Thoughts on time from writer Jenny Odell, four approaches to finding time to write, audiobook giveaway, and inspiration from 'part-time' writer Martin Amis RIP.
I am thinking of writing a blog with some of my favourite time management books. Is that the sort of thing you'd like to read? Would it be helpful? Let me know and I can pull one together (gives me an excuse to tidy bookshelves and revisit some recommended reads).
I’d love to read your favourite time management books! I’ve started a series on LinkedIn doing exactly this once a month and would love to read yours too!
I’d be curious about which ones pass muster for you given you’ve done so much research into this area. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with them because they take a lot of time to read tbh. Several I’ve picked up feel like pamphlets with one or two great ideas that have been spun out into a big book. And any whose idea of productivity is ‘inbox zero’ I struggle with. However I’m sure there’s loads of useful (short) ones I’ve missed ;-)
One of the things I like about your book is I don’t feel like I need to read it all in one go. I’ve read several chapters in different sitting and after each one I’ve gone away to mull and practice some of the techniques. We now know daily writing does NOT work for me. I didn’t even manage it for a week. I write daily for work, on social media, etc. However writing for my novel daily doesn’t inspire me to write. However I can find a spontaneous few lines when I’m mindlessly staring at Netflix. I successfully time-block on the days I don’t work. Sometimes those time-blocks are fruitless and sometimes it just turns into a binge much longer than the original time block. Each day is different.
I’ve just read in one day ‘So long as you write’ a book of essays, poems and stories by women writers to support and encourage us to start and keep writing edited by Kerry Ryan which I loved. I feel like that book will be one I keep dipping back into too when I’m in a slump.
You are right that many books have one idea that lands, but it might take a whole book to get to it. Then there's those books with a million tips, most of which make you want to throw the book at the wall, but could have a gem that transforms everything. But it takes time to read and more time to implement. *sighs*
I have lost count of the books I have read on this subject, but there's not that many I actually use. It means a lot that you've been reading Written and that 1. it doesn't put you under pressure 2. that some of it resonates. Thank you! I love your spontaneous writing during Netflix - I wonder if our brain's default network (the bit that activates at rest and leads to idea generation) has adapted to TV watching, so it's now closer to daydreaming in the shower?
I spent some of the bank holiday weekend reorganising my bookshelves. Currently at the complete chaos stage, but it's given me some good ideas of what I'd really recommend. Sometimes there's just one tip in a book that lands, but using that can transform my time management (or how I feel about it).
Great post, I’ve been curious about the new Jenny Odell book and how she approaches time. My preference is daily writing but I’m just about to start a contract which will mean I have to travel to an office 2 days a week so won’t be able to join The London Writers Salon session I usually do everyday. I’m worried about falling out of the daily habit.
These moments of change can be very disruptive. I feel your pain, but please don't despair.
It's helpful to remember that all habits are forged in context and environment. On the days you are working at home (ie the same environment of the previous habit) focus on maintaining your habit of turning up to LWS. Then is becomes less of a daily rule but one based on the conditions of being at home. It creates a red line, a kind of mental model of WHEN I am working from home THEN I join writer's hour.
The next challenge is how to get writing into the work from office days. If indeed that is something you want to do. This might take some experimentation, start by brainstorming all the opportunities, who knows you might find a context that triggers a new habit. Plus, there are writer's hours across the day!
Thank you for your wonderful and generous advice. I’ve discovered many places to hide away at my new office so there is most definitely an opportunity to get writing into the work from office days. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Time (and energy) to write can be difficult to find when you fitting it in amongst caring duties and other ad hoc work. A blog and your book would no doubt help with motivation and give me tips on how to juggle! 😀
Thanks Donna - I'll see if I can pull together a list of top notch time management books. In the meantime - would you like to be entered into the free audiobook giveaway? We're drawing names tomorrow!
May 24, 2023·edited May 24, 2023Liked by Bec Evans, Chris Smith
An African proverb says, "When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground." In my mother's case, you can throw in a church and school as well. I am determined to record our family history on her side of the family (her siblings, parents and grandparents) before she passes. Mom is the last one standing of any of these folks and her mind is sharp and insightful, but she is in her 93rd year. The clock is ticking. I retired early in order to overlay her insights on the social history of the time, but I need more than time. I need a routine! I expect "Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit that Lasts" will help.
Hey Doug - what a beautiful comment and what motivation to write. We've added you to the free audiobook giveaway and will draw names tomorrow. Good luck!
