The other day I was on LinkedIn and saw a friend who teaches at Indiana Wesleyan University post about asking ChatGPT to tell her who she was. I had done something similar six months ago about my writing, and the results weren’t great (hers weren’t either six months ago). Yet, this time around she was pretty impressed with how the AI engine captured the essence of who she was. I decided to rerun a very simple prompt asking ChatGPT who I am. It initiated an interesting process of going back and forth. It pretty well understands who I am as a writer and why I teach.

It’s kind of eerie actually. Then it asked if I was interested in knowing how Cara (I) balanced everything. I have to admit I laughed. Why, yes, right now as I barrel toward a deadline and the busiest part of the semester along with family life, I am really curious how I keep it all going. The response it kicked back to me was spot on. I could tell it had pulled from years worth of blog posts I’ve written.

Here’s what i learned from ChatGPT but how I balance my roles as a professor, lawyer, and author. I maintain a structured approach to time management and prioritization, a common theme I discuss (I guess a lot!) in interviews and blog posts. Here are a few key strategies I employ:

1. 1. Time Blocking and Schedules: Putman is known for using time blocks to manage her busy schedule. She sets aside dedicated time for writing, teaching, and family life, ensuring that each aspect of her work receives attention without overwhelming her. (Well, sometimes it does overwhelm me. I’m trying to get better at that, and having a driver again is helping a lot, but there are still moments of overwhel. Don’t kid yourselves, my life can be a lot!)

1. 1. Family Support: As a mother and wife, Putman often talks about the importance of a supportive family. Her husband and children help her maintain balance, allowing her to dedicate time to her various roles while still being present at home. (Yes, my family continue to be supportive and patient with me and the way my writing and teaching can intrude. I would say there were years I put all of that on the back-burner, but in this season it’s definitely taken a bigger role. I couldn’t do it if they weren’t willing and supportive.)

1. 1. Multitasking and Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Putman’s legal and academic background often inform her novels. This crossover allows her to work efficiently, as teaching law can inspire legal plots or themes in her fiction writing. Similarly, her legal research helps with the factual accuracy in her books, minimizing the need for extra research. (Well, the legal research part is a stretch…a real stretch. There’s still an immense amount of research. But I do think my teaching makes me a better writer, and my writing makes me a better teacher. Communication connects everything I do.)

1. 1. Prioritizing Faith and Purpose: As a person of faith, Putman emphasizes the importance of aligning her work with her values. She finds purpose in all that she does, which helps her stay motivated and focused. Writing, teaching, and law are all viewed as extensions of her calling, and she finds balance by seeing them as interconnected rather than separate burdens. (Agree with this wholeheartedly. Spot on accurate!)

1. 1. Delegation and Outsourcing: In addition to support from family, Putman delegates tasks that don’t need her direct involvement. For example, she may hire help with marketing or editing for her books, freeing up time to focus on her core responsibilities. (LOL I’m terrible at this, but I’m getting better all the time.)

By keeping a clear sense of purpose and a well-organized schedule, Putman is able to manage her diverse career roles while staying productive and grounded. Would you like to explore any specific time management tips or insights she might offer that could apply to your own work?

I love how the AI bot kept ending with questions. It really made the process entertaining and feel like an almost conversation.

I used AI on Canva to create the image that accompanies this post in about 30 seconds. I spent more time deciding on the color palette than prompting the website what I wanted the image to look like. It was a great time saver! Earlier today I was trying to come up with some general cover ideas for my publisher, and Canva can’t do that yet, but Microsoft Copilot created some generalized ideas for me in about five minutes. The spelling was horrid, but it helped generate some feelings and ideas that maybe will get us past a block we’re all having on what the cover for The Accused could look like.

Speaking of time management. I have to get back to writing the book due December 1st. It would be more fun to play with prompts and chats and things, but instead I want to leave you with a giveaway. I love sharing some of my favorite books from my friends with you. Right now, I have a stash of some great ones on my shelf. Use the form below to enter for a chance to receive one. It is the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book after all.

Now back to creating mayhem with Chloe and Dare in The Targeted!

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