Getting it Done: Setting Priorities

You'll find my latest article at the Writer2Writer website. This one discusses how to use to-do lists effectively by setting priorities.

Enjoy!

Time Management articles on Writer2Writer

Here is a list of some of the articles I've written as a contributor to Writer2Writer:

Procrastination: Kill it Now!

Back to School and Back to Your Writing Schedule

Distractions: Don't Let Them Steal Your Writing Time

If You Over Commit, You Won't Submit: Learning to Say "No"

Falling in Love with SMART Goals: A Sure Way to Increase Productivity

These articles and many more from the talented staff at Writer2Writer can help you earn money from your writing. If you've ever dreamed of being a full-time writer, make sure you bookmark Writer2Writer and check back often. And don't forget to sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter.

You'll find more advice from Writer2Writer at our new blog.

My latest Writer2Writer article

The final portion of my three-part article series titled Spring into an Organized and Clutter Free Home Office is now online at the Writer2Writer site.

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 to get your home office organized and free of clutter so you can have more productive writing time.

While you're there, check out the new Writer2Writer blog.

The Book Connection and other stuff

If you really want to know why I don't post here more often, go to The Book Connection. You'll find tons of new author interviews and book reviews.

Be on the lookout for my upcoming interview with producer Kent McCray and also interviews with some of the Idols, fans, and backstage crew from American Idol who contributed to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul.

Oh, and my latest article is now online at Writer2Writer.

See, I have been busy. I'm not just ignoring you.

Latest article now online

My latest article is now available at the Writer2Writer website. If You Over Commit, You Won't Submit: Learning to Say "No" shows writers how they can learn to say "no" during the busy holiday season so they can stick to their writing schedules.

You'll find this article here: http://writer2writer.com/if-you-over-commit.htm

Writer2Writer articles

Go to the Writer2Writer http://writer2writer.com/ website and read my articles to find ways writers can increase productivity through time management and organization.

Check out these titles:

Bust through Holiday Stress and Keep Writing - December 2006

Get it together: Tips to Get Organized and Write More - February 2007

Procrastination: Kill it Now! - April 2007

Seven Ways Writers Can Reduce Stress - July 2007

Back to School and Your Writing Schedule - August 2007

Distractions: Don't Let Them Steal Your Writing Time - October 2007

And look for my next article, which will be in the November issue of Writer2Writer.

Time to unwind

I think I have finally unwound from all the excitement of participating in the Muse Online Writers Conference. This was my second year, and because last year I felt I should have taken more workshops, this year I took 34 of them, plus 3 live chats. I missed 2 of the chats because of the kids--my youngest fractured her arm falling backwards out of a swing. But such is the life of a working mom. You make plans and sometimes they change quickly. The whole week was a blur of writing exercises, discussions on different aspects of the craft of writing, volunteering at church, and trying to find time to make real food for the family to eat so that I didn't feel guilty over my excessive amount of computer time.

I won't bore you with the details of all the great stuff I learned, but I am more committed than ever to my writing career. I've been making some changes in my life to carve out a bit more writing time. While I enjoy interviewing authors and writing book reviews, I will scale back a bit on this next year so that I can concentrate on my two works in progress and the edits to the manuscript I finished last August with my sister. My articles for Writer2Writer will continue on a monthly basis, and I aim to find more markets willing to accept my articles.

In the last quarter of this year, I want to put into practice the ideas and work ethics that will carry me into a productive 2008. I know if I keep all the information I learned at the Muse Online Writers Conference close by my side, I will meet my goals.

I guess it's just about me now

Well, now that I'm getting back on track with this blog, let me tell you a little about what has been going on in my life.

The summer has been a scorcher. I think there was one week where the temperatures were comfortable, other than that it has been hot, hot, hot, and like this week--humid.

We've been a busy family. At the beginning of July we drove down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a little rest and relaxation. As usual, it's not very relaxing with two little ones, but we did still manage to get some rest and after I got over my bout with bronchitis we had a wonderful time. They sure do know how to do fireworks up right down there.

The girls went to camp for a week. I figured it would help our youngest get used to going to preschool in the fall. I've always been home with her, so I hope she'll be okay with the transition.

Then the oldest participated in a reading camp at her school for two weeks. It was a great learning experience and she made a new friend--so it was well worth the money.

And during all this fun stuff, my writing career has begun to blossom. My bi-monthly writing gig for Writer2Writer has turned into a monthly writing gig. My latest article, Seven Ways Writers Can Reduce Stress http://writer2writer.com/seven-ways-to-reduce-stress.htm appeared in the July issue.

I started writing book reviews for The Muse Book Reviews (http://themusebookreviews.tripod.com/), began two new blogs, and got involved in an exciting new project which aims to encourage a love of reading and writing in young people. And my connection with Pump Up Your Book Promotion (http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/) has given me the chance to interview some great authors like Vicki M. Taylor, Marilyn Morris, and bestselling author Jane Green.

I've even made time to write a little fiction here and there. My co-author/sister and I got back to work on revisions to the novel whose first draft we finished last August and I began revising a short story which I had hoped to submit to Wolfmont Publishing in February.

So, all in all, I am happy to be a wife, mother, and aspiring author right now. Though I have been very busy during the day and the girls are beginning to think I love my computer more than them. It's very sad that I actually have to schedule free time these days, but I also know if I don't put it on my calendar, I'll skip it. And since the kids are only young once I better remember to pencil them into my day planner too.

Exciting News!!!

Cheryl Wright, the editor of the monthly ezine Writer2Writer has asked me to join her staff. She published one of my articles in the January issue and my next article will appear soon. My articles will focus on time management tips for writers--something I think all writers can use based upon the feedback I've gotten.

Thanks to Cheryl for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. Thanks, also, to my loyal readers. Your praise and encouragement mean a great deal to me.

Cheryl

My Latest Article

Hey gang,

My article "Bust through Holiday Stress and Keep Writing" now appears on the Writer2Writer site. Here is the link - http://www.writer2writer.com/holidaystress.htm

I hope you'll check it out and let me know what you think.

Cheryl