How to Make a Million Dollars

HA. Made you look. No, I'm not going to tell you how to make a million dollars. If I knew how to do that, I wouldn't be sharing my secret. At least, not for free. I'm going to help you get your procrastination under control. You don't procrastinate, you say? Well, what are you doing here instead of working on your manuscript?

Honestly, do you find yourself surfing the net or checking your email or playing spider solitaire when you really should be putting the final edits on your Great American Novel?

I just found the coolest timer ever at Harmony Hollow Software http://www.harmonyhollow.net/cool_timer.shtml

I downloaded it, changed a few settings so it stays on top of my document. Then I can set the time for whatever increments I want. I'm always getting sidetracked an zoning out to check my email, or blogs or whatever. Now I set my timer for an hour and write. When my hour is up, I allow myself a ten minute break and set my timer. Then I can surf or email or raid the fridge. When the timer goes off, I reset it for an hour and write again. If I need to stop for a pitstop, I stop the clock, make my pitstop and then come back and restart the time.

It's such a little thing, but it really keeps me on track. I know you could do the same thing by watching a clock or using a kitchen timer, but this is free and it's way cool.