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writing a book and have too many next actions
chadgr | Oct 14 2006
Hi. I'm just getting started on GTD while part way into writing a book. I've gone through the collection process and most of the things I wrote as tasks on my mind (and now in my inbox) relate to the book. Perhaps I don't understand how to process the inbox correctly, but I'm wondering whether the whole book should be my one project (with a ton of action items) or if I should break it into subprojects in KGTD (e.g., gather information on issue A, collect photographs for Chapter 5). If I keep it as a single project, it seems I have an unmanageable number of actions each of which could be eligible for a "next action." I hope I'm making sense. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 11 Comments
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 This is a good thread,...Submitted by pooks on October 19, 2006 - 7:48am.
This is a good thread, very helpful. Having written novels, I can add this. Perhaps the most immediately beneficial aspect of GTD will come when you're actually in the writing process with your capture device beside you. You will help yourself immeasurably if you can train yourself to jot down all the many things that dart through your mind as you're writing, rather than let yourself get distracted. "I wonder if daffodils would actually be in bloom?" is a note in your capture device to track down later, for example, rather than going off surfing the web to find out when daffodils are in bloom. One of the most useful things I learned as a writer was to to leave blanks when I wasn't certain of something and keep writing, or write something descriptive knowing I needed to figure out the correct word later. She grabbed the __________ from the desk behind her and held it behind her back. (Note in capture device: think of something more interesting than bookend that can be used for weapon.) Or, He opened a leather--would it be portfolio? not sure-- and pulled out a sheaf of yellowed pages. (again, note in capture device, "would Jerry carry a leather portfolio or is that too formal?) Your capture device will be your friend many times over. It can help you stay focused on the page in front of you instead of tracking down details that you can do later. Good luck! » POSTED IN:
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