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I have a habit of jotting down ideas on whatever pieces of paper I have handy and putting them all in a folder, on a pad of paper, or on my desk.

This had become unmanageable chaos until I began separating and categorizing.  Why didn’t I do this before?  Because I was working at only one or two blogs and one column.  I was able to keep them compartmentalized in my mind.

Suddenly the situation esculated…in a good way because now I am writing many blogs.  So I needed to get myself organized to be more efficient and productive.  Also, to avoid sitting at the computer, staring blankly at the screen and wondering where my notes are.

I’ve set up a file folder for each plog and put notes, clippings, drafts and photos into it.  Then these are at my fingertips when I need to write online or at my word processor.

How do you organize your blog, magazine, and book writing?

Post from: My Organized Biz

How will I keep them all organized and know what I have posted and what I haven’t?  How can I keep from repeating topics?  These thoughts ran through my mind as I considered how to do this.

I don’t know what works for others, but I devised a notebook type of organization.  I have small (4 x 6-inch) spiral notebooks, one for each blog.  Then I jot down the date and the title as I publish it. 

 I also attach a sticky note to the page with topic ideas for upcoming posts.  As I use those topics, I move them up to the posted list with the date of publication or planned publication, because I often pre-post.

Why don’t you set up a computer program to keep track? I’m asked.  Because the computer could go down;  my data could get lost; it’s not right in front of me.  I’d have to go into the computer to find it.  The same goes for other electronic record keeping gadgets.  Data gets lost or they can go down.

Yes, my notebooks also can get lost, but not so readily if I keep them beside my computer.

Do you have a system for keeping your writing organized?

Post from: My Organized Biz

Since I don’t have a “walk in” business, I didn’t need to have a shop open this morning.  I can sit at my computer and plan.  Or go over with my husband what needs to be done in our joint business, then make phone calls and e-mails.  And get this done in the six hours I have before I go to my job away from home.

So, when you’re going to be away:

• Try to prepare in advance as much as possile. Make sure deadlines have been met and that you’ve planned for future or immediate others.
• Go over your “to do” list for the coming days, as I did last night after arriving home.  This can include personal and family “to do’s” so you can coordinate them with your business.
• E-mail editors and coordinate.  (One editor has set up a weekly reminder, to let me know I need to get my column to him.  We’ve found this works great for both of us.)
• E-mail or phone people I need to interview.

How do you organize and plan when you have to be away from your business?  Do you have some tips to share with us?

Post from: My Organized Biz