Congratulations on meeting that huge goal of turning in the ms! The app that works magically for me is Be Focused Pro. It’s a timer. It will also block other apps and websites during a work session. I hope I won’t ruin the effect by saying it, but I have an ability to click the start button and start work. I hold myself to an honest effort until the alarm sounds. Most of the time, I only need that initial discipline to start. If the first 30 minutes is good, I may keep going for another hour or so without a break. If it’s not so good, I take a timed break and then start another session. Loosely based on the pomodoro idea.
Thank you! I have to try out Be Focused Pro. Lately, I've been writing without my phone at my desk because it has been a big distraction for me. But I still end up distracted by other websites on my computer. Thanks for the recommendation!
I use the Freedom app to remove distractions. It works really well if you use it right. Blocks any websites or apps you decide for whatever blocks of time you want. You can also schedule recurring blocks of time. Syncs with all your devices. It's expensive, but I purchased a lifetime membership a few years ago, which has been well worth the cost. I have one of those affiliate links if you're interested: https://freedom.to/?rfsn=4635948.5f3edb
I use Scrivener and have liked it. I set up the file with an appendix section not included in the draft compilation that I treat like a journal, revision guide, and research log. I’ve never tried to download a scrivener app for my phone, so it ties me to my laptop for serious planning and recording, but it has worked well for me.
Thank you for these tips and resources! They sound like great options, too.
I've always been curious about Scrivener, but I've never used it before. This appendix section sounds like a great feature. Honestly, not having the app on your phone seems like a productive decision. I try not to do too much work on-the-go, but sometimes having easy access on my phone makes it hard to leave the work behind and be present in other parts of my life.
First, BIG congratulations on turning in your book to your agent! I am so close to finishing my final copy for querying. Then I need to learn the real way to write a book since learning everything as I wrote was a shit show!
I use Scrivener for word processing plus organized notes, research, photos, pretty much anything related to the MS. I didn't know that having on your phone was an option though. When I'm out, I take notes in a blank email and copy them into Scrivener later.
I've had Todoist forever but the free version. I've stopped using it the past few years and put everything in Google calendar, but I still feel I need a place for a prioritized to-do list. Perhaps I'll go back to it.
My question: Curious how the paid version of Todoist is different/better and if it can integrate with Google calendar in any way.
Thank you! And congratulations to YOU. You must be so excited to query soon.
I also email reminders and story ideas to myself. I had no idea Scrivener had this many features. I really thought it was just a word processor with a notecard feature. I should try it out one of these days.
As for Todoist, yes, it can completely integrate with Google calendar. I haven't used the feature myself because my company uses a different calendar system, and now I don't use Google calendar as much as I used to for personal stuff anymore. I upgraded from the free version mostly for the reminders feature. This feature gives me push notifications on all of my devices. It's also nice that the app is compatible with iOS, Mac OS, and Windows, so I can use it for both my personal and work devices.
Congratulations on meeting that huge goal of turning in the ms! The app that works magically for me is Be Focused Pro. It’s a timer. It will also block other apps and websites during a work session. I hope I won’t ruin the effect by saying it, but I have an ability to click the start button and start work. I hold myself to an honest effort until the alarm sounds. Most of the time, I only need that initial discipline to start. If the first 30 minutes is good, I may keep going for another hour or so without a break. If it’s not so good, I take a timed break and then start another session. Loosely based on the pomodoro idea.
Thank you! I have to try out Be Focused Pro. Lately, I've been writing without my phone at my desk because it has been a big distraction for me. But I still end up distracted by other websites on my computer. Thanks for the recommendation!
I use the Freedom app to remove distractions. It works really well if you use it right. Blocks any websites or apps you decide for whatever blocks of time you want. You can also schedule recurring blocks of time. Syncs with all your devices. It's expensive, but I purchased a lifetime membership a few years ago, which has been well worth the cost. I have one of those affiliate links if you're interested: https://freedom.to/?rfsn=4635948.5f3edb
I use Scrivener and have liked it. I set up the file with an appendix section not included in the draft compilation that I treat like a journal, revision guide, and research log. I’ve never tried to download a scrivener app for my phone, so it ties me to my laptop for serious planning and recording, but it has worked well for me.
Thank you for these tips and resources! They sound like great options, too.
I've always been curious about Scrivener, but I've never used it before. This appendix section sounds like a great feature. Honestly, not having the app on your phone seems like a productive decision. I try not to do too much work on-the-go, but sometimes having easy access on my phone makes it hard to leave the work behind and be present in other parts of my life.
First, BIG congratulations on turning in your book to your agent! I am so close to finishing my final copy for querying. Then I need to learn the real way to write a book since learning everything as I wrote was a shit show!
I use Scrivener for word processing plus organized notes, research, photos, pretty much anything related to the MS. I didn't know that having on your phone was an option though. When I'm out, I take notes in a blank email and copy them into Scrivener later.
I've had Todoist forever but the free version. I've stopped using it the past few years and put everything in Google calendar, but I still feel I need a place for a prioritized to-do list. Perhaps I'll go back to it.
My question: Curious how the paid version of Todoist is different/better and if it can integrate with Google calendar in any way.
Thank you! And congratulations to YOU. You must be so excited to query soon.
I also email reminders and story ideas to myself. I had no idea Scrivener had this many features. I really thought it was just a word processor with a notecard feature. I should try it out one of these days.
As for Todoist, yes, it can completely integrate with Google calendar. I haven't used the feature myself because my company uses a different calendar system, and now I don't use Google calendar as much as I used to for personal stuff anymore. I upgraded from the free version mostly for the reminders feature. This feature gives me push notifications on all of my devices. It's also nice that the app is compatible with iOS, Mac OS, and Windows, so I can use it for both my personal and work devices.
Thank you, Kat!
Congrats on turning in you MS!!!
Thank you! It's been a long journey.