Q&A with Sage Cohen of The Productive Writer — Plus a Contest!
This is a Q&A with Sage Cohen, the author of The Productive Writer and Writing the Life Poetic, both from Writer’s Digest Books, and the poetry collection Like the Heart, the World. Her writing has appeared in publications including Writer’s Digest Magazine, Poet’s Market 2011, Cup of Comfort for Writers, The Oregonian, and How to Achieve a Heaven on Earth. Sage blogs and teaches at pathofpossibility.com.
Before we get started with the Q&A, two quick announcements:
1. Sage is giving away three signed copies of The Productive Writer. I read it and it’s great! To enter the contest, simply post a comment below. Sage will randomly draw three lucky winners from among the commenters! The contest will end on Friday, January 7 at 9 pm ET. **The contest is now over! I’ve closed the Comments. Thanks to everyone who entered!**
2. Also, don’t forget that tonight is the free teleclass Using Fear as Fuel When Writing and Querying, taught by none other than Sage Cohen. Visit the Teleclasses page to get more info and sign up.
Can you tell us how you landed this awesome book deal with Writer’s Digest Books?
Sure. It was a mix of luck, timing, good professional relationships and an effective query.
My first book, Writing the Life Poetic, was published by Writer’s Digest Books. When I learned that another editor at WDB wanted to publish a book focused on organization for writers, I pitched it and they bought it. As we got under way, the topic fanned out a bit and morphed from “organization” to “productivity.” It’s been a really fun and relevant topic for me, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to share my ideas with readers.
What got you interested in productivity for writers?
I’ve been working with writers as a coach, teacher and editor for nearly 20 years now. I realized recently that what I’ve been trying to accomplish in everything I do is simply: to help people align themselves with possibility–by following desire into effective action. What I’ve found is that we’re so used to getting in our own way, we may have no idea how very likely our dreams and intentions may be. My goal is to help writers find a greater alignment between their writing and their lives–by tending all that is possible along the way. By focusing on productivity, writers can hone the attitudes and skills that will make the possible far more probable.
What does productivity mean to you? Is it all about getting more work done faster?
Productivity, as I see it, is about knowing who you are, how you think and process information, what your best skills and strengths are, what you fear, and how you resist. From there, it’s a matter of working with this unique constellation to cultivate the systems, strategies and attitudes what will serve you best in accomplishing what matters most to you in your writing life.
What is the most common productivity problem you see in freelance magazine writers?
I think the most universal challenge for every writer–and every person, for that matter–is fear. Fear shows up in the many disguises of: procrastination, perfectionism, and everything a writer doesn’t attempt (or repeat) for fear that s/he is not yet expert or knowledgeable enough to try.
The fact of the matter is this: While you’re busy obsessing about not knowing enough about a particular topic or market (and therefore not taking the appropriate steps toward developing your expertise, understanding your market, and sending it out), some other writer is going to write down what they know on that very topic and pitch it. This person is 100 percent more likely than you are to land the assignment, because they took the biggest step of all: Asking for it.
In your book, you talk about creativity and idea generation as well as the nitty-gritty of work productivity. What’s your biggest tip for writers who wonder where to find magazine article ideas?
My biggest tip for finding magazine article ideas: pay attention!
You want to be aware at all times about what’s appearing in the publications and on the topics that relate to your platform or key areas of interest and expertise. And you want to be equally aware of the insights, ideas, and inquiries that are pulsing through you at any given moment. A log that lets you connect the dots between these two can be extremely helpful. For example, each time you see a topic covered in print or online that relates to what you write, see if there’s a match with your own list of ideas — or if there could be.
Let’s say your platform is focused on the value and lifestyle of being thrifty. Perhaps the publication that wrote about downsizing homes this month might be interested in your query on how the value of thrift can bring a family closer during the holiday season. Your goal is not to repeat or repurpose the ideas you see, but to understand how they might create an opening for your own, loosely related topic.
You also talk about overcoming fear. How does fear hold aspiring freelancers back and what’s your top tip for fighting it?
