www.inkthinkerblog.com — You may know her as the girl with the insane number of queries in the Inkthinker Query Challenge. But people, she’s that productive in every area of her writing career! I just had to ask Jessica Mousseau to share her tips for maximizing productivity. Here’s her way of doing it. What’s yours?
Achieving Maximum Productivity
by Jessica Mousseau
Productivity seems to be my middle name.
Ultimately, I achieve most of it through momentum. I admit I’m like most of us writers who have a tough time “gettin’ goin.’ However, once I do, you can’t stop me. Energizer bunny, perhaps? A typical day, well let’s just say, is never typical. However, after working for home, I continue to implement new ideas to increase my productivity. I find I waste a lot of time looking at email nonstop and/or marketing at inappropriate times when I should be writing. So, this blog will take you into the crazy thoughts and processes of me…… keep your hands and feet in the ride at all time folks. Let’s go!
First of all, I’m the type of person that the minute she wakes up, she can work. In fact, I like doing things that way. I think I write best in complete silence, which is funny because everything else I do in life I have to have music while doing it. I think the sound of my fingers hitting the keyboards soothes me. Pathetic, yes I know. Anyhow, my newest practice involves creating a list of things to do the night before (maybe haven’t been accomplished from previous day or maybe just thought of at the end of the day). After waking and preparing for the work day, start working on the list. In fact, I’m implementing this practice right now. Do not read email, turn on any messengers or open a browser, just get to work.
I find that if I sit and work without distractions including the phone, I can write very steadfast and split the time I actually have to work in a day. Who wouldn’t want that? I think the trick is discipline. As freelancers working from home (some of you guys are moms), you realize the importance of making yourself sit down and write, distractions aside [as much as possible]. It’s not easy, we all know this. However continuously working at it to perfect a specific plan to your liking is the key to this endeavor. What works for me may not for you, but I graciously accepted Kristen’s invitation to guest blog about the topic.
QUERYING
Once again when it comes to this topic, I, at first, made myself do so many before I worked for the day. Then I dedicated an entire Saturday to doing it, to help myself gain some momentum. Another thing I do is create a Story Ideas folder, if I’m reading a newspaper or magazine or come up with an idea from somewhere else, I put a note or that article within the file. When it comes time to query, I have a folder of ideas waiting to be created. It makes the job easier when you’re not struggling with things to write about. I have a template created for queries that I spice up for each individual publication. However, the basics are there and most are the same. I apply this practice to applying for work as well. The least amount of work you have to do, the better folks!
CONCLUSION
I think organization is the secret to this productivity success. Lists are my secret weapons, without them I would fail. There are hundreds of things we do each day and without some type of display of these things, I would forget everything, and probably lose clients because of it. Upping your productivity may take time, however with discipline and dedication, I’m confident you can do it too.
Jessica Mousseau is a freelance copywriter & magazine journalist. She resides on the Jersey Shore and takes writing breaks at the beach. Visit her blog at: http://jmwriting.blogspot.com
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King. All rights reserved.
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
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Love your blog! I’m an experienced newspaper writer, just starting a freelance career. Just started my own blog at
http://www.betweenthelines2.blogspot.com
I wonder if Jessica has read the 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss? The morning routine she uses is exactly what this productivity wonder guy suggests.
Great tips Jessica.
I haven’t read that before Sandra….I guess us pros think alike. Hehe. Best of luck to you!
I wonder if you know about Jessica Mousseau’s track record? She applies for higher paying freelance writing jobs and then farms them out for $2 a shot – she denies it but plenty of people complain about her.
She paid me a couple of bucks for a job once and I found out she was paid $50 bucks for it. I’m not the only one either.
Jessica Mousseau doesn’t write half her articles but takes credit for every one!
Anon, you said you were paid the price you agreed — and apparently later you were unhappy with it when you felt you could have gotten more. It sounds to me like you need to make sure you’re comfortable with the terms of the agreement before going along with it next time.
Lots of writers outsource big projects. Who you work with and the rate you agree to is up to you. That’s pretty much the essence of what it means to be a freelancer. If you don’t want to work for $X, don’t apply for that job! It’s easy.
And just a tip for the future, for Anon up there ^^^ and anyone else who may read this, when you’re publicly criticizing someone, please don’t hide behind so-called anonymity. It lacks class, and it seriously damages any credibility your concern might have when you won’t even put your name on it. We’re all adults here, right? So let’s act like it.
kk
Thanks for the tips! This is very helpful. Thanks to this article, I discovered another great writing blog!
Jessica is a great inspiration to all. Over the last few years, she’s exploded onto the writing scene and made us all look like slackers. :)) Go get ’em, Jessica!
Aww Lori, you are so kind!! I’m going to add your blog’s link to my page.