Ask Anne: How Do You Switch Between Projects?
July 22, 2008 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
Dear Anne,
I have two major writing projects going at the same time. The deadlines are different – on the first I have a weekly meeting with the client to go over what I’ve written and the other is much more casual, but I do want to get it done.
I’m having trouble keeping track of and switching between the two projects. For example, today I had to postpone the weekly meeting because I hadn’t gotten the work done. I’d been so focused on the other client’s project I simply spaced the first one out.
How do you handle multiple projects?
Thanks,
MW
Dear MW,
Great question. First, let me congratulate you on having multiple projects – that’s the only way I’m sure of a good income. Next, don’t beat yourself up too much if you missed only one intermediate deadline. If your clients are anything like mine, they are all over the map schedule-wise and as long as you don’t make it a habit, will understand the very occasional slip-up on your part. Just don’t tell them you lost track of them for a week ;)
I’m sure you keep a calendar with deadlines like these in it. I find the trick is to really look at it for a couple of minutes each morning. I mean read each entry – out loud if necessary.
I have to do this myself. Otherwise, I get caught up in a project and would forget to answer the door!
Another trick I’ll use is bookending. It’s a way to make myself accountable to another person, which always helps me stay on track.
That kind of focus will stand you in excellent stead in your writing career. But it does have to be managed well.
Do you have a question about freelance writing? Ask Anne, The Writing Pro – that’s me ;) Ask in the comments or send an email and put Q&A in the subject line so I can sort it out from spam and I’ll do my best. Meanwhile, you’ll find some Q&A’s here.
http://www.bizzia.com/category/ask-anne-the-pro-writer/
Write well and often,
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