If there’s one truth that became apparent this summer, it was that no organizational system can help when there’s just too much to do. You have to prioritize (there are tools to help with this, at least), and some things just won’t get done. For me, this meant prioritizing my day job, freelance work and helping my parents move. And the thing that wasn’t going to get done was this Substack.
But taking a break from projects also means you get time to let your brain do its work and think about how to do things better. So here are the three ways I came up with to improve The Systematic Scribe (starting with organization, of course):
Post types: I’ve had this in my mind from the beginning, but it’s always better for me if I write down my intentions. I’m starting with three post types: basics, solutions and apps/websites. Basics will go into basic concepts, from making lists to outlining stories to deadlines. Solutions posts will tackle a problem that I or one of my readers is dealing with, such as getting internet tabs under control. And posts about apps or websites will explore tools I already use or are experimenting with.
After I’m comfortable with these three types of posts, I plan to branch out into new types, such as interviewing other writers and editors with their own advice and expertise, book reviews and more.
On my current priority list is this trio of foster kittens: (from left) Majorie, Betty and Peter.
Posting schedule: When I started this, I was hoping to post weekly (or weekly-ish). For now, I want to back away from that and post every-other week. I was too ambitious with that original goal, especially given everything else happening in my life. Slowing down my posting rate should help me to produce better content. And I can always post more often if I have time.
Input from readers: I realize that what I need in terms of organization may not be what my readers need. So, I want your help! I’m looking for two things. One, what are your problems that need organizational solutions? And two, do you have any advice to share with the group? And to make things easy, I made a Google Form. I’ll include a link to it in every column from now on.
Will this help me when life gets overwhelming in the future? Probably not. But that’s what breaks are for.
— Sarah
The Systematic Scribe is free. I have no current plans to have paid subscriptions — but if you like what you read and would like to support this work, you can Buy Me a Coffee.
P.S. If you’ve got a question, comment or idea for a future newsletter, please email me at sciwriter.sarah@gmail.com. If you have a problem you’d like help with or have advice to share with your fellow writers, you can submit this through this Google Form.
And if someone forwarded this to you (hint, hint), check out the archive to see what you can expect from The Systematic Scribe. Plus, this post has my FREE Airtable template for running a freelance writing/editing business.