I use them for timing naps, internet surfing, exercise, solitare games, cleaning, beauty treatments, sodoku, and writing.
Right now I'm using them to get through the interviews and guest blog posts I have to do for the launch of CONFESSIONS OF A SLIGHTLY NEUROTIC HITWOMAN. If I look at the pile I have to do, it's overwhelming, but if I set a timer and tackle one for 15 minutes, the job suddenly becomes more doable.
Most of the time though, I use my timers to help me write books. Specifically they get used when I'm stuck or just don't want to write (which is most days, since I'm rarely "inspired"). Telling myself I only have to write for ten minutes, usually is enough to at least get me started. Some days, it isn't. Then I time my breaks (which is why solitaire, internet surfing and sodoku are in the above list). I'll write for ten minutes and break for ten minutes....all the live long day if that's what I have to do.
Sometimes, if I'm really desperate, I'll put the timers aside and log into WRITE OR DIE....cuz there's nothing worse than watching your hard-won words disappear forever.
What tricks (or common household products) help to keep you on track with tasks you'd rather not do?
Just an FYI: Be sure to check back later this month when I'll post interviews with my agent, Victoria Marini of Gelfman Schneider and with my editor, Lucia Macro, of Avon/HarperCollins.
4 comments:
When I have a bunch of things due at the same time, [like now] I use timers so I don't feel overwhelmed or risk neglecting something. An hour of housework, an hour of editing, an hour of writing, an hour to work on blogs and promo - then at least I've made progress on each task, since I tend to focus on things I haven't gotten done rather than things I have.
I've never used a timer for anything but making sure I don't forget about things. The dryer buzz keeps my clothes from wrinkling. And kitchen timers keep me from burning the house down. That sort of thing.
For writing, I think a timer would just freak me out. And that Write or Die thing scares me. What I need is an automatic butt poker - something to get me off the couch to start writing.
This would be an awesome idea for me, were I not afraid of the timer beeping. Yes, I realize that's a totally stupid fear, but it is a fear of mine. I don't like it when the alarm goes off, or the oven timer, or anything else that I know will make noise at a specified time. I will hover around it to turn it off BEFORE it can go off.
I think this stems from being a kid and getting a Jack in the Box for Christmas. It scared the crap of me, knowing he was going to pop out. Worst toy ever.
Jennifer C-- Progress, not perfection....that's my motto
B.E. -- Well a timer could act as a butt poker...just set it for the amount of time you want to spend reading, watching tv, etc.
Jennifer H -- LOL, I agree a Jack in the Box can be terribly traumatic. I have a timer that vibrates instead of beeps for when I'm writing in public.
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