Here’s my theory. Fear is the unconscious belief that we are not good enough. It is the subliminal act of rejecting ourselves before anyone else has a chance to weigh in one way or another. Fear says, “You can’t, you won’t, so why even bother?” And I believe that fear is relational: We position ourselves as inferior to something or someone—usually imagined or wildly exaggerated. And compared to this “other” we don’t measure up in our own eyes.
Who, exactly is holding this measuring stick? (We are.) Why do we give our power away like this to our inner meanie? (Habit.) Working with fear is a matter of taking your power back, to stop preempting yourself before you even figure out where your wings are and what their machinery might be. You can break this cycle right now.
When I am working with my own fear, I refer to my dog Henry, who looks like a dwarf Lab, a thick, black bullet of a midsized dog on basset hound–sized legs. Due to his unusual proportions, he faces some unique ambulatory challenges. But Henry wrestles and fetches and begs with just as much passion and delight as the next dog. He doesn’t seem bogged down with the burden of comparison—whether or not his normally proportioned canine sister performs better or worse than he does, for example. Rather, Henry focuses exclusively on what he wants and how to get it.
In my writing life, I try to think like Henry. I dive in because it’s joyful to do so. I stay focused on the end goal without self-consciousness. And I don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or how it might compare to how I’m doing—unless I see a strategy that’s working well at serving up treats or tennis balls—those are worthy of cataloging and imitating. I invite you to do the same.
How can writers create a productive portable workspace, since so many of us work at cafes and at our dining room tables?
Let’s say there is absolutely no corner of your living space that works as a permanent writing nook for you. No problem. I recommend that you create an office in a box: a collection of key items that you want and need when it’s time to set up shop to write. (Notebooks, laptop, a few pens and highlighters, file folders, Post-It notes, and a nice-smelling candle might comprise a basic starter kit.) Once the kids have finally gone to sleep and the kitchen is quiet and clean, reinvent it as your work space. Take the office-in-a-box out of the pantry, set up at the kitchen table in two minutes, and go.
Prefer to work in a public space? You’ll need all of the office-in-a-box stuff above (minus the candle), plus some easily portable container. I like a small, rolling briefcase/suitcase designed for airline travel. And if I need to lug a huge amount of stuff with me, I’ll use a rolling file cart with a retractable handle. Keep your wheeled stash stocked with all of your working essentials. It could even help to have a packing list in a front pocket that you refer to each time you head out to work virtually–so you can make sure you haven’t forgotten to bring some key ingredient, such as your laptop plug, the phone number for the conference call, or your lucky coffee mug.
Do you have any tips for being productive when you have a child at home?
Children take time–lots of it. So, if you are prioritizing children and also prioritizing your writing life, chances are that some other things that are important to you are going to have to slide a bit. It can help to have a list of what you are willing to postpone — for now — in service to your family and your writing. My exercising rhythm, volunteer commitments and social life took the biggest hits these past few years since becoming a mother. But in their place, I have the quality time I want and need with my son while supporting myself as a writer. All in all, I’m quite satisfied with the compromises.
The specifics of how you navigate productivity-plus-children in your own life will vary widely based on how many children you have, their ages, and the type of support you have from a partner, babysitter or other family member. But the main idea is to create and protect time/space that is dedicated entirely to your writing. Everyone in your home needs to understand what your working hours are and what the rules are around interrupting you. Plus, and maybe most importantly, they need to be reassured of how their needs will be well met (or how they are expected to pitch in) through whatever alternative-to-you-being-in-charge has been arranged during that time period.
I have one, two-year-old child. We’ve had the good fortune to have a part-time nanny, which covers about half of my working hours. The rest I have fit in during naptimes, after my son goes to bed and for a few hours on weekends when my husband is on duty. This rhythm has not done wonders for the layer of dog grime on the kitchen floor, but it has allowed me to work full time as a freelance writer while writing and promoting two books and raising a beautiful boy.
In short, in the slightly altered chant of Bob the Builder: Can we write it? Yes, we can! Your creativity, determination, clarity of purpose and great sleep hygiene will serve you well as you determine exactly how to put all of the pieces together in your own, productive-writing-while-parenting life.
