Pilar Alessandra joins us on the Guided Goals Podcast, and we’re going to talk about time management. Pilar is director of the writers’ studio “On the Page,” host of the popular On the Page Podcast and author of The Coffee Break Screenwriter, which was released as a 2nd Edition at the beginning of April.
Finding Time
Pilar was teaching screenwriting and developing tools to help people write quicker and better, when she noticed some her students only gave themselves writing time in class. So she would teach a writing tool, and them do it right then. Even though the book teaches 10-minute writing exercises, she would give them only 2 to 5 minutes per tool. And they would get things done. It was from there she developed the book.
If you actually focus, and you have a few directed minutes, you can accomplish just as much if not more than you can if you have a longer time to write.
With real life, there’s always something writers can work on if they have a stolen moment. These tools are a way in to rewrite a scene, develop a character, etc.
You can take stolen moments and use them for anything, not just writing.
It’s like having dessert first. Work on whatever you feel like doing in the moment, Pilar says. Start with a phrase and work around it. You don’t have to go in order. Do whatever you can and then line up everything and see how it plays out on your timeline. You have created a structure.
When People Write
People write in while they listen to her podcast. They get inspiration, then stop and write.
When we have a stretch of time, we tend to fill it with things that are safe.
Pilar wrote part of the first edition of her book while her kids were at a My Gym-type place.
For Example
If you have writers block, jump into your favorite scene.
Pilar says:
- First, write what do you have to show
- Then, write what has to be expressed verbally
- Next, write what has to be expressed emotionally
- Finally, write what closes out that moment that will be provocative enough for the reader to move on. It’s a resolve to do something or an action that has to be done
Now, you have an outline for a chapter or a whole scene.
Entrepreneurs, you can also do this for a pitch, a deck, etc.
Tips for Voice
Pilar shares some fun tips for character voice. She says people have trouble sometimes with this. They spend time on backstory instead.
Figure out what language your characters speak in terms of profession. This can also help with novel writing and also in a pitch. Also, think about regionalism. Incorporate the phrases your character would used, based on where they live or lived.
It’s a fun way to change up your writing voice, but also to connect with your audience.
Additional Thoughts
If you’ve thought about writing, but don;t think you are the person who should write, do it anyway. Just start writing until you find your voice.
Share whatever is within you with the world.
Be bold. Write it down!
Work-Life Balance
Don’t be resentful of the time you are working. You have to love it, but also show your family that you love it! Since entrepreneurs tend to always be doing two things at one time, let them know it’s fun and enjoyable.
Personal Goal of the Week: Make sure your family knows you love your chosen path.
Professional Goal of the Week: Do the scene exercise. Write what you have to show, what needs to be expressed verbally and emotionally, and then give it a button to lead to the next scene, chapter, etc.
Bonus Professional Goal of the Week: Turn off the internet for 15 minutes and just write. Then, see what happens.
Want to learn more about managing your writing time? Listen to the entire interview on iTunes or Stitcher.
Watch the video:
The Guided Goals Podcast gives you the tools, direction, and resources you need to pursue your passion project. Thanks for tuning in.
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or SoundCloud, and leave a review.
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About Debra: A project catalyst, Debra Eckerling works with individuals and small businesses to create a strategy, set goals and manage their projects. Follow Debra @GuidedGoals, Like Guided Goals on Facebook, Subscribe to YouTube.
The Guided Goals Podcast gives you the tools, direction, and resources you need to pursue your passion project. Thanks for tuning in.
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or SoundCloud, and leave a review.
* * *
About Debra: A project catalyst, Debra Eckerling works with individuals and small businesses to create a strategy, set goals and manage their projects. Follow Debra @GuidedGoals, Like Guided Goals on Facebook, Subscribe to YouTube.
