An Author’s To-do List
“I miss writing.”
“So, go write,” my husband replies from his perch on the L of the couch.
As I pick up my daughter’s milk cup from the coffee table, I cast an annoyed look at him. I would go write, but I have to finish the dishes, attend to edits from my editor, create social media content, finish an ARC, work on bookmark and other designs for my upcoming novel’s release, and so much more. All of this happens after my day job, after my kids are asleep, and after some family responsibilities are complete. At times, juggling all of these responsibilities becomes overwhelming.
When I become overwhelmed (after a good cry), I take a step back, breathe, and evaluate.
What is my goal? To be a full time author.
I’m currently enrolled in a Career Novelist Mastermind course with Camille Pagan, #1 Amazon Charts Bestselling Author and You Should Write a Book podcast host. One of the best pieces of advice she’s given the class to help with productivity and reduce stress is to schedule your time—schedule when you can and will write, schedule social media content creation and participation, schedule exercise and mental health activities, etc.
I’ve always set goals for myself. When I first decided my goal was to become a full time author, I knew I needed to write. So, I set a time to write, which happened to be five nights a week after my kids went to bed. Social media came next, but still, writing has always been paramount. So, where is this stress coming from?
The answer: progress. I have a book out in the world and one debuting next spring. I have to market those books and prepare for promotional book boxes, giveaways, etc. I also have more social media and newsletter followers (thank you!) and need to continue to create content. And, I have more books in progress—that’s right, books. I’m currently working on book three of Scottish Stars and finishing the draft of a personal project—my memoir, focusing on my husband and my journey back to one another after his life-altering accident. My author journey has evolved, so I need to adapt.
If I want to write more, I need to reorganize and up my game. NaNoWriMo starts today—national novel writing month—and my goal is to write every day.
To make sure I succeed with writing daily and continue working toward my goal of becoming a full time author, I evaluated how often I was writing, creating marketing and social media content, and of course, going on social media.
Next, I put a plan in place.
Write daily from 8-9:15 PM Mon-Thursday; during my lunch break on Friday (because we all need date nights); 8-9:15PM Saturday; and 1-2PM Sunday.
Post on social media accounts Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Participate daily on social media, but no longer than 5 minutes at a time. Set timer.
Work on book promotion tools on Wednesdays during lunch break.
I know at times I need to throw the schedule out the window or spend an evening with my husband on the couch—let’s face it—I’m not perfect and that’s okay. But, my intention and goals are there. I’ve already come so far. I can do this.
If you’re reading this and struggling too, I see you. You’re doing great! Keep going.
Some helpful tips:
Set goals and stick to them.
Schedule yourself time to write (or other hobby if you’re not a writer).
Schedule when to post and/or participate on social media. This one is a biggie for me as I find myself watching other author videos for inspiration or baking/cooking reels (yum!) and hours later, I’m no closer to posting.
Schedule time to rejuvenate myself.
Make time for friends and family, and date night.
With love,
Erica Mae