TESTING THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE // a writing vlog

It's a writing vlog + experiment! Today I'm testing out the Pomodoro Technique as I work on Draft 3, beta reads, and my author website.
☟↓ QUESTIONS FOR YOU BELOOOOOW! ↓☟
D I S C U S S I O N Q U E S T I O N S :
Have you used the Pomodoro Technique before? If not, would you want to try?
What are your tips for not getting distracted while writing/at your desk?
L I N K S M E N T I O N E D :
Pomodoro Technique wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodor...
🌎 F I N D M E O N L I N E :
🐤 Twitter: / cavanaughwrites
📸 Instagram: / katecavanau. .
💛 Patreon: / katecavanaugh
🔆 Website: katecavanaugh.co/index.php/blog/
✍️ Medium: / katecavanaughwrites
🙌 NaNoWriMo: nanowrimo.org/participants/wr...
💌 S N A I L M A I L M E :
PO Box #1022
607 E. Blanco Road
Boerne, TX 78006
#authortube #writingvlog

[@mazorine]

Kate: hey duke Duke: ugh wat Kate: do you wanna go outs- Duke: AHHAHANFJDJDJ

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahahaa this is every interaction of ours ever. 🐶

[@kailamichelle6126]

This is DEFINITELY my dog😂😂

[@happinesss2]

This was the cutest ever. He's so freaking cute 💗

[@kelly_seastar]

It cracks me up that "Project Purple" is pink.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Trust, it cracks me up too bahaha. Next time I'll wait to name my projects a color until I see what they look like in person. 😂 Purple just fits the story!!!

[@adenineful]

Kate Cavanaugh I'm really hoping you'll be able to incorporate "Purple... it's pink. It's fine" into the story as an easter egg 😂

[@jetteharris9128]

@@adenineful YES! That would be hilarious!

[@anookishexception7234]

Yay a new video. Also Kate I was thinking I think it'd be interesting to see you and one of your Authortube friends to switch writing routines for a day (or a week). What do you think?

[@giseledute]

The video has almost 25 minutes. Can be used as/for Pomodoro Technique hahahaha

[@KateCavanaugh]

BAHAHAHAHA. Why didn't I make this 2 minutes longeR?!?

[@Renee-Heal-The-Eagle]

@@KateCavanaugh The average attention span is 20 minutes so your video is on point.

[@baileybarnett2276]

Not gonna lie... I really want to read Project Purple.

[@alivia329]

me too! It just sounds so interesting!!!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

AWWW THANK YOU! I've got my fingers crossed that someday you'll be able to. I'm hoping to query later this year. 🤞

[@katrissgarnier7513]

Same though! And I usually don’t read in that genre. But DUDE I LOVE the premise!

[@ryantaylor6751]

I think I've learned most about you from your interactions with your puppy; and it has said a wealth of good things about you. How one interacts with their animals is very revealing! :D

[@sandraschehl7032]

I get together with a bunch of writer friends every Sunday at our favorite coffeehouse and do writing sprints. we start at every half hour and do a 20-minute sprint, followed by a 10-minute break. Anyone who hits 500 words during their sprint gets a sticker. So we are doing 20-minute pomodoros but adding the group dynamic and trying to hit 500 words for the sticker is an extra incentive. Surprisingly, every one of us has increased our writing output over the last several months. I know for me, the quality of my writing has gone up drastically as well.

[@writative8285]

Pomodoro helps me write too. I have longer intervals (35 minutes) just because I'm slow to get going but the time you work is very subjective. You'll find what feels right for you. Also, I'll be honest, setting a timer is as important for getting me started as it is for keeping me focused. I procrastinate BAD sometimes, especially when I have work I don't want to do. Splitting it into chunks helps me feel like "I can do this!" Thanks for a great video Kate :D

[@haileyk2276]

I am writing a book and you make me happy I listen and watch your videos every day while I write my book

[@ShelinaV]

Can we talk about how happy it makes me when I see that making coffee intro?! 😍

[@SDHegyes]

Me and several other friends have started doing writing live streams, and we use the pomodoro method for sprints. We do fifteen-minute sprints with five-to-ten minute breaks in between (depending on how many people are on the stream and what we have to talk about) each sprint. I know I use an app called the Productivity Challenge Timer, which allows you to set tasks, timers, and everything in between to keep you on track. I have different timers set for various things. Farm chores are set on 2-hour timers with 15-min breaks, just because most of the chores can get done in a 2-hour time and it's not worth stopping between chores once started unless there's an emergency. Reading is on an hour timer. Writing sprints are on 15-min timers. Each task is different depending on the amount of brain and physical power it requires. Recently found your channel and loving the videos I've seen so far!

