A client recently asked me about the meaning behind the name of my consulting business, This Time/Next Time. I explained to her that this phrase I’ve coined is an invaluable tool for engaging with the marathon of writing. You can have it for free!
Many years ago, I came across the advice from a famous writer—maybe it was Hemingway - who said he would stop his writing sessions at the start of a new or exciting idea. That way, when he came back to his desk he could plug into that inspired momentum. Plenty of writers do this. It’s a good idea.
But after practicing it a few times I found my own way of concretizing the practice. After each writing session I will briefly summarize what I accomplished THIS TIME and where I will pick up NEXT TIME. It wasn’t long before every one of my projects had a separate file tracking this information. A dedicated THIS TIME/NEXT TIME document. For example, BASTARD_THIS TIME/NEXT TIME or TOXIC_THIS TIME/NEXT TIME or NECTAR and on and on. Here’s an example from my current project:
Fun, right? I mean, bag of pig snouts? I’d watch that.
This tool, this phrase, this habit, this mindset is invaluable to me, especially as I have juggled more and more projects and jobs and children over the years. This Time/Next Time cuts down on the sluggish blank stares at the beginning of a writing session. It gives my brain a head start—provides a spark to ignite the fire more quickly.
There are loads of elements to track when you’re writing a long piece, and no matter how solid your writing routine is, you’re bound to have interruptions and distractions that threaten to disrupt your flow. I’ve shared this technique with students at NYU and Pratt Institute and the writers at Almanack Screenwriters. Several people have thanked me for it, saying it’s made a big difference for them.
I have a boatload of practical advice like this for my clients (and friends and strangers in bars) in addition to my creative notes and conversations related to projects. If you’re interested in my help with planning or generating or crafting a story, reach out. We can have a quick chat to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
This time and next time…