SFA 132 – Being Productive When You’re Time Crunched + Updates from the Hosts
Oct 6, 2023
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Hosts discuss productivity techniques when time is limited, struggles with productivity and benefits of hiring a virtual assistant, observations and strategies for book promotion and sales including Facebook and Amazon ads, transitioning from Kindle Unlimited to wide distribution and writing for anthologies, importance of long-term thinking, portable writing and productivity methods, editing a book, and a discussion about the movie 'Throw Mama from the Train'.
Maintaining high productivity with limited writing time and transitioning from first to final draft are key challenges for authors.
Outsourcing tasks like email, social media, and Facebook ads can allow authors to focus on writing and boost book sales.
Portable writing options such as using a phone with a Bluetooth keyboard or writing longhand can maximize productivity and stimulate creativity.
Deep dives
Craft of Writing and Productivity
The podcast episode discusses the craft side of the book business, focusing on productivity and techniques for taking a first draft to final draft. The hosts share their strategies for maintaining high productivity even with limited writing time. They also delve into methods for transitioning from the first draft to the final draft, including the two-pass method and the one-pass method. They emphasize the importance of planning and organization in the writing process.
Managing Writing Alongside Other Responsibilities
One of the hosts shares their experience of juggling writing with a day job and managing other responsibilities. They discuss the challenges of finding time for writing, setting aside promotion activities, and dealing with limited brain energy. Despite the constraints, they express their determination to prioritize their writing and participate in NaNoWriMo, adapting their writing schedule and creatively finding ways to stay productive.
Balancing Writing and Business Support Services
The hosts highlight the importance of outsourcing certain tasks in order to focus on writing. They share their experiences of hiring a virtual assistant to handle email and social media, and hiring someone to run Facebook ads. They discuss the benefits of delegating these tasks, allowing them to concentrate on writing and other important aspects of their author careers. They also provide insights into utilizing various promotional opportunities offered by different platforms to boost book sales.
Portable Writing: Writing Anywhere, Anytime
Portable writing is a key aspect of maximizing productivity and making the most of every spare moment. While using a laptop is the standard approach, there are alternative options that are more convenient and efficient. One method is turning your phone into a writing machine by pairing it with a Bluetooth keyboard. This allows for quick and easy writing sessions during breaks or idle moments. Another option is going back to the traditional method of writing longhand with pen and paper. This technique can provide a refreshing break from typing and even stimulate creativity. Transcribing handwritten notes or using dictation tools can then convert these analog writings into digital files, making them easier to edit and work with.
The Editing Process and Workflow
When it comes to editing, there are different approaches and preferences among authors. One common practice is to write the entire first draft before starting the editing process. This allows for the story to flow without interruptions, and it's particularly beneficial for complex books with multiple storylines. Some authors prefer to edit as they write, going over the previous day's work before continuing. However, this can lead to an uneven edit, where certain parts of the book receive more attention than others. It's important to trust in the editing process and not weigh yourself down with excessive revisions. Ultimately, having a professional editor is crucial for catching errors and ensuring a polished final product.
Lindsay, Jo, and Andrea pop in early in October to record a new show. They talk about some of their latest self-publishing and marketing news (Kindle Unlimited page read rates staying down, shrinking margins, delays…
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