[@tilythebookelf9734]

Im a newbie writer and stubbled across your channel a few days ago, i have binged all of your videos, you are such an inspiration

[@alivia329]

I guess I never really knew this was a total time management technique! I use this kind of idea when I study. I think it's the only reason I got a 92 in Anatomy and Physiology last semester. 10/10. I've never tried it for writing now, but I think I'm gonna! Really loving both of my projects right now. And also, I say this every comment, I knoooow, BUT I CANNOT WAIT TO BE ABLE TO READ PROJECT PURPLE ONE DAY!!! It seriously just sounds like everything I want. A half mystery, some royal intrigue, and a contemporary all in one? Yes!!!

[@Domm_Dynamite]

Your enthusiasm is adorable as well as inspirational. :P

[@KateCavanaugh]

Aww, thank you so much! I do get super excited about writing and finding new writing routines/methods bahaha.

[@Domm_Dynamite]

@@KateCavanaugh You're welcome! :D It makes good content! I have been introduced to quite a few new ideas watching your channel. I'm always excited to see a new video!

[@bytheBrooke]

I spotted my little website!! Aw! I definitely want to try this technique soon! There are loads of times where I get distracted at the computer and I think this will help keep me in a nice writing flow!

[@rmmulkey]

I'm thinking this may work for me. On a side note, my son came in while I was watching and said, "I feel like the dog is the real star." Duke then proceeded to steal the show lol

[@surfpassion19]

I often find myself getting distracted by daydreaming or thoughts of the future while I'm supposed to be writing. This used to especially be an issue when I was younger. When I'm writing, I find that what helps me is having a schedule! I set aside a certain amount of time, say, an hour or so, starting on usually the hour or half-hour marks, and keep that time specifically for writing. I do the same with my other tasks. I try not to multitask when I'm watching a show on Netflix, when I'm out with my friends or family, or when I'm reading, and I try to do at least one non-technology-related activity per day, whether it's going to the mall to walk around or to the park with my friends. I find this helps me prevent my thoughts from wandering off, and I usually 'reserve' a time when I can just launch straight into daydreams, such as riding the bus or waiting at the bus exchange.

[@a.3495]

I've been pomodoroing for quite a while now and like you said, I find it very effective for getting through work. I too have a tendency to really get into work, focus, and then never leave my computer so it's nice to have the reminder to take a break. Also, I've been using the various youtube study with me groups to stay somewhat connect with other people. A lot of them have the timers (I hate resetting my clock all the time) and many with some background ASMR. Most of them are students (I'm not a student) but it's been nice to have people to check in with from time to time in the groups and feel less lonely (less crazy? ha) and many people are incredibly supportive. It helps me feel a little saner. Working from home, at a computer and away from an office can be really isolating, like you said. Also, I highly recommend some of the longer ASMR videos (fire or rain). I was kinda skeptical about them first, but now I find them really handy if I really need to focus and think. I'm not a writer but I always enjoy your videos. Good luck!

[@deeplygazingable]

I tried to use it last year. Used it this morning while watching your vid. I did 2 sessions as well from 7:30-8:45AM. I wrote 1,213 words - by hand. I have FOUND my answer😍😍😍

[@alivia329]

Oh! You should do a video on the differences between new adult and young adult. I feel kind of out of the loop, and I want to branch out in the genres I read.

[@KateCavanaugh]

My understanding of the distinction is Young Adult is typically under 18 while New Adult covers university age to potentially about 25? Often the writing style itself is important too. The problem is that traditional publishing doesn't really want to push New Adult as a genre. So they're lumping some "older" stories with more sex in them as "young adult" because the marketing is easier. (Not to say younger people won't read New Adult -- I was reading Adult novels at 14. It would just be more helpful if publishers would recognize the genre more haha.)

[@alivia329]

@@KateCavanaugh Ahhh I see. I feel like that would avoid younger teens reading things like um A Court of Mist and Fury? There are some... sexy scenes in there to say the least.

