The secret to multitasking is that it isn’t actually multitasking. It’s just extreme focus and organization. —Joss Whedon
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The term “multi-tasking,” sometimes called “multi-processing,” has become part of the lexicon of modern writers. Multi-tasking implies doing two or more things at one time. Although it’s not possible to have the brain consciously working on two different problems at the same time, many of us say we’re multi-tasking when we think about the plot of our next book while doing brain-free activities like household chores, etc.
In the world of computers, the term “multi-processing” means there are two or more processors, now called ‘cores,’ working inside the computer. Neither of them is doing more than one job at a time. However, since there are multiple cores, they can accomplish multiple tasks in parallel.
The term “multi-programming,” however, describes a single processor that works on one thing at a time, but may swap tasks to be more efficient. For example, if one process has issued a print command, the processor may initiate the print, then return to the original process to continue or even start another process. It may appear that it’s doing multiple jobs at the same time, but it really isn’t.
So multi-tasking for writers where concentration is involved is more like multi-programming. We each have one brain and can only process one thing at a time, but we can swap tasks in and out to maximize our efficiency.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I’m in the midst of a multi-tasking hurricane. My husband and I are moving to another home, and even though we thought we had pared down all the stuff we own, we seem to have acquired more! I’m sitting in the middle of dozens of boxes, mostly books, with more to be packed. And then there are all the other things that need to be taken care of when moving from one place to another.
In addition to all that, my first middle grade novel, Another Side of Sunshine, launched a couple of weeks ago and requires some attention in the marketplace. The next book in the series is in the final stages of editing, and I’ll need to spend some time reviewing the entire manuscript and running text-to-speech on it. Then there’s the second book in the Lady Pilot-in-Command series which is partially written but needs significant hours of work. Email requires attention, and there’s always a need to post on social media, run a promotion, communicate with other authors, and of course, write a bi-weekly TKZ post.
In order to accomplish all these tasks and retain a modicum of sanity, I need to multi-program – swap from one task to another in the most efficient way possible. I’m finding that spending 30 minutes to an hour on one thing, then switching to another works pretty well. Refocusing turns my attention to the matter at hand and gives the boys in the basement a chance to continue working on all the other tasks.
I’ll be at the new home today and not sure how much connectivity I’ll have there, but I’ll check in when I can.
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So TKZers: Even without moving from one home to another, there are dozens of writing-related tasks that we have to keep up with. How do you manage them all? Do you divide your day up into time slices? Any secrets you want to share with the rest of us?
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Cryptic clues, the elusive Mr. Shadow, and the promise of a hidden treasure combine to give the Reen & Joanie Detective Agency their first challenge. But they can’t multi-task. They have to solve the clues in a sequence, and they only have three days to find the treasure before time runs out. Can they do it?
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No system, sorry. I deal with things as they come up.
Good morning, Terry.
Dealing with things as they come up is a system in itself, right? Whatever works for you is the right approach.
Much is made of multi-tasking but I often wonder if it isn’t just a way to write off the inattention that so frequently plagues us all to one degree or another in modern society.
I don’t have a system. Honestly, at this age, I complete tasks according to energy level. More mundane things can be done when I’m tired (i.e. the business side of writing), and I try to do the things which require more energy/focus earlier in the day (i.e. writing/research).
Best wishes on the move! That’s an exhausting process but you’ll be exxcited when it’s done.
Good morning, Brenda!
“I don’t have a system.” Actually, the way you describe doing different tasks at different times of day is a good system. It uses your resources most efficiently.
Have a great week.
Our brains aren’t wired to multitask, unless one task is auditory, like writing with headphones on. I wrote about it here, if you’re interested: https://killzoneblog.com/2021/07/can-multitasking-harm-the-brain.html
Good luck with your move, Kay!
Thanks for the link to your TKZ post, Sue. Good information there.
I re-read my comment on your post where I compared multi-tasking with having several cleaning people working on a house at the same time. Each had their own tasks.
Have a great week.
I’ve always considered myself a multitasker…you know, talk on the phone while mixing up a recipe…might explain why I sometimes miss an ingredient…I think science has debunked the idea that we can do two things at once, yet we keep on trying. 🙂
Morning, Patricia.
I laughed out loud at your example of mixing a recipe while talking on the phone. I sometimes think about some issue I’m having with a book while I’m making dinner. The results can be interesting. Good thing my husband has a sense of humor.
Good morning, Kay. I knew a writer, the late Jay Lake, who could literally multi-task. He would be drafting a story at his usual clip, suddenly realize he needed to know something for the story, pop on the internet for a fact, then dive back into the story. The same for a quick email. I could never do that.
I’m not even great at the multi-programming, AKA “task switching” you discuss. Usually it’s deadline pressure that prods me to do so. What I’ve found that works for me is to separate tasks by sessions, not sprints. So, a task before breakfast. One after our morning walk and breakfast. Another during my main session, which is usually devoted to my WIP.
It’s a bit easier with a marketing related task, but even so, doing that separate by some time is important.
The other thing that helps with this task-switching is that old standby, a list, and checking off things as I finish them.
Good luck with your move! Hope it goes smoothly.
You’re right about the checklist, Dale. I couldn’t make it through the week without my to-do list.
Have a great week!
Hahaha, Kay and Pat! More than once I’ve ended up with unintentional unleavened bread cuz I was concentrating on something else and forgot the yeast.
Like Brenda, I work on harder tasks early in the day when I’m fresher. I take hourly exercise breaks to stretch stiff joints and reboot the brain.
Editing clients come first cuz they pay the bills. Then I work on one of several writing projects, depending on which deadline comes first. Plus reading submissions for a monthly critique group.
Lists help keep track of to-do items. Feels good to cross those off.
Hope you enjoy your new home!
Hi Debbie,
Multi-tasking in the kitchen can lead to interesting results! 🙂
And yes, I love the feeling of checking off a task on the to-do list. I’ve even been known to add the task to the list after it was accomplished just so I could check it off!
Have a good week.
👍👍👍
I make a list each day of my top three tasks that need worked on, checking them off as I finish each one.
As the work day progresses, I might cross one out and add a different one, switch the order of the tasks identified, or . . . wad up the paper, throw it in the “file” under my desk, and go outside. 🙂
And since my three fledglings left the nest decades ago and I retired from my 9-5, I’m not much of a multi-tasker.
Works for me.
Hi Deb.
Looks like we’re all in agreement that the to-do list is critical no matter how you schedule the day.
Have a good week.