I am thinking of writing a blog with some of my favourite time management books. Is that the sort of thing you'd like to read? Would it be helpful? Let me know and I can pull one together (gives me an excuse to tidy bookshelves and revisit some recommended reads).
I’d love to read your favourite time management books! I’ve started a series on LinkedIn doing exactly this once a month and would love to read yours too!
I’d be curious about which ones pass muster for you given you’ve done so much research into this area. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with them because they take a lot of time to read tbh. Several I’ve picked up feel like pamphlets with one or two great ideas that have been spun out into a big book. And any whose idea of productivity is ‘inbox zero’ I struggle with. However I’m sure there’s loads of useful (short) ones I’ve missed ;-)
One of the things I like about your book is I don’t feel like I need to read it all in one go. I’ve read several chapters in different sitting and after each one I’ve gone away to mull and practice some of the techniques. We now know daily writing does NOT work for me. I didn’t even manage it for a week. I write daily for work, on social media, etc. However writing for my novel daily doesn’t inspire me to write. However I can find a spontaneous few lines when I’m mindlessly staring at Netflix. I successfully time-block on the days I don’t work. Sometimes those time-blocks are fruitless and sometimes it just turns into a binge much longer than the original time block. Each day is different.
I’ve just read in one day ‘So long as you write’ a book of essays, poems and stories by women writers to support and encourage us to start and keep writing edited by Kerry Ryan which I loved. I feel like that book will be one I keep dipping back into too when I’m in a slump.
Happy bank holiday!
You are right that many books have one idea that lands, but it might take a whole book to get to it. Then there's those books with a million tips, most of which make you want to throw the book at the wall, but could have a gem that transforms everything. But it takes time to read and more time to implement. *sighs*
I have lost count of the books I have read on this subject, but there's not that many I actually use. It means a lot that you've been reading Written and that 1. it doesn't put you under pressure 2. that some of it resonates. Thank you! I love your spontaneous writing during Netflix - I wonder if our brain's default network (the bit that activates at rest and leads to idea generation) has adapted to TV watching, so it's now closer to daydreaming in the shower?
Am adding Kerry Ryan to my TBR!
Yes, I love a good book recommendation and am always looking for better ways to manage time and prioritise what’s important.
I spent some of the bank holiday weekend reorganising my bookshelves. Currently at the complete chaos stage, but it's given me some good ideas of what I'd really recommend. Sometimes there's just one tip in a book that lands, but using that can transform my time management (or how I feel about it).
Great post, I’ve been curious about the new Jenny Odell book and how she approaches time. My preference is daily writing but I’m just about to start a contract which will mean I have to travel to an office 2 days a week so won’t be able to join The London Writers Salon session I usually do everyday. I’m worried about falling out of the daily habit.
These moments of change can be very disruptive. I feel your pain, but please don't despair.
It's helpful to remember that all habits are forged in context and environment. On the days you are working at home (ie the same environment of the previous habit) focus on maintaining your habit of turning up to LWS. Then is becomes less of a daily rule but one based on the conditions of being at home. It creates a red line, a kind of mental model of WHEN I am working from home THEN I join writer's hour.
The next challenge is how to get writing into the work from office days. If indeed that is something you want to do. This might take some experimentation, start by brainstorming all the opportunities, who knows you might find a context that triggers a new habit. Plus, there are writer's hours across the day!
Thank you for your wonderful and generous advice. I’ve discovered many places to hide away at my new office so there is most definitely an opportunity to get writing into the work from office days. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Time (and energy) to write can be difficult to find when you fitting it in amongst caring duties and other ad hoc work. A blog and your book would no doubt help with motivation and give me tips on how to juggle! 😀
Thanks Donna - I'll see if I can pull together a list of top notch time management books. In the meantime - would you like to be entered into the free audiobook giveaway? We're drawing names tomorrow!
Just wanted to say thanks for offering the audiobook as a prize. Will be starting it this weekend!
Hope you like it Donna :)
Hi. Sorry yes please if you haven’t already drawn it x
An African proverb says, "When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground." In my mother's case, you can throw in a church and school as well. I am determined to record our family history on her side of the family (her siblings, parents and grandparents) before she passes. Mom is the last one standing of any of these folks and her mind is sharp and insightful, but she is in her 93rd year. The clock is ticking. I retired early in order to overlay her insights on the social history of the time, but I need more than time. I need a routine! I expect "Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit that Lasts" will help.
Hey Doug - what a beautiful comment and what motivation to write. We've added you to the free audiobook giveaway and will draw names tomorrow. Good luck!