How to Make an Electronic Writer's Calendar

To keep track of appointments, due dates, and deadlines, it is important to keep a calendar. Otherwise, you might find that that contest you’d wanted to write for has come and gone while you still thought you had another month. I’m assuming that you prefer to use an electronic calendar as opposed to a regular paper calendar (if not, then check out my other article on using a hard copy calendar), so let’s get started.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer
• internet connection

1. Choose a program that you feel comfortable with. You could use the Microsoft Calendar that comes with your computer (if you’re using a PC, Vista platform) or the Outlook Calendar. There are other calendar systems which you can use for free such as the one that comes with Gmail. Check out www.freewarehome.com or www.downloads.com and search for “calendar.”

2. Gather all the information you will need: deadlines, contact information, and your goals. Check all the places that you might have poked it. The goal is to get it all into one place.

3. Now comes the tedious part. Start putting the information into the calendar. The beauty of most electronic calendars is that you can insert comments, contact information, and even tell it to repeat certain deadlines, which comes in handy when you are writing a weekly or monthly column. Be sure to put your contact information and any notes that you might have into the appointment.

4. Many of these calendars allow you to highlight different appointments in different colors. I would suggest that you choose a color scheme which works for you. For instance, you could prioritize different deadlines by different colors. Or you could highlight deadlines which you have already been assigned, projects which you want to participate in, and personal goals.

5. Keep your calendar updated. It will take the longest the first time, but if you add information as you find it, it will end up saving you time.

6. Most of these calendars allow you to set it to remind you at a certain point. I strongly advise that you use this. Each calendar is slightly different: Microsoft Outlook will spring up its little reminder when you open Outlook while Gmail sends out an email notifying you of what’s in your calendar and what’s coming up.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider setting false deadlines for yourself. For example, set your deadline for an essay a week sooner than it really is so that, should something happen, you have a little extra time to get it taken care of.

[AutumnLeavz]

on 7/16/2008 This is excellent! Can't wait to try it!