12:05 AM
Anonymous
“How do you manage to do both?”
I hear this question all the time!
You see, I am an author. I am also a marketing professional. I have two careers – both of which I enjoy very much, but both of which take a great deal of time and attention!
You see, I am an author. I am also a marketing professional. I have two careers – both of which I enjoy very much, but both of which take a great deal of time and attention!
So back to the question: “How do you manage to do both?”
I know that I am not the only author who works outside of writing, and I have developed a short list of “rules” I follow so I don’t get overwhelmed.
1. Keep everything separate. I try to never write where I work, and I try not to work where I write! Additionally, I keep all paperwork separate. I even listen to different types of music for each task to help me get in the zone!
2. Set a schedule. I work the same hours every day, and I have set writing hours. I keep to this as much as I can.
3. Be flexible. If I can’t stick to my schedule, or if something comes up when I have to move my schedule around, I don’t beat myself up about it. I just do my best to get back on track.
4. Plan ahead. If I know I am going to have a big writing deadline at the end of the month, I try to make sure my marketing responsibilities are as buttoned up as possible so I can spend my mental energy on writing. And if I know I have a big marketing event or project coming up, I try to clear my writing calendar to make sure I can focus on those tasks.
5. Most importantly, decide what is non-negotiable. What are the things you are not willing to give up? For example, for me, I hold my family time sacred.
Working a job while writing a novel can be difficult, but it can be done! And here is the good news: It gets easier with practice! Set goals. Make mini-deadlines. Become a stickler with managing your calendar. These are the methods I employed while writing my Regency romance series, Whispers on the Moors. The second book in the series, The Headmistress of Rosemere, releases at the end of December 2013, and I could not be more excited!
Working a job while writing a novel can be difficult, but it can be done! And here is the good news: It gets easier with practice! Set goals. Make mini-deadlines. Become a stickler with managing your calendar. These are the methods I employed while writing my Regency romance series, Whispers on the Moors. The second book in the series, The Headmistress of Rosemere, releases at the end of December 2013, and I could not be more excited!
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. 
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