Thursday’s Work-in-Progress

Confession time: I am feeling rather s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d these days. In addition to my day job responsibilities and other ongoing commitments, I have a number of deadlines of various sorts clustered around April 15 and May 1. And since I never leave anything to the very last minute, I’m already feeling “behind.”

To save my sanity, I’ve already removed a couple of items (fellowship/residency applications) from my to-do list. (They were “optional,” in that no one was waiting for me to get them done.)

And fortunately, I’ve also managed to meet some of my upcoming deadlines/obligations. So I have crossed off those items from the list, too.

And, in breaking news: I’ve been saying “no” to other requests a lot more often lately. That’s starting to get a little bit easier.

But here’s (some of) what remains to accomplish in the next few weeks:

  • April 15: presentation for a local congregation (focusing on Quiet Americans)
  • April 23: classroom visit (focusing on Quiet Americans)
  • weekend of April 28: May issue of The Practicing Writer due out
  • May 1: article due for The Writer
  • May 1: next column due for Fiction Writers Review
  • May 1: AWP panel proposal due
  • I know that it will all get done. Somehow. Bit by bit.

    Right?

    7 thoughts on “Thursday’s Work-in-Progress

    1. Kizzy says:

      You can do it, Erika! I admire all that you do, and at the same time I know that it can be a lot to balance with your day job. I’m rooting for you!

    2. Linda White says:

      Oh, Erika! At least you work ahead! Sounds like a good list. But yes, saying No is very important! I have to work on that myself.

    3. Chantal says:

      I know the feeling. Throw a baby onto the list and you’ve got my schedule.

    4. I’ve made a list of writing goals, too–wish mine looked more like yours in regard to writing for publication… The other list I made includes life goals, and most anything that doesn’t move me toward accomplishing those gets the NO stamp. Spring just seems like the time to “right-size” our lives…

      Many thanks for keeping this amazing blog on your TO DO list!

    5. Erika Dreifus says:

      I’m so touched by these responses! Thank you all.

    6. Audrey says:

      Have you tried WorkFlowy to organize your tasks? I’ve only just begun putting it together, but already it seems to help with prioritization, etc. Just a thought! Good luck. https://workflowy.com/

      1. Erika Dreifus says:

        Audrey, I have not tried that yet. I’l take a look. Thanks for the suggestion.

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