My writing office is being overrun with papers big and small that I feel I need to have within reach, at least for the next few weeks. I’ve sorted piles on the carpet. It looks messy and is dangerous if I should move about without watching where I’m placing my feet. It also makes it impossible to vacuum the carpet. I’ve bought Pendaflex hanging folders, manila file folders, binders with inserts, and page protectors. I’ve got one of those plastic file cubes that dorm dwellers use. I’ve got a small and large calendar, a day planner and lots of “to do” lists.
I’m all set to get organized. All I need now is time to put my filing and scheduling systems in place. If I was organized, I wouldn’t need time to organize. And if I had time to organize, I’d probably already be organized.
But organization is the key—to efficiency, to speed, to finding things, to not forgetting things (boy, do I need that one!). I don’t need chaos in my writing life or writing space. I do need to accomplish as much as possible in the limited time I have.
I need that sense of control and order. If my space is in order, hopefully my mind should be orderly. And an ordered mind is a peaceful mind and should be more fertile ground for writing.
I need a day off. I have a plan for my office and those lovely supplies. I can’t wait.
How do you get organized?
I go in spurts. I’ll let my desk pile up till I just can’t stand it anymore then I’ll go on a cleaning frenzy. I do like it so much better when I’m organized.
A friend of mine cleans after each book. I’d like to try that idea someday.
One of the best things I did for myself a couple of months ago was buy a small filing cabinet, and then organize all my crap into it. It sits right next to my desk within arm’s reach. All of my books, past present and future now have a file where all the research I’ve collected, little slips of paper with jotted down ideas and various pages I’ve printed for editing go. My calendar sits right on top, along with the reference materials I use most. I even use one drawer to organize my non-writing life, which has made me a much more sane writer. And I need all the help with sanity I can get.
I’ve got 4 drawers! I’d love to see yours. I love organization.
Confucious say, “Paper necessary for origami cranes!”
Ah, yes! I see you understand. LOL
I struggle with organization too. I’m trying out a system of binders for all my writing project notes right now. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Keep me updated. My binders haven’t worked too well for me.