Brinda Talkin' bout Walkin' and Workin'...
Hope you all had an enjoyable holiday! Mine ended much too fast and left me feeling under the weather...just when I made my usual resolution to be all organized and on top of EVERYTHING!
Okay, so I am NOT the lady who pops into anyone's head when talking organization...but I know a lady who could be the poster girl for being the accomplishing shiz!
So, to help you (or at least me!) get a little more done at once, here's Brinda Berry on:
Multitasking to the Max
Okay, so I am NOT the lady who pops into anyone's head when talking organization...but I know a lady who could be the poster girl for being the accomplishing shiz!
So, to help you (or at least me!) get a little more done at once, here's Brinda Berry on:
Multitasking to the Max
My life has become a crazy blur of trying to figure out the secret of squeezing 35 hours work into one day. You, too? I am a grant administrator, writer, book marketer, blogger, dog mom, wife, mother, exerciser, occasional cook, grocery shopper, house cleaner, laundress, bill payer and friend--not particularly in the order listed. The house cleaning might be last if that were the case.
In the past few years, I have learned the art of multitasking. I listen to audiobooks during the commute and cleaning. I market from my smartphone while standing in a line at a store or during my lunch break at work. I critique manuscripts while exercising. You heard that right.
I have the Notability app on my iPad. I import the file into my app and take the iPad with me to the gym. Granted, I'm only walking at 3.2 mph, but I'll take that over skipping exercise due to my busy schedule. The treadmill has a book holder, so I'm able to place my iPad on it and use my finger to highlight and make one word notes. I can't write long paragraphs while walking, but it's fairly easy to insert a highlight or use the pen tool. Then I can make the extensive notes later. If I'm critiquing a friend's MS, I can email the file from Notability with the notes intact.
Here are some screenshots. In the first screenshot, you can see that there's a folder system within the app to stay organized. In the second one with the pink highlights, you can see I was trying to choose some passages from my new release, Watcher of Worlds, for excerpts.
Someday I'd like to have one of those fancy treadmill desks (e.g., trekDesk), but for now I'll be okay with using my iPad at the gym.
Do you have some multitasking tricks for other writers?
Watcher of Worlds
By Brinda Berry
Whispering Woods Book 3
Novel
$5.99
ISBN: 978-1-941133-00-2
Senior year should bring fun, friends and happiness. Not portals, treachery, and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Mia Taylor, gatekeeper to an interdimensional portal, wants nothing more than to heal from her romance gone wrong. Illegally falling for her co-worker Regulus had been a huge mistake. But when Regulus goes rogue to hunt down a murderer, Mia must forget her broken heart and use her unique abilities to save him. Traveling across dimensions, she enters a strange and hostile world where a rebel faction holds the key to their escape. Her gift of synesthesia is in high demand, and a secret organization of the otherworldly kind has her in their sights. But sabotage and murder may be the least of her worries. Her ex-boyfriend wants a relationship. Her dad wants her to act normal. Her friends want her to stop moping. Who knew faking happy would be the easiest part of senior year?
AUTHOR BIO:
Brinda Berry is the author of The Waiting Booth (Whispering Woods #1),Whisper of Memory (Whispering Woods #2), and Watcher of Worlds (Whispering Woods #3). She also contributed a short story to the anthology, Wild at Heart, Vol II.
Currently working in higher education administration, she spends her days thinking of ways to improve education for college students. Brinda spends her nights devising exciting tales that involve teens who might be saving the world.
Connect with Brinda on the Web:
Brinda sounds like she has a lot of energy! Besides being able to organize so well. Great tips for getting more into a day! :) Her book sounds really great!
ReplyDeleteHi Kimberly. Nice to meet you. Some days I'm more organized than others, but I do try!
DeleteI vow to one day be organized. I've been saying that for years, but one day...
DeleteI need to try out that app! I have wasted money on a bunch of apps that don't work quite right - this one sounds good!
ReplyDeleteKyra- I'd hate to add up the money I've wasted on apps that I don't like. This one also has features where you can insert audio and images into a doc. I use it for writing and also on my work issued iPad. Someone told me that it's $2.99 at the moment.
DeleteAt least you tried some Kyra...I had never even thought of it! I am so behind on the technology curve!
DeleteHi Elizabeth and Brinda - makes me tired reading all your activities .. but I can understand - the more you do, the more you get done -a nd you're certainly achieving.
ReplyDeleteThe Notability App sounds interesting and I'll have a look at it ..
