How I plot, my current planning process, and a quick overview of the HB90 planner designed by author Sarra Cannon.
Evernote – for writing, plotting, notes, story details
I fell in love with Scrivener but hated the lack of cloud-ability (there was no app when I started using it and I’m still leery of the Dropbox option for reasons). Cue, Evernote.
I create a notebook for each project and add sub-folders for Characters, Settings, Details, Research, and Drafting. I then create individual notes per element (some, like minor characters, are part of a single “character bible”). I return to this method again and again because I can access it from anywhere and it gives me the all-in-one-file feel that Scrivener provides.
Google Calendar/Happy Planner – for time-blocking (scheduling time to write)
I rely on Google Calendar for time blocking, which is essential for me. Combined with the Happy Planner (link to video/post) that I use for work, it keeps me on track and helps me plan for writing when life gets in the way.
Spreadsheet – for wordcounts
I keep a long-running spreadsheet in OneDrive, started when I first started drafting Crown of Ice, which helps me keep track of my words on a single manuscript over time. I have individual spreadsheets for each project, but I combine final word counts by project in a single, yearly spreadsheet that helps me track progress over time.
Trello – for planning and content creation
In an effort to create more content and maintain a steady post schedule, I decided to give Trello a try (I used it once for work, but it didn’t catch on). It’s perfect. I use it as a content planner, and organize projects for the podcast, details for querying, and more. It’s an all-around win for me.
HB90 method – for quarterly [writing] project planning
Whether it was serendipity or the magic of algorithms, I stumbled up author Sarra Cannon’s Heart Breathings channel and all the wonders therein. One of these wonders is Cannon’s dedicated planning method for writers (HB90), based on a 90-day quarterly system that encourages writers to think of their work in terms of goals, projects, and tasks. It’s brilliant and I’m using it to plan/track my current writing project, as well as the query process, and future plans for a story that needs editing.
A look inside my Happy Planner mini (vertical) and Budget Planner sidekick – 1 month review.
I also have a review of the full-size Happy Planner [Girl] + other planners I used in 2018.
A note:
In the video, I say I’m using the “Jordan Sparks” method, what I really mean is the Jordan PAGE method. Whether or not Jordan Sparks has a budgeting method, I dunno.
You can learn more about her method here.
Have you used a vertical planner? How have you made it work? Let me know!
In case you’re wondering, I bought my planners at Michael’s.
I started a cash budget and managed to stick to it. I also learned that I needed to be more realistic and budget for expenses beyond groceries and outings. The result is a much better sense of where my money is going.
I was insanely busy! Between work commitments, writing goals, working out, and making time for blogging, podcasting, and going out, it’s a miracle I had any time to myself.
I read. A lot. Mostly because all my library books came in at the same time and I had a review to write.
I started documenting my outfits in an effort to get a better sense of my closet and find new ways to pair my clothes. Follow me @lifeingminor (this is the most curated I will ever be)
I started wearing eye shadow again. There is something my skin does not like, but I think I’m closer to finding the culprit after nearly a year without eye product.
How was your January?
If you want to learn more about any of these projects/goals/etc. and how I manage them, let me know.
While I wouldn’t call myself a planner addict, I’m definitely a planner aficionado. I used three different methods in 2018: the Happy Planner Girl (standard size), Bloom Planner (academic), and a (non-Midori) Traveler’s Notebook.
Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m using in 2019.
After nearly a year using a Moleskine Bullet Journal, I’m taking a step back and returning to a more traditional planner format. Watch the video to find out why I made the switch.
It’s time for another bujo spread! Keeping it simple this month; just some slight changes to last month’s layout, but definitely one that is working for me.
Better late than never… a look at my current bullet journal spread (already thinking of some changes for February).
And I’m off to Disney for a friend’s wedding 🙂 so pictures of my adventures to come.
marginalia and such 