The Writer’s To-do Lists

I’m not one the most organized writers in the world. I’m aware that some of my “writerly” mishaps are often caused by my highly organized, scientifically engineered system of filing (aka CLUTTER). My notes are everywhere and my ideas are written on various surfaces.

But you know what helps me keep track of things? It’s making lists.

Every day I refer to my lists of to-do and see which item(s) should be given priority. I may not be able to accomplish everything on schedule, but at least I have these “naggers” that constantly bug me to work.

Among my series of lists, the most important are my Daily Tasks, Writing Projects and Long-term To-do lists.

Daily Tasks

I type my daily to-do’s on a Google gadget called To-Do List. This gadget saves lists on Google servers enabling me to edit and view my lists from anywhere. My daily to-do list simply looks like a checklist. I don’t like to create an hour-by-hour schedule, because I can’t keep up with it any way. If there’s an urgent task, I mark the item “IMPT” (Important) and indicate the time and date it should be finished.

Writing Projects

I list down my writing projects (with or without contract) and indicate the deadline for each. I review this list several times a week vis-a-vis my daily to-do list. 

Long-term To-do List

When I’m not very busy, I list down things that I want to do or learn someday (e.g. discarding books, organizing files, flamenco dancing, scrapbooking, illustrating children’s books). I refer to this list when I know I have some free time coming.

Keeping different types of list can help you manage your time well. It doesn’t matter if you’re the only one that understands your notes or checklist. The important thing is you get things done.