Write2Ignite

A Few Steps to Tackle Writing Tasks

Tackling writing tasks can overwhelm. At least that’s been my experience. Instead of looking at writing as a process of many small steps, I have a tendency to look at it as one gargantuan task which needs completed all at once. Write the book!

When I look at writing that way, the project seems insurmountable. A mountain too high to climb. Instead of looking at the mountain peak looming overhead, perhaps it’s best to look at the step right in front of us, and the next, and the next, and the next.

If we do that, before long, we’ll find we’ve reached the summit, tackled each task, and completed the project that once intimidated us.

Steps I’ve Found That Help

There are several steps I’ve found that help tackle writing tasks. At the most basic level, we need to know our ultimate goal.

Do we want to write a blog post, devotion, article, poem?

Write a short story or book?

Once our goal is established, it’s time to break it down into a list of smaller tasks. We need to evaluate what task should be done first, or what we have the time and resources to accomplish right now. After that, prioritizing our remaining tasks is important.

To break the project down into smaller, one-day-at-a-time-size tasks, I look at the large picture-finish the book. From there, I work backwards to see what it will take to accomplish finishing the project in daily, weekly, and monthly increments.

I’m a huge list maker. The problem I have, though, is I write tasks on my daily list which are impossible for me to complete in one day. That causes the tasks I was not able to get done to be moved to the next day. A day where I already have a full list.

It’s easy for me to become discouraged, since my to-dos start stacking up like airplanes on the tarmac waiting to take off. So, the need to be realistic in what we can and can’t complete in any given time frame is a must.

We should write to our strengths. I admire writers who complete a first draft and edits in six months or less. Or who publish a book every year. I’m not one of them.

At the same time, we need to be mindful not to use a weakness as an excuse not to push our self. Raising my hand, here.

Evaluate Tasks

With the goal of finishing the project established, next, we evaluate what tasks need completed first.

What do we have the time or resources to accomplish right now?

Do we need to spend time studying a particular aspect of the writing craft before going any further?

Do we need to spend time brainstorming?

What about time spent researching our topic or market?

And of course, there is the time spent composing our thoughts and writing them down.

As we consider these things, we need to make sure we leave margin in our calendar for life events and appointments that have nothing to do with writing.

God, family, friends, writing. In that order.

Some Final thoughts to Consider

• Prayerfully evaluate your schedule and abilities.
• Ask God for wisdom in breaking down large tasks.
• Ask a close friend to help keep you accountable to meet the goals you set.
• Perseverance is as important as planning, when it comes to tackling writer tasks.
• Schedule your most difficult tasks close to the beginning of a project to prevent procrastination. This comes from a major procrastinator extraordinaire.
• Celebrate the wins. Don’t discount even the smallest forward progress.
• As you celebrate, remember to praise God for every success.

Your Turn

No matter how long it takes to tackle your writing tasks, remember, Jesus is right there with you every step of the way, cheering you on to completion. 

What steps have you found that help tackle your writing tasks?

Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal. Elbert Green Hubbard

Looking for more writing advice? How about this Write2Ignite post by Kyle R. Morgan?

I wish you well.

Sandy

Here’s what you can expect from me. In my posts, you’ll find words of encouragement for writers, book reviews, and discussions on the craft of writing. I am a former elementary school teacher, regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, and a conference speaker. I write articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. You can find me every Tuesday and Thursday at www.sandykirbyquandt.com. Please stop by.