[@kachiechan]

YAAAY my comment made it up!! I’m glad it was useful to you; I think this is what those big authors do like Nora Roberts when they’re like “focus for 7 hours” without their brains completely melting. I use the pomodoro differently than the suggested intervals depending on what I’m doing. I’m usually a 25-10-25-10-25-45 instead. I need longer breaks or my brain fries like an egg. 🍳

[@Lavapulse]

I really enjoy Kate's vlogs :D I find her really relatable. I happen to be a web developer as well as a writer, so hearing her talk about the authory web stuff was cool, but also hard. I kept wishing I could shout through the screen and help >.

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMG I so wish you could bahaha. I feel like I need to take some kind of online course. I use youtube to help me and it still feels like not enough. 😂

[@TheRonnieaj]

New viewer and subscriber. I've used the Pomodoro technique for years, especially since I'm self-employed. Re: writing, if sprinting isn't your thing, don't sprint. Just write. Do 25 minutes at a leisurely pace and close your eyes, stretch, walk away, water, whatever. If you write best by sprinting, do a shorter length. When I'm actually sprinting, I do a 10-2 split, which results in 5 sessions and also ten minutes break during an hour. So basically, play with it so it works for you in various areas. Great vid!

[@maiadawnwolf9045]

I like using the Pomodoro Technique. I used it for Camp NaNoWriMo in April and I managed to get 50,000 words written on a new project. For it kept me focused and encouraged to make certain I got my writing done for the day. Just as a brief aside, if you have an Amazon Alexa it can be used as the timer. Just have to activate 'tomato helper.' Love your videos!

[@janeyannachicken9053]

I use this method - in a way. I don't time my breaks, only my work, and I have a timer that blanks out my screen when time is up because otherwise I stop the alarm thinking 'I'll just finish this sentence...' and bäm, it's who knows how much later and I've overworked my brain. I find breaks super productive, actually, because while writing I get a kind of tunnel vision that lets me only think about the scene I'm currently working on. Getting up and moving around expands my focus and helps me keep track of the bigger picture.

[@sma5066]

years ago read an article, on the technique, I have always been curious about the inner workings of various applications per individuals work a day lives... Thank you for taking the time to illustrate this in real time I found it profoundly helpful :)

[@rosey4exclaim]

I've never clicked a notification so fast in my life! 😂 I love the Pomodoro Technique, and I love your videos, so ... yeah! I use the Pomodoro Technique at work to manage my energy levels, when writing/revising, when reading for long stretches (gotta rest those eyes), and any time I feel like procrastinating. My tip for staying focused is to use a Pomodoro timer that ticks. Somehow the ticking triggers my brain for work really well. Also, I highly recommend getting the book; I refer to it all the time. Also also, check out Rachel Aaron/Rachel Bach's website. She only uses two different names, but her website looks pretty good, with both names at the top of the page.

[@emberblakewrites6443]

LOVE THIS!! I've never heard of this, but I'd love to try it out!

[@Rose-dx4li]

Duke is so precious! I always love your writing experiments, it's nice to see you do something I might want to try some day. Happy writing, Kate!❤

[@LazyDogsRanch]

For the web site design: try index cards. Put the elements you want on them, slap them down on the desk/table, and it's so much easier to see what elements you want and where you want them by just shuffling them around. It gives you a template, at least, to see how you'd like to have your own site arranged.

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

I love these testing/writing as vlogs so much!

[@Vampslayer815]

Kate, I really appreciate your videos. I have been in a rut trying to figure out how to edit my own novel for months and slowly figuring out what works for me. This video as well as just observing how you highlight and organize and switch between projects has been more helpful than you know. You have really helped me re-dedicate myself to my writing goals and dreams. I love your experiments too. Thank you!

[@kimieady]

I'm loving this technique girl! I'm absolutely going to try it 💛

[@celinebutler6056]

Okay this made my night. I have been creeping on your channel waiting for a new video! Thank you Kate :)

[@tatumhalligan9177]

-WAIT! THIS IS RECENT !!!!!!!! ive been binging these experiments & write-a-thons.

[@dylanperry5242]

Raise your hand if this makes you wanna try the Pomodoro technique. ✋

[@tropetrinitytrilogy8533]

This was awesome! I definitely want to try this. Thanks for making this video, these experiments are such a fun series!