What’s YOUR biggest productivity problem and what have you done to overcome it?
I am a “waste-time-while-fearing-that-I-can’t-do-it” type. Always have been. No matter how many thousands of times in my life I have proven this fear incontrovertibly wrong, it persists with its own independent logic and food supply. What I have learned to do is simply accept that this is going to be part of my process, not take it so seriously, and simply build the freak-out into my making-it-happen schedule.
For example, when I signed my first book contract, I planned for a month of floundering; and I executed this step in the schedule fabulously well. I spent that month freaking out about not being smart enough, capable enough, worthy enough to write a book, while gobbling up multiple episodes of Six Feet Under on DVD every night. Suffice it to say that within about six weeks or so, I had exhausted the entire multi-season supply of Six Feet Under, was stuffed uncomfortably full of death and dysfunction, and felt ready to shift gears.
I’ve been practicing this approach for so many years now that most of the time these days, when the stakes are not so high, I’ll just give a friendly nod to whatever fear comes up, and then go ahead and do whatever I’m doing without missing a beat.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’d love to invite folks to come get three, free party favors when they visit my new blog and learning laboratory, at pathofpossibility.com. You will also find information about five online classes — from poetry to productivity to business writing. You can download a FREE “Productivity Power Tools” workbook companion to The Productive Writer. Plus, if you sign up to receive email updates, you’ll get the FREE, 10-week email series, “10 Ways to Boost Writing Productivity.” You can also sign up for the FREE Writing the Life Poetic E-zine, which comes out six times per year.
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Jan 6, 2011 Advice, Motivation, Organization, productivity, Writer Q&A
I feel that it’s the “productivity” factor that truly defines a difference between a writer and a “hobbyist”. And to be perfectly honest, while I don’t have problems setting up my priorities and scheduling my work the procrastination is probably going to be the death of me. I keep trying to fight it but then I just, almost unconcsiously, go watch a favourite TV show (Primeval is my Six Feet Under really). As a “break” from work. And then two hours later I hesitantly go back to writing (hesitantly, because there are still episodes to watch)…
I refuse to think whether or not that makes me a hobbyist…
Thanks for your comment, Jane! We all procrastinate — some of us just do it more productively than others!
For example, when I don’t feel like writing the assignment that’s on my plate, I might instead send a letter of intro to an editor, follow up on old queries, moderate blog comments (like right now!), update my status on social media (where I’m connected with hundreds of writers and editors), or just sit and think (which is something we all need to do). But don’t think that procrastination makes you a hobbyist — if that were the case, there would probably be no professional writers!
I have to admit, when even your procrastination methods are productive you’ve reached a whole new level of awesomeness. It’s a little scary, I admit, but at the same time makes me want to go and be productive too.
LOL, thanks! I’m the type of person who always has to be doing something, and I feel best when I feel productive.
I agree with Linda! I find that it also helps to have benchmarks / guidelines for how much time is acceptable for various types of “productivity alternatives”! For example, you may know you’re allowed 15 minutes of social media time every morning. Or one hour of television every evening. After that, it’s time to find a new way to engage with what you’re intending or avoiding. This way, you can learn to trust that you won’t wander off beyond your own limit of what’s acceptable.
I actually decided recently (I hesitate to call it my New Year’s resolution) to only watch one episode a day, instead of marathons. And I’m seriously considering cutting back on the shows I only watch out of habit (and only stick with those that I’m still passionate about)
Productivity is definitely an issue for me as a writer. I’m still trying to find what works best for me as far as schedule, location, etc. For several months I’ve not had my own office or desk space at my house, so I’ve been doing the whole office-in-a-box thing out of my computer bag. It gets old, and sometimes I find myself complaining that I would get so much more done if I had a decent work space. When I find myself having those thoughts, I’ve chosen to counteract that excuse with the thought that one day, with a lot of hard work, I can look back on this time with great pride as the good old days when I started my writing career with little more than a dream and a laptop in a bag.
Thanks for this post and for the contest!
