Here’s a polished version that keeps your voice intact while enhancing clarity and flow:
A client recently asked me about the meaning behind the name of my consulting business, This Time/Next Time. I told her it’s a phrase I’ve coined—an invaluable tool for navigating the marathon of writing. And guess what? You can have it for free!
Years ago, I came across advice from a famous writer—maybe Hemingway—who said he would stop his writing sessions right at the start of a new or exciting idea. That way, when he returned to his desk, he could tap into that inspired momentum. Plenty of writers swear by this approach, and it’s a good one.
But after trying it a few times, I found a way to make the practice my own. At the end of each writing session, I take a moment to briefly summarize what I accomplished this time and outline where to pick up next time. Before long, every one of my projects had its own dedicated This Time/Next Time file: BASTARD_THIS TIME/NEXT TIME, TOXIC_THIS TIME/NEXT TIME, NECTAR_THIS TIME/NEXT TIME, and so on. Here’s an example from my current project:
“THIS TIME: Fun cat and mouse: Jump from a height before the farm; add jungle before Charles arrives; bag of pig snouts.
NEXT TIME: Electrify doorknob; add dried blood to the arrow; keep going...”
Fun, right? I mean, bag of pig snouts? I’d watch that.
This tool—this phrase, this habit, this mindset—has been invaluable to me, especially as I’ve juggled more and more projects, jobs, and children over the years. This Time/Next Time cuts down on those sluggish blank stares at the start of a writing session. It gives my brain a head start—a spark to ignite the fire more quickly.
Writing a long piece comes with a load of moving parts to keep track of, and no matter how solid your routine, interruptions and distractions are inevitable. This Time/Next Time helps safeguard your flow. I’ve shared this technique with students at NYU and Pratt Institute and with the writers at Almanack Screenwriters. Several people have told me it’s made a big difference for them.
I’ve got a boatload of practical advice like this for my clients (and occasionally for friends and strangers in bars) alongside creative notes and deep-dive conversations about their projects. If you’re looking for help with planning, generating, or crafting a story, reach out. Let’s have a quick chat to see if we’re a good fit.
This time and next time…