[@tmjd79]

Oh yeah, this one seems very well suited to your work style. How great that you discovered it. I think I lean more toward longer blocks of time, like 45 min-1hr. It takes me some time to settle into whatever I'm working on, and if I am interrupted too often, it makes me feel scattered. But I love the idea of building in time to getup an stretch. I never remember to move around and I really need to fix that.

[@tcstudios7060]

Definitely going to be trying this out. Glad it worked for you!

[@lesmortimers4791]

I wrote my bachelor’s thesis using the pomodoro method and it actually worked really well! It’s easier to sit down and write when you know it’s only for 25 minutes

[@clareagrippina6569]

This is really cool, I've not heard of the technique before and I'd really like to try it. Also you have a very good puppy.

[@mattoconnor6532]

I should try this technique one day. Also, I love your dooog 😍

[@dayle6427]

This is quite an interesting technique, it makes sense because on average people can only concentrate for 20 mins or so at a time. I will have to try this out myself next time I get a chance to write even if it's just the 4 sections before the big break in an evening. As for tips to not get distracted I am the worlds worst for looking away from my work for 2 seconds and all of a sudden 3 hours have passed so I'm no help there.

[@marywockenfuss-thecraftypl6461]

Looks like a great technique! I will definitely try this technique. Maybe even tomorrow. So many things I could use it for!!!

[@krysteendamon630]

For your website, you could have a simplistic/minimalist theme with larger sized buttons for each pen name, and each button would be its own theme with a tag line. And obviously when you click on a button it takes you to a page specifically for that pen name and the books written under it.

[@mikayla8163]

Duke's eyebrows are the greatest thing ever

[@octosepninetyoneninetysix1601]

I love your videos and you are definitely my favorite authortuber. These videos are so easy and fun to watch. Can't wait to finish my book Project Blue/Operation Blue (I'll be obviously keeping my book title secret for now, wouldn't want anyone stealing it lol)

[@j.devore]

I've been binge-watching all of your experiment videos. (You're so inspiring!) Do you have a favorite habit so far?

[@brennawilhite2511]

I want to read project death so bad! It it totaly my favorite kind of book, and I love your style of writing!

[@moonpetrie]

This does look great for revision. I will absolutely try it next month when I’m revising during Camp.

[@jborondy]

Great video. I might have to try this at work. I need a regular schedule to get away from my desk and get moving for a few minutes everyday. Thanks for the info!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Yessss! I definitely recommend. It's helped to get me up and moving more often than just when I think "oh yeah, I should probably do that."

[@jetteharris9128]

Congratulations to Alexis! That cover the AMAZING!

[@nebula371]

I had never heard of the method (technique) but I have always done something similar with my lists of to dos and writing sprints.

[@xChikyx]

I totally recommend Writometer for keeping the track if not, Forest is another amazing one

[@Rec426]

I’ve heard of this method before probably through school/uni but never really tried it. Now I’ve seen it in action I’m like you Kate in that I think it could actually work for me 😂 I should have tried it out sooner since I have bad concentration levels. I’m gonna try it out today with the stuff I’m working on and see how much I get done before I have to head out :)

[@MishaGerrick]

I never even realized this is a thing, but I kind of fell into it myself from the beginning of the year because I realized I have to move around more. The only difference is that I stop every 20 minutes because that's the longest I like to do writing sprints. :-)

[@aleksandragieralt7370]

Hey! Trying to finally catch up on all the awesome Kate Cavanaugh vids. Pomodoro method - what I've been doing with my thesis for the past few weeks . . . I didn't know it had a name :P It is a really good method for thesis writing, when you brain starts too melt from too much French grammar, turn away for a while, come back and . . . fix all your grammatical errors. That's so sweet of Alexis to send you her book! I hope you enjoy it! Love your website!!! I am so happy you got one! Congrats! :) I am making a website for the artist Laura Dillemans right now and . . . we'll see how it goes lol I have one as well and I keep forgetting to update it :P

[@Goshen45.10]

What a big backyard... 😍 I always thought you want to the park lol

[@WeeKid1675]

That tomato timer is so cute!! Ok, I’m going to give this a try. Even just for the standing and stretching aspect it seems worth it, haha!

