Y’all have caught me at a bad time—I’m really feeling the need to do some spring cleaning (it’s very springy here now in North Carolina), but I’m smack dab up against a huge deadline. Actually, make that 2 deadlines.
So I have cleaning on the brain. :)
There are certain kinds of messes that drive me crazy. If the laundry or the dishes aren’t done, I’m not going to be able to focus on anything until I’ve started a load.
Paper? It can wait a little while. But when it becomes a smallish stack, it starts bothering me, too. Plus I won’t remember to take action on whatever is on the paper if I’ve got it covered up with something else.
The writers that I know all seem to have a paper entourage. Maybe paper realizes it has a safer haven with us.
So this, for what it’s worth, is my method for dealing with paper (and remembering the importance of whatever was on the slip to begin with):
Act on paper as soon as it comes into the house: RSVP, write the date on the calendar, pay the bill, write the check for the school yearbook, etc.
Write down all the information off the paper onto the calendar or another central location and then throw the piece of paper away.
Open the mail over the recycling bin.
My reminders go in at least one place—sometimes two. I’ve been known to lose my day planner. :)
My writing papers are gathered up at the end of each day and transcribed onto the computer.
I go as paper-free as possible. I unsubscribed myself from the junk mail people, I’ve opted for electronic bills and statements when possible, etc.
I keep only a few back issues of magazines. I can usually find the articles that interest me out of the magazines online when I need them.
Do you have a good clutter-management solution? Please share them with me! :)
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While I have housekeeping on the brain, here’s some quick blog housekeeping. I’m trying to keep updated---if you’re a Mystery Writing is Murder reader, your blog should be in my sidebar--are you there? Also, I'm open on Fridays for guest posts on the 'writing process.' I’m currently booking for April 30, May, and June. For more information, please check the post: http://tinyurl.com/ybm3s58
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