You're in the process of taking a writer's course and the abundance of information thrown your way is filed neatly in your brain. You wish you could say the same for your workspace. While all your notes, research, writer's books, etc., are valuable for your writing career it's a miracle you can even find your desk under the sea of paper. It's imperative that you have the best filing system for your needs!

1. Analyze and Purchase Supplies: First make a visit to your local office supply store and purchase hanging folders, manila folders and folder labels. If you don't have a file cabinet now would be a good time to purchase one. You could purchase the good old standard metal filing cabinet or a file cabinet on wheels. The file cabinet on wheels would come in handy if you are limited on space and need to remove it from your work area when entertaining.

2. Identify Categories: Upon your return tackle the job of sorting your mounds (hope it's not too deep) of paper into categories.
File names:

• Agent Info
• Character Development
• Critique Groups Dialogue
• Editing
• Commas & Punctuation
• Grammar
• Point of View; Plotting & Outlining Your MS
• Scene & Story Structure
• Sensory Details.

3. Create Your Files: Place all your pertinent papers in the appropriate file. Each manila folder should be inserted into an individual hanging file in alphabetical order for easy retrieval and filing.

4. Desktop File: Jan Jasper, author of Take Back Your Time: How to Regain Control of Work, Information, and Technology (St. Martin's Press) states: "Action files must always be within easy reach - ideally in a small desktop file holder that holds the file folders upright so the tabs are clearly visible. For added peace of mind, make a note in your calendar or scheduling software to remind you of important dates. This combats the "out-of-sight, out of mind" worry and lets you clear your desk without fearing you'll forget something important" [from Conquer Desktop Clutter with Action Files © Jan Jasper; 2001-2007]

Suggested important files to maintain to keep in your line of sight on your desktop are:

• Writing - Follow-up
• Writing - Reading
• Writing - Research
• Writing - To Do
• Writing - Work-in Progress

5. Follow-through: Lastly, it is important that you maintain your new filing system daily or at least weekly. This way you will not get piled under the dreaded mounds of paper.

By following these five tips on an ongoing basis your tidal wave of papers will surely cease to exist.