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

Kate! I had no idea that is what my process is called. During my writing times I usually do 20 minutes on and 5 minutes off. And I agree that 5 minutes is not long enough HA! I like the idea of having a list available to keep the goals right in front of you. Thanks for enlightening me :0)

[@ReasonsToSmile]

Such a lovely vlog! Fellow KZbinr support, hope you have an amazing journey here on youtube♡

[@lilybug5374]

Ive written so much today and want to keep going and freaked out when I saw you had uploaded! You always inpire me to keep writing!❤

[@KateCavanaugh]

Awww, thank you so much! YOU GOT THIS! And happy writing. :)

[@lilybug5374]

@@KateCavanaugh Ah! Thank you!

[@ibisartemis6875]

Honestly I probably need to do this too. I'm worried that, with my current schedule, at some point my back is just going to be permanently arched. lol

[@KateCavanaugh]

RIGHT. I youtube-spiraled (probably part of the neck pain, to be honest) a couple weeks ago on the dangers of slouching and I was like THIS IS A WAKE UP CALL hahaha. We can fix our posture together!!

[@LauraWrites]

I need to use this method/technique. I need more structure to get stuff done. I think that’s why write-ins work so well for me.

[@bookswithalyssaj449]

i need to try out this method! looks great! i've tried it with studying and it didn't really work, but maybe it will with writing!!

[@amandar6979]

Hi, Kate! I love that you're experimenting with all these different methods. I'm more of a Nora Roberts method writer, immerse in the work like all day Haha, but I have found pomodoro works great for my freelance work 😁

[@Xzenergy]

I use this method with my own tweak to the settings. Instead of 25 minutes it's usually around 45, because I feel like that gives me more time to flush out a chapter, especially if it's a long one. 25 minutes kind of breaks up my creative flow a bit too much. Great video!

[@kat-k.d.reidsbooks398]

I love these! Watching your writing process grow as you test drive mind models is fascinating to watch and very helpful to growing my own process. Keep it up! I have not tried this method. Mostly because I get cranky at being interrupted. If I'm zoned, I'm there, and I wanna stay there. For distractions, have you tried those ghastly fidget toys: cubes, spinners, or the metal brain teaser puzzle knots? I find them to be productive distractions, yet they are things I can do as I'm sitting there. So in part, I can still focus on what I'm doing. Let us know if you would recommend the viewer's book she mailed you! The cover piqued my interest. :)

[@JosephDickson]

I find pomodoro helps me focus, partly because it will end in 25 minutes (or less if I finish a complex task early I take the break early) . I'm a WordPress in higher education so it works well for administrative and coding work, project management etc.

[@whyisthisachannel]

♥♥ I was helpful! Though I saw my comment on the list of folks who were like "I pomodoro, yo," and was like oh no i talk to much, LAUGHS. I'm really glad to see it helping you out and working for you. I'm gon try and keep my chattering to a minimum, but I do want to mention that I use an app called "be focused," for my pomodoros. Its very basic and simple, but it lets me set different categories so I can look back and see how much time I've spent on any one project - be it writing, art, or "deal with your life." (Which is, yes, one of my categories.) The timer is all the same, but sometimes it's nice to look back and see that I've been focusing and succeeding more in one topic than I thought, or just see how long a specific project is taking me.

[@bodine219]

I've used pomodoro for studying, but hadn't thought to apply it to work. Thanks for the reminder! (Also, I realize this is an old video, but if you need to see another author's website with multiple pen names, louise marley does that. I'm not a huge fan of the site, but there are good aspects)

[@louisemunro9437]

Tip for the to-do list... You're meant to plan what you want to do each Pomodoro, not just wholistically for the day. So your to-do list needs to be broken into Pomodoro-sized bits. Instead of mark act 2, have mark scenes 30-35, mark scenes 36-42 etc. So technically, you're pushing yourself to finish what you said you would so that you can check a thing off each time you finish a Pomodoro. It's an additional motivation to be especially productive during your focus time and to give you that sense of progress that you seemed to be lacking when your tasks were very big.

[@nejdalej]

This method might be good for site admin, social media management or submitting short works to magazines. For me, they can eat up an entire day that I could be writing so doing it in sprints wouldn't be a bad shout once I go back to it x

[@tnk4me4]

Your dog is probably the most stoic dog on KZbin

[@MainerChick]

I have been mulling over the website and pen name thing for over a year. I have my name as a .com currently, along with 3 others. You can have each of your names as a .com but they can all point to the same page. There's lots of things you can do with a self hosted site.

