by Rosemary B. Althoff

I only have so much energy. When my workload gets big—looking huge—I work on one project at a time … for a limited time. I do not have to “waste” myself to totally complete the task in one sitting. I can get up after a bit, have a cuppa and begin work on project two—again, for a limited time.

Besides feathering your work with your own limited time and energy, you can feather your work among competent people. Yes, I know that it’s been said, “There’s only so many competent people in the world,” but in a large sense that’s not true. You likely have a network of people to delegate to. However, their task to feather into their own time must be specific, attainable, and measurable (SAM). This compels me to estimate carefully what I’m handing someone to do.

I’ve been able to do this successfully as a former manager at a business law publisher.

People of good faith make bright oases in the world. Thank you for loving yourself, your neighbor, and the good Lord.

When I did a word count on my new novel, SILENCE TO SINGING, I found that I’ve written about 6,200 words out of a proposed 80,000. I decided that’s good, considering that I’ve had a very interrupted summer and fall. The book is roughed out already; I’m doing my first manuscript and TRYING to get through without editing and second-guessing myself.