Rebecca, I’ve come full circle in the last 13 years — I started at the kitchen table, bought a home with an extra room for an office, rented a downtown office — and am back at the dining room table. Since I started working part-time hours, it didn’t make sense for me to rent a full-time office, my old home office has turned into a nursery for our son, and the office space in the game room has been commandeered by my freelancer husband (who doesn’t mind being surrounded by 1,300 board games while he works). Just the other day I was lamenting not having a space of my own, bit really working at the dining room table or in my favorite chair in the sitting room works just fine.
I’m smiling at your response, Linda, as I sit at my dining room table working — with a dedicated office available in another part of the house. I like the impulse that’s being shared here (an important productivity strategy, in my opinion) to appreciate what is while striving for what could be.
Hi Linda and Sage:
A superb interview which covers everything.
I think as well that this interview proves that even the most seasoned writers are susceptible to fear and procrastination. BUT, those seasoned writers know how to “get the job done” as well.
With regard to — “The fact of the matter is this: While you’re busy obsessing about not knowing enough about a particular topic or market (and therefore not taking the appropriate steps toward developing your expertise, understanding your market, and sending it out), some other writer is going to write down what they know on that very topic and pitch it. This person is 100 percent more likely than you are to land the assignment, because they took the biggest step of all: Asking for it.” — I once had a newletter editor of mine tell me. “While the better writer is procrastinating, the second best writer is getting published.” Or, see (LInda) my post about a query I DIDN’T write back that you blogged about back in late May of this year, a better example.
Steve
Love this: “While the better writer is procrastinating, the second best writer is getting published.” I’m stealing that from your newsletter editor.
Wow, this is a really great addition by Steve to a really great post. I am now wondering how many non-sales I have racked up over the years by not going ahead and doing that query. In any assignment, I’ve done research, asked questions, and learned more than I knew when I got the assignment. If we overcome the fear Linda’s talking about here, the best writer can get published!
I love coming here to be motivated, and that’s certainly the case this morning. Two things are staying in my mind: Henry the dog is my hero, and a hero isn’t someone who doesn’t feel fear: He feels fear and takes action anyway.
Glad you liked the interview! Have you read Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers? A good read.
No, I’ll look for it. Thanks!
This is definitely an issue I’ve been grappling with. I’m new to freelancing and while I’ve had some success, further progress is being stumped by the “waste-time-while-fearing-that-I-can’t-do-it” syndrome.
Good thing there are so many things you can do to waste time well that can still move you forward, even as you resist!
Ooh excited to hear about this book–thanks for offering the contest!
I recently asked a friend if that “I’m going to throw up now” feeling after sending an important pitch (or receiving an answer!) ever goes away. It feels almost too self-helpy for me sometimes, but really, the more we talk about fear, the better I feel just knowing we all go through it. Awesome interview!
I wonder if that “I’m going to throw up now” feeling may be the very best measure of taking just the right amount of risk that we need to grow.
YES! And you know why? Because it’s working
Oh I am so excited for the class tonight! I am a total “perfectionist” and also a “waste-time-while-fearing-that-I-can’t-do-it” type! Great interview! I am so glad to get to know Sage before the class. Thanks Linda!
danielle
I’d love to read The Productive Writer (even if I don’t win). Most days I feel pretty productive, but I’m sure there are a few tips I could use. I completely agree that fear is often the underlying reason behind procrastination or lack of productivity.
I spend lots of time every week hounding my sons about doing their homework, practicing their instruments, etc. etc., reminding them that they just need to sit down and get it done, and that they won’t improve/learn if they don’t keep at it. Then I think to myself, Oh please do not ask me how I spent my day while you were at school, because I spent it procrastinating rather than writing.
Too much perfectionism getting in my way.
I’m looking forward to tonight’s teleclass, and am ready to start living a Henry-like life.
What an interesting insight. As you start to work with your own resistance and discover new ways forward, I’d imagine you’ll find new ways to engage your sons in the things they resist.