[@CarlosPenasGrl]

This is the method I've used since high school, it completely changed how I work completely

[@KateCavanaugh]

It's legit so nice. I get so much more work done and it feels like the time is going by faster.

[@HanyouOnikage]

I use the pomodoro timer app. A friend at uni recommended it to me, and I'm glad they did.

[@liamvictor]

I use 25 minutes 'poms' at work and for witting. I find they keep me fresh and moving forward. Thanks for another great video.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Yes, I completely agree! I can see this immediately becoming part of my regular routine. I think that "fresh" feeling is what's so amazing to me. I never would have guessed how well it worked.

[@liamvictor]

@@KateCavanaugh I highly recommend toggl.com/ for tracking what you're working on for each Pomodoro too. The free plan is enough for individuals. You can set up projects and start to track how you spend your time.

[@connorfuges4936]

Great job Kate!! I am VERY close to finishing my first draft of my novel!!!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

AHHHH that's so exciting! Fingers crossed for you, you totally got this! :)

[@connorfuges4936]

@@KateCavanaugh Aww thanks Kate!!! I love the support you're giving!

[@maceyzinck938]

Kate your videos make me laugh and also motivate me to get to writing!!!! Have you ever considered using a reusable Starbucks mug to cut down on plastic? Just curious, plus I feel like you would always have the CUTEST mugs 😋☺️

[@Erdnussbuttertoast]

I've used the technique before to study, though I also find that the 5 minutes are too short breaks if you go to the bathroom and need to stretch - i've just taken to using the bathroom during the 25 minutes, since not going would just distract me anyway. But sometimes it's also quite hard to make yourself take a break when you're in the middle of studying a hard concept.

[@kokochono5054]

Ill try it out in drafting! It might lessen the pain from my carpal tunnel :) in the 5 minutes i can ice my hands 😭

[@ffxiarcadius]

Love ya, Cavanaugh

[@AMG_Creates]

I've done 15 minute word sprints and it's done some good. I know I have ADD and 15minutes is a out all my brain can handle. It also helps that I participate in online ones with other people for accountability. Also, I Love Duke. He's a good puppy (I know he's older, but call all dogs puppys)💜

[@kelsdreams]

For some reason those guitar riffs reminded me of the scene breaks from Hannah Montana! At least they're pretty catchy tunes xD

[@CABaker]

I just put up a video on this too over on my author channel, C.A.Baker. :D It must be something in the air, or else this technique is gaining traction. It's great to see you use it in practice!

[@xfilion]

I haven't actually heard of this technique or read about. What it does sound like is a therapy technique called chunking up and down. This means (with regards to mental health problems) not being stressed by what can be perceived as a huge task. Chunking down means to break up the task into tiny, achievable pieces. In terms of writing, a novel appears too huge, but chunk it down into half or quarter pages and it isn't so big. Regards distraction, I've got myself tuned into a specific album by Nick Cave called Push the Sky Away. When this plays I'm focused and have it on a loop. No internet is also a number one rule.

[@davies1738]

When does your work out dvd come out? This looks more fun than anything I've done this week :) I like the idea of this technique - similar to writing sprints but with more focus and no wandering off after 5 min.

[@Kevlandia]

I've never tried this out, but I think I might. I tend to write better in sprints, so maybe I'd do everything better in a "sprint"? I definitely think it would help me get through things I DO NOT want to do like the dishes... lol

[@ln4750]

I know this isn't a recent video...but for creating a new website there are companies like wix & squarespace that can make the design aspect really easy so you don't have to have a minor in html code if that's where you are stuck. Even if you just wanted to try out their sites wix is free unless you want to make it more professional & "upgrade" to get rid of their logo/ad. I'm sure by now you've figured out what you need - but just in case I thought I'd mention it.

[@lenalawlipop]

Forest is a great app for pomodoros!! It has a cute game-ish idea to it, where you grow a tree on screen for X minutes, and if you use your phone for something else your tree "dies". It's great for not getting distracted with my phone, which happens a lot while I study ^^;; I think there's a way to plant real trees with the app, too! I keep forgetting about pomodoro technique and coming back to it, but I do agree that for tasks that are easier to keep doing (like reading), it's a bit of a bummer to keep the pomodoro to 25min. It's great for writing though! And I totally get what you mean by not being able to write for 25min but editing being fine, I always say that I need a lot more time for editing so I don't lose the context I've put on my RAM memory while I edit hahahaha first drafting for me is more like word vomit than editing is, so I totally know what you meant! Lovely video as always, thanks so much for sharing!!

