Saturday, September 30, 2006

Juggling = A Plan

Keeping all the balls in the air at the same time without one hitting the ground depends on a plan.

It sounds so easy that most people overlook it. Yet, those who do plan their work, and work their plan find out that they accomplish a great deal more.

In the homemaking department, better known as housework, I've been using a plan for years. I know that on the first of the month, all the fan blades will be cleaned, all those little light bulbs will be checked, and if burnt out, will be changed. That's also the day that I clean out a certain cupboard in my kitchen. It includes the coffeemaker, so on that day, I give it a cleaning as well. I don't overload myself with cleaning on a certain day, but by month's end, I know that every nook and cranny in the house has been, at least, looked at.

For my writing, I use a
spreadsheet to keep me on track. I have both Excel and MS Works versions, if you care to check one out. These are especially good if you need to know how many pages you need to write before a deadline.

For appointments, daily duties, etc., I use a day planner. AnyTime has been my victim of choice for the past five years. I find it works well, if I use it constructively. Meaning that I'm responsible for putting information in there!

I dare you to plan your day. See how much more you can accomplish. But, be sure to include time for yourself in there as well. As word artists, we also need to remind ourselves that the well does need to be replenished.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

American Title III All Systems Go

Phew! What a ride these last 2 1/2 days have been - and voting hasn't even started yet. I just, at 11:28 am, sent off my submission to RT Magazine for the contest. Whew! What a relief. Of course, now the tango-ing butterflies start. Did I choose the right dialogue scene? Is the love scene romantic/sexy/hot/fun enough? Will people like my hero and heroine? Will they like me? Ah, the insecurities of a writer's life. But no matter what, I like the scenes I chose, I like my hero and heroine and I like the whole darn story. I like what I do. Here's the story, take a look: http://www.judifennell.com/Sept2006/BATB.htm

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The Juggling Life

Who says we keep all the balls in the air? It seems like there are always one or two that get away. But luckily, none of the ones I've dropped to date are "glass" balls. When those hit the floor, the effects are far reaching. Juggling is a fact of a busy life. Now where in the heck is that application to juggling school? Maggie Toussaint

TOPIC ALERT: How do you juggle it all?

Here's a timely topic for us all:

We all have multiple obligations -- other jobs outside the home, family, aged parents or young children, church, social groups.

How do you manage to keep all the balls in the air and not let anything fall? Any tips or tricks for others to consider?

Post your answers either as a separate blog-post or as a comment -- all are welcome!

J L
(topic-meister)