Henry is curled up snoozing in his cozy green bed as I work; I’m ready to start living a Henry-like life, too! : )
Great interview! It sounds like her book deals with the physical, logistical aspects (workspace etc) as well as psychological issues. I love what she had to say about the many guises of fear. I wouldn’t have thought of procrastination as a form of fear, but it makes sense. My artist friend turned me on to a book called The Art of Fear, only I haven’t made the time to read it yet. Hmmm…
That made me smile: not having time for the book on fear. I’ll bet that if and when you really need it, you’ll find the time!
I love the idea of “planning for a month of floundering”. I like to take time to think about things — whether it’s floundering or strategizing, taking time up front makes sense to me!
I’m really looking forward to tonight’s teleseminar and hearing what Sage has to share. I’m uber-productive … but also looking for more/better ways to boost efficiency and productivity. Thanks for pointing out that procrastination (like I NEED to clean closets with a looming deadline) comes from fear.
Hi, everyone! I am thrilled to be here with you today. Thanks so much for having me, Linda. I look forward to our conversation about fear during this evening’s teleclass.
Procrastination will be the death of me. I’ve found that I have a harder time staying on task at home than if I go somewhere – even McDonald’s – to work. I’ve tried setting timers (work for an hour, take a 10 minute break), but I still always wind up thinking about other things I could be doing. The Productive Writer sounds great; I’ll definitely have to check it out regardless of the contest outcome.
Just reading your interview makes my head spin with possibilities. Being perfectionistic and starting writing at an older age, I have a few strikes against me. However, I always am learning to face the fear and move through it. I would love to win a copy of your book.
I’ve been finding Sage’s blog very useful in setting goals for 2011 and helping me do a better job of being a writer. I have a 22 month old, too and thinking of how much Linda and Sage get done with little kids makes me want to do more!
Sage, I really appreciate that you are taking on this issue! I’ve got massively ambitious goals for 2011, and need productivity tools to conquer my trepidation and overwhelment, so your resources sound great. (P.S. I’m looking forward to your book launch at Powell’s, too!)
Hi, Jenn, Congratulations on your big plans for 2011! I look forward to meeting you at Powell’s on the 17th! What fun.
What a great post! As a beginner, the tips about fear and productivity are especially useful! I find myself stopping myself before I start or wasting loads of time procrastinating. Thanks so much for this post and for introducing me to Sage
Thank you for the interview! I am really enjoying reading your advice on these issues. I really like the office-in-a-box idea. And I’m glad that I am not the only one that has to push writing off until the kiddo goes to bed. I have a huge problem with overcoming the fear in order to write, but I’ve been working on it.
My pleasure, Crystal! Be patient with yourself as you work with fear in your writing life.
Right now, I am reading the book, Feal the Fear and Do it Anyway, which is exactly what you are talking about. I am not, nor have I ever been a procrastinator – until it comes to writing/querying. I think I have finally figured out that it is fear keeping me down – fear of failure, fear of being successful, fear of judgements from others. Your comments on fear really hit the nail on the head with me.
Wonderful, Elizabeth. Recognizing fear is a huge step in releasing it / using it to move us forward instead of holding us back.
These are some great suggestions. I am often caught by fear and then have that moment of exasperation that says,”I could have written that.” I’d love to have your book.
Sage,Thank you for your great insight. I like your answer to “what does productivity mean to you?” It really is something that is unique to each individual’s style. And your comment of helping writers find more alignment between their writing and their lives. After reading that I’ve decided to make that my moto for the new year.
Lovely! Thanks for telling me so. Happy writing this year.
Excellent interview. Thank you! I could relate to a lot of what Sage discussed, especially the challenges of writing with young kids at home and overcoming our fear of not being good enough. I discussed these same issues on my blog last month. I am glad to have found some more like minded writers
Looking forward to connecting again. Until then…happy writing!
The book looks great. I’d love to read it!
Interesting interview! I’ve struggled for a long time with the twin issues of fear and not believing in myself (you’re right; they’re really different faces of the same thing), and it’s good to know that there are ways out of the swamp. Now if I can just find the courage to actually follow the path out of the swamp…
Thanks for a great post! I’ve been thinking about expanding the writing I’ve done for local newspapers into more of a freelance career, but after reading your post I realize there is a certain amount of fear that results in procrastination. You’ve described it perfectly and offered some useful solutions. Thanks!