[@peteypan4]

Can you do a whole video once you decide on what to do with your website about it? Also you could do different pages for each pen name you want to do, it could also be in the name of your publishing house if you have the option to do that. I love you're videos btw❤️ you inspired me to post writing vlogs on my own channel

[@KateCavanaugh]

I totally can! Maybe that will actually kick my butt into gear for completing this goal in June bahaha. I need the accountability! AND YES. That's what I'm hoping! Multiple pages. And I actually have the name for my publishing house already, and I'm thinking maybe that could be a bonus page?? I haven't decided. These are the things that keep me up at night regarding web design bahaha. AND THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm so glad! I'll go check out your channel. :)

[@KateCavanaugh]

**wait, what is your channel name?? hahah.

[@peteypan4]

@@KateCavanaugh my channel name is Andrea Dorothea

[@MissAmyxo]

If you like the pomodoro technique I highly recommend the Brain Focus App! It's a set up pomodoro app and even gives you a longer 20 minute break after 4 completed pomodoros. I love the pomodoro technique personally - especially on days where my focus is poor or I'm very hyper or I have so much to do and I'm overwhelmed so just starting helps greatly.

[@Eve.Daniels]

Pomodoro is really useful for mundane tasks and especially stuff you don't really want to do. One thing you can do is switch subject in between session, like go from website stuff to editing to something else and then back to website stuff. It helps to let your brain percolate in between and kind of keep thinking of things in the background. I tried to get my babysitting kids into it for homework but we modified it a little. It's called 20/40 now. Same idea, but we alternate short stuff with longer stuff and then back to short. So like 20 minutes of math homework, 3 minute break (if I give them longer they start playing candy crush), 40 minutes on their history assignment, break, twenty minutes on science, break for dinner. If we don't finish something in the time we set it aside and double back to it later. I'd rather they get 80% of their math done and most of history than all of math and none of anything else, you know?

[@Eve.Daniels]

Also, did you ever update your website? I tried to see but I couldn't really tell a difference between the brief clip and then what you have up now

[@Eve.Daniels]

I just did a session, 20 minutes Rosetta Stone (swedish), 40 minutes of drafting for my website, 20 minutes of social media stuff (I do no enjoy that). And now I watch your video and eat my DIY cheese board :) aka - sliced ham, a tomato, and some shredded kraft.

[@ruthrouse]

That sounds like a really cool concept. I already use the 20/10 method from unf*ck your habitat for tidying and find that makes me more productive, so I shall have to give this a go for other stuff.

[@kumiwrites261]

so i was just in the middle of watching your 50K in 10 days video then I got this notification. lol

[@naterudolph4035]

I want to hang out and pet Duke. He's so chill.

[@jordanmiller501]

Will you do another cooking with classics? Or writing like..... love your vids.

[@grimreads]

Good video, interesting technique.

[@mab_cat]

I'm loving your videos, Kate! I don't know if you've answered this before or not, but do you have any tips on vlogging? You've inspired me!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oh man. I wish I had good advice! Thank you for thinking I'm knowledgable enough to give any bahaha. Hmm...I mean, I film way more than ever actually ends up on the vlog? I trust Editing Me to know what is/isn't entertaining more than Filming Me. Also if I'm bored while editing, I know the viewer will be bored. (And that's after I've watched the video several times over.) Also I watch a lot of vlogs, so I think it's similar to writing! If you want to get good at writing, read a lot and write a lot. If you want to get better at vlogging, watch a lot of vlogs and try them out! My own "style" (or, what I like to create in my own vlogs) has kind of evolved over time. I'm sure it'll continue evolving in the future. :)

[@mab_cat]

@@KateCavanaugh That's awesome! Thank you for replying to me so quickly. :) And of course I think you're knowledgeable! I'm blown away by you're work ethic and the quality of your videos (and to be honest, I'm jealous). I'll keep working on it myself, so thank you! You know, it's funny. One of your sponsors mentioned in this video went to college with me briefly!