The Real Planner Spotlight is a series where we feature how our customers are using their Balance Bound Planners — getting messy and real, planning their days with our four signature sections, carving out time for self-care, and making the flexible layout of the Balance Bound Planner work for them. In this edition, we are thrilled to welcome middle grade novelist Janae Marks to the blog.

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Photo by Jerri Graham Photography — *Photo by* *Jerri Graham Photography*

Name: Janae Marks

Age: 37

Location: Connecticut

Occupation: Author of books for kids. I also work part-time for a school district.

Instagram: @janaemarksbooks

Balance Bound Cover Design: Fresh Blossoms wire bound planner

On an average week, who are your “others” — the people you care for and/or make time for?

My “others” are my six-year-old daughter, my husband and my dog.

On an average week, what do you do to take care of yourself? What do you need to do to ensure that you set that non-negotiable time aside?

To be honest, I struggle the most with filling in that section of my planner. It’s so easy for me to consider scrolling through my phone at night before bed “self-care” when clearly it is not. I try to use that area to track my exercise (video workouts from home, or walks with my dog). I also put down coffee or dinner dates with my friends.

A week in progress — photo courtesy Janae Marks — *A week in progress — photo courtesy Janae Marks*

How do you use the four sections each day?

I mainly use my planner to keep track of my work tasks and appointments. In the “work” section of each day, I add which days I have my part-time job. Then I add author tasks: meetings, emails I need to respond to, events, and of course, actual writing or editing. In the “self” section, I add get-togethers with friends, appointments and workouts. The “others” section is for appointments or reminders for the rest of my family (my husband, daughter and dog). Finally, in the “home” section, I put down chores or other home tasks I need to complete.

I also like color-coding appointments and events. I use different colors to highlight work days, author appearances, personal appointments, and family events.

How do you use the free space at the bottom of each page?

It varies, and what I like most about that space is how flexible it can be! Usually in the first week of each month, I’ll start a list to track which books I read that month. I’ll also use that section to make general to-do lists for the week. When my emails get overwhelming, I’ll sometimes list which ones I need to prioritize. I’ve even used it to make packing lists for travel.

How do you use the free page on your weekend spread and/or the blank notes pages in the back of the planner?

In the back of the planner I track yearly goals, and the books I’ve read in the year. Then the rest of the pages are for notes or other lists as needed. At the end of each month, I’ll use a free page to share a monthly recap–what goals I accomplished, highlights I want to remember, and what I still need to work on the following month.

Any other tips, tricks, planner hacks, or details about your planner/photos that you’d like to share?

I’ve only been using a paper planner for the last few years, and when I first started I tried out bullet journaling. I quickly discovered that I needed a planner that was already structured, which is why I love the Balance Bound planner! One tip I have is to not worry about the inside of your planner looking “perfect.” For me, a planner is an organizational tool. I don’t bother with fancy handwriting or stickers, though I do like using different highlighters (mildliners are my favorites). If your spreads are messy, as long as it’s getting the job done, that’s fine! Social media often shows beautiful planner spreads but don’t feel obligated to do the same unless that’s something you enjoy.

I think it’s also okay if you aren’t consistent with using your planner, or if you don’t use every feature all the time. During the beginning of the pandemic, I used my planner less because I wasn’t doing very much. But I’m starting to use it more again and I’m so glad to have it. I still have a digital calendar, but it’s nice to keep track of tasks on paper. Again, it’s a tool, so make it work for you!

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Thank you so much for sharing, Janae!

If you’d like to contribute to the Real Planner Spotlight series, please drop us a note.

Ready to test out the Balance Bound Planner to see how it can work for you? Enter your name and email address in our footer below and we will send you a FREE, abridged, weekday, printable layout to test for yourself. And don’t forget to explore the shop.

Real Planner Spotlight: Janae Marks