Great post! Looks like a great book to add to the personal library as well!
Great interview! And I really enjoyed the teleclass this evening. Thanks Sage!
I love this informative post, especially the Henry analogy. It’s so true!
I’m curious on why you think the fear of not being good enough plagues most writers. I know in my case, not being university educated and mostly self-taught, my fear is always that people will discover that I am a hack. It doesn’t matter that I’m writing for progressively higher paying publications or that I’ve been given multiple assignments from the same editor/pub. The fear is generally there with each new assignment. Yet, if I compare that to my time working in a maximum security penitentiary, I can’t think of one time where I sat there dwelling on the fear or why I might not be smart enough to talk my way out of a situation, or big enough, or quick enough, etc.
So, why writers, or more accurately, writing?
As for productivity, with 4 wonderful children and final one on the way, I’m always looking for ways to be more productive… though some would say I already am!
T.
I can’t answer for anyone else, but to me, writing feels like exposing my innermost mind in a way that most other things don’t. In my particular case, I’m worried that I’m too stupid, and if I put my thoughts down where others will see them, everyone will know! Modest academic success (B.S. degree in a difficult field) hasn’t done much to dent this worry, unfortunately. Perhaps it’s related to the so-called imposter syndrome. I’m eager to hear other answers to your question.
The closer to our hearts our work is, the higher the stakes. There can be profound vulnerability in sharing our writing. These are the risks that show us we are strong, that teach us we can count on ourselves to give fear a friendly nod and then do what we are called to do.
I think the productivity of our writing will come when we have a passion there. That’s the key. in my country, Indonesia, there are many writers who have a high productivity. There was a writer who is able to write several novels in a month. Besides passion, he adds another key, that is discipline, hard work and time management.
Fascinating! I don’t think productivity is covered enough for writers, yet it is important to find a system that works for you and your situation. Otherwise you find yourself going round in circles rather than going where you want to go.
Thanks for the great advice!
Sara
What stood out for me most in this great post is wher Sage talks about knowing that her process is to freak out & procrastinate, but in the end move forward. This is a year of major marketing & upleveling my business. So recognizing and EXPECTING to have a glut of insecrurities & paralyzing doubts is helpful, in that I’ll be prepared for them & committed to move forward!
Yes, it definitely helps to be one step ahead of your own, bad habits! : )
Thanks for a great teleclass last night, Sage. I’d love to read your book. I succeed in sitting at my desk ALL DAY long, but too much time is spent going through my email, saving the whales, renewing my library books, balancing my checkbook, etc. And some Sudoku (hey, I’m improving my MIND!!) and Facebook too, of course.
I’ve had a little success with “productive” procrastination–writing a blog post, reading writers websites, but really, I need to send out way more queries. And no good excuses! No kids, no husband, no demanding job. Sometimes I think I’d be more productive if my time were more tightly scheduled.
Annelise, How might you create more tightly scheduled time? If your life circumstances don’t provide this, maybe you could imagine and implement your own.
I seem to use my ADD and the disorganization that goes with it to camouflage my fears. Right now, it’s “I’ll write after I declutter the home office and make it functional.” Which is silly since my *real* command central is the couch in the living room. I can write there any time!
Ideas are never a problem, and I’ll work them out in my mind. When I think them through, they sound just great. If I could just reach into my brain and pull them out, cut and paste them onto the computer! Dang, doesn’t work that way.
And my all time favorite time waster–finding a new organization system. Gee I love systems. And all the paraphernalia of boxes and planners and tasklists.
The only time I do sustained writing is with my writing group at the local coffee shop. No distractions, just me and my notebook. There’s a really obvious lesson here, staring me in the face.
A resounding YES to being more productive! I find it helpful to stick a post-it note or two around my computer screen reminding me of bills that need to be paid or fun stuff I’d like to do. This tends to light a fire under me!
Thanx for giveaway!
Glad the lesson is clear, Mary! I wonder what steps you’ll take next now that you’ve named this for yourself?
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