From This Day Forward

It's lucky I have any hair left on my head. This morning I yanked at handfuls in frustration.

Yesterday I spent time on the internet trying to locate Word files of something I'd submitted just two weeks ago. This morning, I hunted for articles I'd published in 2008 to include in a list of writing credits. I remembered a term that might describe me, at least where paperwork is concerned. Stacks of papers? Can't find what I'm looking for? Chronic disorganization -- that's me.

Peter Walsh, http://www.peterwalshdesign.com/, Business and Work, Tip #184:Conquer Your Paper Files, suggests handling current papers first. I could do that, if I only had a system.

"I have to find a way to organize my papers," I told my husband. "I don't know whether to file by publisher or title or date." This is the man I've been married to for 41 years.

"Why don't you have three files?" he asked. "You can make one for current projects, one for articles submitted, and one for manuscripts accepted for publication. You can file by date."

His system came together in a matter of minutes. Now I can make similar folders for my computer files.

I have a fair number of publishing credits, but I still struggle with organization. Never assume anyone knows anything. What's easy for you may be a mystery to someone else. If you have a system that works well for you, why not write about it? Someone needs your help.