Pomodoro

For a number of years now I've worked out the best way for me to write is in short bursts. I try and do 45 minutes BIC (bum in chair) then 15 minutes away from writing - preferably out of the chair. As there is always housework to be done I'll often do that for the break. And lets be honest, knowing it's only 15 minutes of housework makes it tolerable *grin*.

The other day I was reading another blog (sadly I now can't remember which one) and the author talked about how the Pomodoro technique had really helped their writing efficiency. Intrigued I looked into it and discovered I had been Pomodoring all this time!

Developed by Francesco Cirillo the Podomoro technique is essentially a time management skill where a timer is used to focus work into short sprints (his method recommends 25 minutes) followed by a short break. He called it Podomoro after a tomato-shaped timer he used to time his work.

For me this technique works brilliantly. I can stay focused for 45 minutes knowing I get a break after that - and the deadline pushes me to have something to show for it.

Have you hear of the Podomoro technique? Does it work for you or are you willing to give it a try? I'd love to hear others experiences with it.

Welcome 2016

Here's to a year I hope will be prosperous, blissful, healthy, bright, energetic and extremely happy.

great, prosperous, blissful, healthy, bright, delightful, energetic and extremely Happy New Year 2016 - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/happy-new-year-2016-24-inspirational-quotes-and-greetings-to-start-the-year-on-a-happy-note/#sthash.Eoz6EpNH.dpuf

great, prosperous, blissful, healthy, bright, delightful, energetic and extremely Happy New Year 2016. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/happy-new-year-2016-24-inspirational-quotes-and-greetings-to-start-the-year-on-a-happy-note/#sthash.wCwDkwF1.dpuf

great, prosperous, blissful, healthy, bright, delightful, energetic and extremely Happy New Year 2016. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/happy-new-year-2016-24-inspirational-quotes-and-greetings-to-start-the-year-on-a-happy-note/#sthash.wCwDkwF1.dpuf

The End

I get excited about writing "The End". Usually it's because I've reached the end of my 72,000 words and the draft is finished. A very huge moment in the life of a manuscript.

In this case, though, the end is about finishing my study. I'm sticking my head up after staggering through the peak essay and exam period at the end of semester. A rather horrid time to go through, with lots of 'you must have been nuts to do this', but once it's over there's a tremendous sense of satisfaction (until the results come in, lol).

I haven't completely finished. There's still a practical assessment (over 1 day) to go. But with nothing to do beforehand, or to take away after that day, it is, for all intents and purposes, done and dusted.

Of course, everything else in my life was left in a great big pile of 'to do' lists which I am now slowly but surely making my way through. With luck, by Friday I'll have caught up and the 'to do' lists will be back to normal length.