I like the reference to synesthesia .. and have always wanted to write about the condition .. as it fascinates me .. so looks like I'll be buying your book -
Cheers to you both and good luck for 2014 - Hilary
Hi Hilary-
DeleteSynesthesia is fascinating. Of course, I've taken some liberties and expanded my character's capabilities (all in the name of fun fantast), but you never know! After I wrote the first book in the series in 2011, I heard about a research center in St. Louis, MO that does studies on synesthesia. I love reading the articles on their website. http://www.brogaardlab.com/
Hello Hilary!! Cheers to you also :)
DeleteI might need to get that app.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to do most of your blogging from work so you don't spend all of your evening writing hours online.
Oh, and get some clones. Those also help.
I do put my lunch hour to good use as much as possible. Great tip!
DeleteWhere exactly can we get those clones? Is there a Clones R Us near me?
DeleteWow. I definitely need to take note. There are days when I feel I've got things under control, but then there are other days when making a cup of coffee feels totally overwhelming, lol! Love the blurb and will add your book to my list! Thanks for sharing. (:
ReplyDeleteI have those days as well (coffee is a victory days). Thanks for the blurb compliment!
DeleteI'm glad it's not just me Elise! I have a full page of must to-do's right now and it makes me feel too tired to even think of coffee!
DeleteHoly smokes, Brinda has multitasking down! I've tried to do the whole multitasking while doing a work out, and it just doesn't work for me (I do lousy workouts). But it really is better than nothing. So that's awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rena. It makes time fly while on the treadmill.
DeleteI do like to read on the treadmill. I can manage that. But lately I've been ignoring the treadmill too...not good. Just ask my growing bottom line!
DeleteElizabeth- Thanks so much for having me here today!
ReplyDeleteI feel honored to have you! I have always been much impressed by your talent, skills, and all-round smartness.
DeleteYes! I read while on the elliptical, administer home schooling instructions while blogging and cleaning, and teach while on the road between the store, doctor's office, dance lessons, soccer, etc. I think it would be nice to have a duplicate me sometimes. ;)
ReplyDeleteCrystal! *fist bump* I need to try the elliptical.
DeleteCrsytal, I'm wondering if you and Brinda are related...you both give off that, "We've got our stuff together" vibe for sure!
DeleteMen are lucky - they have wives! All I'd like to do is find some time to write in between everything else. Life can be stressful, but I'm looking forward to next week when some normality and structure will form in each day - hubby (bless!) will be back at work.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of an interdimensional portal - that could work!
Don't ever tell on me Fanny, but you're so right! I can't get much of anything done with my guys around...the hubs included. Do you have those sort of men who don't know where the clothes, the food, or the remote ever is too?
DeleteMy husband is used to seeing me glued to the computer while at home. He is great. On the other hand, he is one of those who can never find anything either. *sigh*
DeleteI'm sorry to say, I currently lack in this area. It used to be something I had under control, but circumstances turned the tables on me. I vow to organize this year...yeah, a resolution. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou will do it Michael. You've taken it on the chin and still kept punching...I will put my money on you!
DeleteOrganization can slip away in a heartbeat. My resolution in 2014 is to stay more organized on the financial side of being a writer.
DeleteWhat a pretty cover! :) And I can't function unless I'm multi-tasking...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie. I agree. I think I get more done when I'm busy. Here's to a great 2014 filled with accomplishments!
DeleteIt is funny how being for real busy forces you to be organized. I think that's one of my biggest failures as a writer...no one MAKES me do anything, so I let everything slide.
DeleteHi, Elizabeth & Brinda. I like the idea of keeping organized on the run, but I'm a dinosaur and mostly use paper. Wishing Brinda all the best with the Watcher Worlds.
ReplyDeletePaper knuckle bumps to you Joy! I still make all my lists on paper...though I do admit, I now do my edits on computer only. The printing of pages got to be too expensive.
DeleteJL- Hey, paper still works great.
DeleteI agree with Carrie. I find that if I'm not multitasking, then I'm doing nothing, which makes me feel horrible. Haha. Gotta keep the brain firing on all cylinders :)
ReplyDeleteMy biggest problem is I'm not certain just how many cylinders I still have firing...
DeleteElizabeth- You've already made me smile on the cylinders firing comment. LOL...
DeleteHi Kelley-- *internet wave*
Or-gan-i-sation?? Nope, sorry Brinda, you've lost me :-) I do multi-task at the gym, but it usually involves scribbling something genius on the back of my workout programme.
