Hi everyone! Today, I want to share how I manage my projects as a fantasy writer, game developer, and content creator. I juggle multiple projects, including creating content for this channel, my writing, game development, and even a couple of other YouTube channels. It can be a lot, but I've developed a system that works for me, and I hope it can help you too!
One of the tools that has been a game-changer for me is Evernote. It's a paid app, but I find it well worth the cost. I use it to keep track of all my notes, ideas, and progress across different projects. The way I organize everything is through 'stacks,' which are essentially folders. Here’s how I make use of it:
• I have different stacks for my YouTube channels, writing projects, and game development.
• Within each stack, I create individual notes for each topic, idea, or task I need to remember. I attach relevant links, reference materials, Excel sheets, and anything else that might be helpful.
For instance, I use an Excel sheet to track my Steam page views and correlate them with my social media posts to understand where my traffic is coming from. This way, I can make informed decisions about where to focus my marketing efforts.
The best part about using Evernote is that it ensures I never lose an idea. Whether I’m on my phone or computer, every thought, idea, or concept gets recorded and stored. This is especially important for my writing and game development. Sometimes, I may not use an idea for months or even years, but it’s always there, ready to be revisited.
If Evernote Isn’t for You – Try OneNote!
I know not everyone wants to pay for an app, so if you're looking for a free alternative, Microsoft OneNote is a great option. It offers similar features, allowing you to create and organize notes in folders. The key is to use clear titles so you can easily find what you're looking for later.
By the way, I’ve created a checklist for publishing your game!
it's completely free if you sign up for my newsletter. If you’re only interested in the guide and want to unsubscribe later, that’s absolutely fine! But if you decide to stick around, you’ll get more tips and insights from me. You can download it here: Free Game Publishing checklist.
Another feature I love in Evernote is the ability to create to-do lists and check off tasks as I complete them. There's something so satisfying about seeing a task disappear once it's done! I break down my goals into different stages:
• Big Goals: Things I want to achieve in a few months (e.g., publishing my book in six months).
• Weekly Goals: More manageable targets, like reaching a certain word count or completing a game mechanic.
• Daily Tasks: Smaller, actionable steps that contribute to the larger goals.
What's great about Evernote is that I can set reminders for each task, so I get notifications on my computer or phone when something is due. This helps keep me on track and ensures I don’t forget important deadlines.
One of the most motivating things about using to-do lists is being able to look back and see how far I've come. It’s easy to feel like you’re not making progress, but having a record of everything you've accomplished can be incredibly encouraging.
If you’re not keen on using Evernote, you can try Microsoft To-Do Lists or even use your calendar to set reminders. Find what works best for you!
As a writer, game developer, and content creator, staying organized is crucial. It doesn't matter if you use an app or prefer a good old-fashioned notebook; what's important is finding a system that works for which will helps you track your ideas, progress, and tasks.
I’ve also written a short book on how to set up your YouTube channel, focusing on gaming and game development. If you're interested, you can find the book in the description below or check it out here:
Finally, if you’re curious about my game, Separated by Nightmares: Where Duty Dies I’d love your support! Please wishlist it on Steam – it would mean the world to me, especially come launch day.
You can check it out here: Wishlist My Game
Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in my next post!