknob would be easier than me finding the right notes.
I could have a notebook for each project I work on, and I could carry that notebook everywhere, or transfer scattered notes into that notebook at the end of the day, but that doesn't always work for me. I've tried to find better ways to manage my time and organization would probably really help. Probably. But maybe not.
I've never been organized. Even in high school. I didn't study. I didn't set aside time to work on homework. But I always got it done on time and I did it my way. My very scattered, disorganized, probably difficult way. But my way, none the less.
Every writer has a different way of doing things. Plotters and pansters. Scheduled writing time, and writing whenever you get the chance. I've tried to change my ways, and I always end up loosing something. I *want* to be organized. I *want* to be scheduled. But it's not me. It's not my way. And I'm finding that forcing myself into those habits is hurting my writing. There is no one way to do things.
In the immortal (because I have imortalized her) words of Libba Bray, "We are not one size fits all." And now I'm saying to myself "Have it your way" and wanting a croissanwich.
With two little ones, it's impssible to have a set schedule for anything, let alone writing. And there's not much of a point in trying to clean up their toys. If I do, son #1 just takes out even more toys than before! Cleaning your house while your children are growing is like shoveling snow when it's still snowing. A neverending battle.
ReplyDeleteNicole, I know exactly how you feel. I have two little girls, and only one of them is in school. The small one wants nothing to do with the mountain of toys until I clean them up.
ReplyDeleteI used to have an organized house, but now I feel that any time to organize the house takes away from my writing time. So, my house is not so organized, but my writing stuff is very organized.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that with young children, you just try to contain the chaos. My house is usually presentable (no where near perfect though), but the laundry basket in my closet is forever out of control. You have to choose, and I'll always choose things like writing and playing games with the kids to housework. :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea and Kristi, I agree. Kids and writing come first. :) Prioritize!
ReplyDeleteWe all have our own way of doing things, and no one way is perfect.