Time Management for Writers

The truth is that most of us have more energy and more mental capability at certain times of the day than at others.  Writing a first draft requires one type of mental capability, rewriting another, doing research another, and writing letters, filing, or reading, still another.  To increase your productivity, you must match your capability level to each writing task.

Here is a system developed to increase office efficiency that has helped a number of writers turn out more work.  Here are the steps:

Become Familiar With the Five Basic Capability Levels

Level One.  You’re at your very best in mental energy and in your ability to create on paper.  You’re able to concentrate well and to work on obscure concepts.  This is a good level for dreaming up article ideas, outlining, and writing first drafts.  At this level, the writing process often proceeds rapidly.

Level two.  Better than average level, but not quite the best.  This is a good level for writing and rewriting.

Level three.  The average level of good working energy.  You can carry out complex activities provided you aren’t trying to be your most creative.  You can edit your material, write letters, put manuscripts in the mail, keep records, and do most things.

Level four.  A very relaxed pleasant level if you stick to the easy and familiar.  This is not the time to write first drafts or to rewrite complex material.  But you can compose letters, file, read magazines, clip, follow your hobbies, and more.

Level five.  This is your lowest mental energy above sleep.  You don’t want to write at this level, but you can file and clip.  You can also relax and catch up on your reading, watch TV, and do similar things.