ReplyDeleteHello Elizabeth *waves*
work-out what? Sorry Annalisa, you lost me there :)
DeleteHi Annalisa! Shush...don't tell anyone, but sometimes I just listen to music while on the treadmill.
DeleteThis app sounds great. I might check it out.
ReplyDeleteMany times I bring my iPad and Kindle to places. Also, during empty pockets of time I grade papers for my day job. I try to maximize my time, although I also know how to waste it. I'm not averse to naps and Youtube.
Medeia-- I wholeheartedly believe we need naps and YouTube to spark creativity. Right?
DeleteI have a total weakness for music videos on YouTube. Must have something to do with being a child of the 80's!
DeleteHello ladies!
ReplyDeleteBrinda sounds like a multi-tasking expert. Mmmm, would love a peek inside of her brain...
Watcher of Worlds sounds interesting. Just the other day, I googled synesthesia to read a bit more... but there was so much to check out and I didn't have enough time... but it's really fascinating...
Good luck with the book!
Wishing you ladies a happy, peaceful and productive 2014!
Writer In Transit
Hi Michelle. My brain would be a slightly scary place. Sometimes it's rather jumbled and hectic in there. :) There is way to much to read about synesthesia. When I started research for the first book in 2010, I had to be careful about getting sidetracked into everything on the web about it.
DeleteBest of 2014 to you too Michelle :)
DeleteI'm so impressed with how you stay on top of things! I'm horrible at multi-tasking. If I try to do more than one thing at once, I completely lose focus. Happy new year to both Brinda and Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteChristine- Oh, don't be fooled. I'm not always on top of things. lol. Happy New Year to you!
DeleteMe too Christine! Half the time, I can't even clean and think at the same time...end up with strange things like towels in the fridge!
DeleteWow you must fit a lot into your day. I spend my non-writing time thinking about writing as often as possible. Mostly, it's just to help a scene fall into place or something like that. It means I don't have to stare at a blank page when I finally do have time to write.
ReplyDeleteMisha- That is a great way to be READY to write. It's amazing how much I think about my fantasy world I'm working on at the moment.
DeleteI so a lot of that Misha. I have a lot of people who think I'm just a little flighty from all my zoned out moments...hard to explain you're working while staring off dazed into space!
DeleteListening to audiobooks while shopping, etc. is such a great idea. I should do that more.
ReplyDeleteYour new books sounds AMAZING, Brinda. I know it'll be as great as the first two. ;) Congrats!
My husband loves audio books, but I've never really tried them.
DeleteI love audiobooks and a good narrator. I can tolerate some mediocre narrators, but I LOVE the great ones.
DeleteHi Elizabeth and Brinda,
ReplyDeleteI got exhausted just reading all of this :) Yet, I have no choice but to multitask. If I don't do it, it doesn't get done.
I have been known to keep pen and paper at the ready when I'm out in case I actually come up with something worth writing. Or, I might start recording my thoughts on my mobile phone or cell phone, if you wish to call it that. Although, I would of thought one wouldn't be allowed a phone in your cell.
I also have Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar take over my writing when I'm doing yet more domestic chores. Yep, I can even almost use a washing machine.
All the best, Brinda. And thank you, Elizabeth.
Gary :)
I need a smart pooch like Penny! I never thought of recording my thoughts. I hate the sound of my voice on recording though, so I doubt I could get over that.
DeleteI'm pretty good at using the washing machine too. Though I must admit, I am more partial to the dryer. Warm and sweet smelling...that's the best part of laundry!
Way to go, Brinda. You can certainly multitask and your days and nights are filled with different activities.
ReplyDeleteWhat Mia wants and what others will make an interesting read.
All the best with all your books.
Thanks, Peaches. Happy New Year! (Can I still say that on day seven?)
DeleteOkay, that walking and critiquing at the same time is still mind blowing. That is some serious multi-tasking :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's not as hard as you think. :)
DeleteI want a treadmill desk too! Love your cover :)
ReplyDeleteI'd be a liar if I said I'd use the treadmill desk any more often than I do the regular treadmill. Sigh. I'll leave that for you gals who have it together!
DeleteHI J.A.- Thanks for the cover compliment. :)
DeleteBrinda's life sounds a lot like mine. Only I bike, so I can't multi task, but that's the reason I enjoy it--my decompress time. :)
ReplyDeleteDecompress time is essential Pk!
DeletePk- I've tried biking and it's really hard for me. I guess it's the different muscle workout. We all need decompress time.
Delete