If you're only using your computer for word processing, internet and emailing, you're missing out. Make that box help you stay organized and even keep you on task.

First, organize. If you haven't already, create computer folders to classify your writing projects: nonfiction, fiction. Those folders might include subfolders: picture books, magazine pieces, etc. Break it down farther if needed (i.e. separate folders for each specific novel in your novel folder).

Did you type up your notes from a conference? Save them in a marketing folder on your computer. Store electronic copies of guidelines and theme lists there, too. Use a document to record books you've read, the publisher, and your thoughts.

Maintain a file for "manuscripts out." Include a section for ones to be sent plus what each house or magazine has from you now. A file that lists each publisher and what you've sent is a helpful companion.

Use a spreadsheet or a money management program to keep track of writing expenses and income to make tax filing easier.

Back up these important files and folders on a regular basis. A USB drive is an inexpensive and quick way to do so.

Second, keep on task. Use your computer as an electronic nagger. You can schedule "to do" items, including deadlines, and set up a program to remind you. Microsoft Outlook is probably the most common one, but there are many reminder software programs available if you don't have one. They vary in cost from free to $60, with many in the $20-25 range. Investigate them on the Internet. Often you can download one and try it for free before buying.

Making our computers work for us takes self-discipline. We have to make ourselves: keep information up-to-date, back up folders and files, and schedule deadlines. However, the structure of being organized and staying on task can free us to get back to our first love-writing!

How to set up Outlook (for Windows 98 & newer): 1. Launch the program (double-click on the icon on your desktop or go to "Start" "All Programs" and locate the program and double-click). When the window opens, double-click on "Calendar" on the left. (If you don't see the calendar, you may need to scroll using the arrow button. If you don't have the icon list on the left of the window, go to "View" and select "Outlook bar.") 2. When the calendar opens, use arrow keys on the month calendars on the right to locate the date you want to be reminded. Double-click on the date. In the center of the window see the correct day. Click on the empty box beside the time you want the computer to remind you, and type your reminder (i.e. submissions due next week for magazine Z's summer theme list). 3. Minimize the Outlook window when done or choose another date and/or time and add your next reminder. 4. If the item is a recurring item, or you want to fine-tune the time, double-click in the area where you are typing. When the new window pops up, look at your options for time. The default is to remind you 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Change how you'd like. Click on "Save and Close." Click on "Recurrence" if it is an event that happens regularly (i.e. monthly critique meeting). Appointment recurrence window pops up. Decide what is appropriate (i.e. 2nd Monday of each month, every Tuesday, every third week on Thursday) and click the button for that option. Tell the system how many times you want to be reminded. Indefinitely? 3 times? Until January 1st? Click "OK," then "Save and Close." Minimize Outlook. 9. Important! Add Outlook to the "Start Up" folder-this makes it run each time you turn your computer on. If you neglect this step, you'll have to remember to start Outlook manually each time you turn on your computer. It can't remind you unless it is running! Find out how to set it up to start automatically by going to "Start," "Help and Support" and search for "Start a program each time you start windows." Follow the directions or find a friendly nerd to help you. 10. Entered a reminder on the wrong date? Find the reminder in your calendar. Double-click on the reminder in the day window. When the appointment window pops up, go to the date box and change it to the correct date. You can either use the arrows or type in. Click on "Save and Close."

Return to Work Habits

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