What is the best way to get organize

I think one important thing is to always know what to write next. How to do this depends on your mentality.

You might try outlining, which will kill your novel dead, or release your creativity, depending on what kind of writer you are! Lots of people here can help you with this.

Other techniques include always finishing in mid sentence or mid scene so that (i) you have an easy start next time, and (ii) you have this nagging need to complete it.

If the problem is focussing on one novel at a time:

• Do you have several novels because you keep getting stuck at the same point? If so, fix that and you'll be suddenly find you're organised.
• Are all the ideas equally good? If so, research the markets and write the easiest to sell first. (If you're not sure about the ideas, try writing a cover blurb for each.)

Or is it just making time to write? I'm afraid the answer is "just do it". However, some small publishing successes will make it easier for you kith and kin to take seriously your need for space.

Good luck
Z

Michelle,
It doesn't sound like you have writer's block; it sounds like you are so excited about your new endeavor that you can't settle down to the task of writing.

Working on more than one project is fine, but maybe you need to set small goals for yourself

For example, "On Book1, I will write 5 pages by Saturday, and on Book2, I will complete chapter 5 this week."

Setting goals and meeting them consistently is the only way I get anything done, and I mean anything -dishes, laundry, grading, car maintenance, etc. Small, achievable goals get me out of bed every day and help me live a regular life. Without them, I'd lay in bed and read 24/7.

With writing, you are accountable to no one but yourself (until you have a book deal!), so make yourself accountable. Set up a rewards system if necessary (e.g. When I finish my 5 pages on Book1, I get to go to a movie/eat chocolate/visit my favorite bookstore). Keep in my mind your long term goals (to publish your books), but don't obsess on them right now because you need to get the writing done first.

Remember that it's all about taking the first baby steps. We crawl before we walk.

Hi Chelle,

I like gogoshire's ideas about scheduling your writing time, some for each project, with a system of rewards.

Also about the baby steps. Very important to be thinking about getting the work done, as opposed to appearing on Oprah. One thing at a time.

I have three different types of writing that I work on right now: a novel, a humor column, and some travel pieces. Each of these things has a priority and gets a certain amount of my writing time. If I have ideas for the novel while I'm outlining a travel article, I jot the notes for the novel and set them in the "novel pile." They'll get their attention when it's their turn.

I think Chelle is trying to take on too much at once. Pick the best idea, or the one that seems to be working, and work on it and only it. Then, when you're done with a draft, stick it in a drawer for a while, and come back to revise it later so that it seems more fresh to you.

chelle21 said:

Thanks Guys I knew I can on you but now I must go in watch the country music awards it's on now Alan Jackson is singing my favorite song. I wanted to say thankyou again these ideals help me out alot. I will try my best to get through with one of my books.http://

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I missed the CMT Awards? Dang. Seriously, I love country and western.

Oops, CMA's.

Yeah, you missed them. If you have CMT, though, I'm willing to get at some point that it will be aired again. In fact, they're playing it again right now, but they'll probably play it another day. They seem to replay stuff . . . alot.

don't got CMT. My country comes from the radio, and a honky tonk.