How I Organise My Writing - Chris Eller's Knowledge Garden

## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=0s) - This episode is part of the Productivity Mastery series, which covers various topics related to productivity, and it starts with an introduction to how writing is organized [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=0s) - The video takes a slightly different approach from the regular format, focusing on the organization of writing applications, specifically Ulysses [(00:00:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=7s) - Ulysses is an application that can be considered a note-taking app, but it has been used for writing short-form articles, including blog posts and newsletters, for the last five to eight years [(00:00:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=17s) - The types of writing produced using Ulysses include two weekly newsletters, a podcast script, and a blog post, all of which are forms of short-form articles [(00:00:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=39s) ## My Workflow [(00:00:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=45s) - A workflow is utilized to manage multiple writing items each week, with Ulysses being the chosen tool [(00:00:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=48s) - The workflow is explained to illustrate that skilled craftsmen typically have multiple tools for their work, as each tool excels at a specific task [(00:00:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=58s) - Various writing tasks, such as blog posts and newsletters, could be completed using alternative tools like [[Apple Inc. | Apple]] Notes, [[Evernote]], [[Microsoft Word]], or Apple's Pages, but a specific tool is preferred for each task [(00:01:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=80s) ## Ulysses [(00:01:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=91s) - Ulysses is a writing tool that is preferred for its simplicity, allowing the user to be less distracted with a dark background and full screen mode, and the option to remove all sidebars, resulting in a relaxing writing environment [(00:01:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=91s). - The setup of Ulysses includes features such as full blown markdown, but it can be complex for those without a background in computer software, making it a complicated mess for some users [(00:02:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=128s). - Despite the option to use markdown, Ulysses also allows for a more traditional way of formatting text, such as highlighting and pressing a button to bold text, which is a preferred method for some users [(00:02:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=155s). - Ulysses provides flexibility in formatting text, including the use of asterisks for bolding, setting up links to articles, and other features, making it a versatile tool for writing [(00:02:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=163s). - The simplicity and flexibility of Ulysses make it an ideal writing tool, allowing users to focus on their work and enjoy the writing process, which is one of the most favorite parts of the work for many users [(00:01:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=117s). ## Notes vs Tasks [(00:03:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=189s) - Ulysses is a dedicated writing tool that has been used for a long time, and its design for writing makes it a preferred choice, with the key to its usefulness being its focus on writing [(00:03:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=189s). - [[Evernote]] is a note-taking app that introduced tasks last year, but it is not intended to replace task management tools like Todoist, as it is primarily designed for taking notes and is less effective at task management [(00:03:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=219s). - Todoist is a task manager that is better suited for managing tasks due to its focus on providing the best experience for task management, and its developers are dedicated to improving this experience [(00:04:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=257s). - The main difference between notes and tasks is that notes are for storing information, while tasks are for managing and completing specific actions, and using separate tools like Ulysses for writing and Todoist for task management can be more effective [(00:03:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=230s). - Evernote has improved as a note-taking app over the last six months, and its focus on note management makes it a solid choice for storing and organizing information [(00:04:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=281s). - The key message is that using dedicated tools for specific tasks, such as Ulysses for writing and Todoist for task management, can provide a better experience and improve productivity [(00:04:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=289s). ## My Ulysses setup [(00:04:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=293s) - Productivity tools should be used for their intended purpose, without attempting to make them do things they were not originally designed to do, as this can lead to added complexity and potential breakdowns [(00:04:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=293s). - The goal of productivity tools is to have them work seamlessly in the background, only becoming relevant when needed to determine the next task or action [(00:05:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=318s). - The Ulysses setup includes an inbox, which is a default feature that can be used to store ideas, and can also be used in conjunction with drafts to throw in ideas directly [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=332s). - Below the inbox, there is a drafts section, where draft articles written for the week are stored, including blog posts, podcast scripts, and newsletters, with typically four pieces written each week [(00:05:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=355s). - The drafts are kept in the drafts section for the week and then archived into a published area the following week, which is organized by type, such as blog posts and podcast scripts [(00:06:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=378s). - The published area in Ulysses contains a large archive of written work, including every podcast script and blog post, with over 2 million words stored in Ulysses, which is backed up to [[ICloud | iCloud]] for access from various devices [(00:06:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=391s). - The use of Ulysses and iCloud allows for instant access to the archived work from an [[IPhone | iPhone]], [[IPad | iPad]], or computer, providing a convenient and organized system for managing written content [(00:06:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=407s). ## My writing experience [(00:06:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=416s) - Ulysses is a reliable writing tool that has never failed, allowing writing to be done on a phone, despite the small keyboard, and this flexibility is beneficial for writing in various situations [(00:06:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=416s). - Writing on a phone is possible, but not the easiest experience, and in the past, writing was done on a bus and train during daily commutes, which helped to be productive instead of procrastinating or reading the news [(00:07:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=422s). - Ulysses provides a great writing experience, making it a wonderful tool to use, and it is preferred over other applications like [[Microsoft Word]], Pages, and [[Evernote]] for writing purposes [(00:07:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=458s). - For book writing, a different application called [[Scrivener]] is used, which is specifically designed for writing scripts and books, and it helps to organize long-form content with multiple chapters and subheadings [(00:08:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=480s). - Ulysses is suitable for short-form writing, such as pieces under 5000 words, but Scrivener is better for organizing and compiling longer content like books into various formats [(00:08:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=491s). - Once writing is complete in Ulysses, the export function can be used to publish the content to a blog on Medium or a website, or to export it in a rich text format for use in newsletters, preserving links and formatting [(00:08:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=537s). ## Conclusion [(00:09:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=557s) - The main point of the discussion is to encourage viewers to not limit themselves to a specific tool and try to make it work for tasks it was not originally designed to do, as illustrated by the example of a [[Ferrari]] being great on an expressway but not off-road [(00:09:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=558s). - A Ferrari is a single-purpose vehicle designed for speed, with a two-seater capacity, and is not suitable for family use or off-road driving, whereas a [[Range Rover]] is a multi-purpose vehicle that can handle various environments [(00:09:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=586s). - Different tools, such as Ulysses, Todoist, and [[Evernote]], have specific purposes, with Ulysses being used for short-form writing, Todoist for task management, and Evernote for collecting notes and ideas [(00:10:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=641s). - Evernote is not designed for writing blog posts due to its distracting features, but it can be used for writing if preferred, and it is enjoyable to use for collecting and organizing notes and ideas [(00:10:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=659s). - The key takeaway is to use tools for their intended purposes and not try to force them to do something they are not designed to do, and to use the right tool for the specific type of work being done [(00:11:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=672s). - The discussion concludes with a thank you message and a wish for viewers to have a very productive week [(00:11:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=677s). ## Time Management System [(00:11:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=688s) - A brand new time management system has been developed to manage time in the 21st century, taking into account the significant changes that have occurred over the last 20 years [(00:11:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=689s). - The time management system is designed to be easy to use and maintain, allowing individuals to spend more time doing their work [(00:11:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=694s). - The system, referred to as the time sector system, focuses on when tasks will be done, recognizing that motivation, inspiration, and urgency are not enough to get work done without allocated time [(00:11:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=696s). - The primary goal of the time sector system is to help individuals get their work done, so they can spend more time doing the things they want to do [(00:11:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=700s). - The system is built around the idea that having time to do a task is essential to its completion, regardless of motivation or urgency [(00:11:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=707s). - The details of the course on the time sector system are available in the show notes, and individuals are invited to join the course to learn more [(00:12:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ&t=752s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpByWpG-NQ)