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 list.
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 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.
So, what’s on your list? 
6 Responses to “The Freelance Writer’s To-Do Lists”
Thanks for setting up this site. The blogging scene has certainly brought about more aspiring writers and I’m one of them. We definitely need more people like you who are kind enough to share their knowledge with us
More power!
Thanks, Lester. Keep writing!
[…] Connie’s got some Freelance Writer’s To-Do Lists […]
Hi Connie,
Great way to do your list. I like the way you put it all on an easy tick off system that doesn’t bind to hours.
In the past I always struggled with lists that never get done. Since implementing my fab 3 I get much more done and have less clutter on my desk.
1.) Moleskine (for everything that clutters my mind)
2.) Remember the Milk for my task lists (simple like yours)
3.) My desktop diary to keep track of deadlines
This minimalistic setup seems to work well enough for me to continue for now.
Monika: Fab 3 sounds good! Yes, the shorter the list, the more you get things done.
I’ve tried Remember The Milk. It’s a good program too.
[…] Andy wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI 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 … Read the rest of this great post here Posted in Uncategorized on February 12th, 2008 | […]
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