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Inspired? Would you like to see your name on this website and your book up on those bookshop shelves? This is where we bring you a round up of writing tips, ideas and hints. | Getting organised |
 Declutter your desk and free up your creativityBy Sue Kay of No More Clutter Next time you sit down at your desk to write, stop. Have a long hard look at the environment in which you work. Is your desk piled high with papers, notes, card-indexes, old coffee mugs and much, much more? Many people think that working surrounded by clutter is a sign of a highly creative mind. But does it really help you to write effectively? My clients often start by saying they need to have everything on view around them and they can find everything on their desk. It just takes them a bit of time. Sometimes days to retrieve that vital piece of research! So I'm going to propose that a clutter-free organised desk with all your notes and material properly filed will save you time, reduce your stress and ultimately free up your energy for your writing. So here are my top tips for decluttering your desk: 1. Find a quiet time when there aren't going to be too many distractions. It's going to take you a good two hours. 2. Take everything off the surface except large items like your computer screen and empty your drawers. Nicky whose desk I sorted recently couldn't stop admiring the wood of her desk, because it was so long since she had last seen it! 3. Time to be honest and ruthless. As you pick up each piece of paper ask yourself is this truly relevant and useful? Do I actually need to keep it? If the answer is no - chuck it. 4. Separate your work from your domestic stuff such as bills and catalogues. Aim to keep your domestic stuff in a separate place - either a separate drawer of the filing cabinet or a small portable filing box. 5. Storage. Have you got somewhere to put your pens, essentials such as staplers and rulers? Have you got enough storage space for your folders and files. Do you need to buy a filing cabinet or just more box files and magazine holders? Go and check out your local stationery store and treat yourself to what you need. 6. Dump the Post-Its and scraps of paper. Katie who works from home kept everything on scraps of paper, unfiled index cards and a sea of Post-Its. Use a notebook instead to record all your ideas, and to-do lists. 7. Be discriminating about putting things back on the surface of your desk. Remember desks are for action not for storage. 8. Clear your desk at the end of each day. If time is short just scoop all papers up into your action tray and sort them out first thing in the morning. Nicky thought this was the single best tip to stop the clutter creeping back. 9. Computer clutter. Back your work up regularly, keep on top of filing and organising your documents. Clear out your email inbox regularly - but that's another article all by itself! If you need help decluttering your desk or home office contact Sue Kay on 07974 076675 or visit www.nomoreclutter.co.uk . No More Clutter covers the London area. © 2003 no more clutter  |
| Posted: 01/04/2005 20:04:12 Last Updated: 21/04/2005 13:35:06 |
Chick Lit > Writing Tips :: Getting organised