Hi all. I'm finally able to take a breath after being swamped. I'm wondering, for those of you on multiple projects, how do you go about tackling your different writing assignments/scripts? At one point I was writing on three projects and heard of writers who do this on a regular basis...and thought how the hell do they stay sane!? Anyone want to share their secret sauce with us?
Oh, I don't mean spec work that we've all done and screamed at ourselves for. I'm talking deadlines and schedules and producers and calendars and studio reviews... ugh. Exhausted already.
And if you have no secret sauce, then awesome stories of survival will do. Go!
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Hey, Adrian Vershinin I haven't been very active here lately for that very reason! Just a few months ago, I was struggling to find writing work/assignments...be careful what you wish for, haha! Anyway, this is how I survive:
1) Make lists. Lots of lists. Even if they're common sense like "outline" or "submit draft 1 to producer", they will help you see progress and quickly pivot to the next to-do even when you're overwhelmed. You'd be surprised how quickly a brain fart will take hold at the worst possible times and a simple checklist will save you anxiety.
2) Prioritize everything with a number. For example, my day might look like this:
#1 - press release edits
#2 - touch base with studio head re: latest narrative outline
#3 - Blog post about xyz
#4 - pitch marketing ideas about xyz project announcement
#5 - personal project - character breakdown for pilot
3) Be flexible because you will do a lot of "hurry up and wait." Do your part as efficiently as possible, but be prepared to move on to the next item while you wait for approval, feedback, etc. etc. When I'm not writing, I'm waiting, so fill that time wisely. I also have a lot of meetings, so make sure you can multitask.
4) Separate different clients or projects into playlists. I more or less have one client divided into multiple projects, but I find that a music playlist can help put your mind in the right place when you need it. For example, let's say you have one sci-fi script and one fantasy. Create a playlist for each to immerse yourself in that world. It's even better if there are no lyrics.
5) Schedule time for yourself! This is really important. It really honestly feels like everything on your list must be done 10 minutes ago. But the reality is that you have time to breathe. Stretch your legs, grab a drink, go for a walk. And don't forget to eat, I'm really bad about that.
6) Personal projects are important too! I'm bad about this one, too. After a grueling day of writing, sometimes all you want to do is veg. The best solution I've found is to take an hour or so before work - even 15 minutes - to review your own work and keep it from getting dusty.
7) Review your list before you go to bed. That way you know what you have to do the next day and can rest easy knowing that you don't have to lie awake figuring it out.
I hope that helps!!
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HB Duran I find this so helpful, and in a way, I've applied many of these same tips into my own writing habits!
Great points HB Duran . I broke my day into 3 x 4 hr chunks for each project... plus Weekends! I like #4... haven't tried that yet. I am now down to 1... Phew.
Plus spec work... which like you said, is the last thing I want to tackle at the end of the day.
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I tackle projects on a needs must basis. ALL scripts are a living breathing entity that require attention but I try to give immediate energy to the most needy character at any given time of the day. Sounds daft but some writers know exactly what I mean.
I find the neediest characters that require immediate attention are not in the scripts... In my case It seems like the universe doesn't care about the energy one script requires over another. The production schedule ensures I do the exact opposite! :)
Full disclosure. I was hoping for some crazy stories of barely being able to survive a deadline... (no real names please)
Great discussion!