Comments on: Too many deadlines? Here's how to avoid panic mode

By: Michelle V. Rafter

Michelle V. Rafter — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:51:11 +0000

Most writers who work for themselves don’t have the luxury of finishing one project before starting the next. Most have multiple projects going at the same time, but in varying states of being produced – signing a contract on one, doing interviews for another, writing a third, working on revisions of a fourth, following up on payment for a fifth, coming up with pitches for a sixth, and so on. It’s the nature of the beast. The more organized among us ascertain how long a project should take, add an extra 20 to 30 percent to cover unforseen circumstances, then plot out the time on our calendars so when that project’s deadline rolls around we’re finished with the work. There are all kinds of software programs for tracking time and many writers use them – though as you say, it doesn’t stop some from procrastinating up until the last minute. Of course, they were the ones who probably crammed for finals too.

Michelle

By: Denver Website Designs

Denver Website Designs — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:55:26 +0000

I think working bit by bit on the single project and finishing it before starting the next project/work is really a good idea that I can adopt..this way I have to listen(I mean blaming) from my boss for just 1-2 projects rather than getting the word for every project. Also, I don’t know a thing in general…why people make deadlines too tight when they know the work is going to be late for sometime…if anything gets late by 2-3 days, I don’t think any-one will get a bigger heart-attack..specially when they are sure to waste 10-12 days on thinking about other unwanted things…:)

By: New and interesting on the web « Thoughts On Translation

New and interesting on the web « Thoughts On Translation — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:51:14 +0000

[...] Rafter on Avoiding panic mode when you have too many deadlines. Like Michelle, I am not one of those people who thrives on stress, and I like to make my work [...]

By: Michele

Michele — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:07:40 +0000

Thank you for your kind words and compassion, Michelle. (Love your name, by the way!)

Yes, my editors and clients do know I’m reliable and that I’ll “break my neck” to please them and turn in quality work. They also know I’m deadline-driven. Still, it just “hurt” to have to ask. Guess I’m weird that way….

Michele

By: Michelle Rafter

Michelle Rafter — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:49:01 +0000

Michele:

I’m so sorry for your loss. An unexpected death in the family or similar hardship is always a legitimate reason to ask for an extension on assignments. As you said, you often turn in stories before they’re due, so your editors are probably more inclined to give you some leeway than someone who isn’t as reliable.

Michelle Rafter

By: Michele

Michele — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:30:27 +0000

These are great tips!

I recently had a death in the family. It was totally unexpected and he was young, so I spent a few days with family: away from the computer–and my assignments. My editors and clients have been so understanding, though, and have allowed me time to get caught up. I take great pride in meeting my deadlines. Many times I turn my work in early. So, I was horrified to have to ask for extended deadlines. But in this case, a sudden loss of a loved one, I just didn’t have a choice.