Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.
This week, were going behind the scenes at Lifehacker.
Im Melissa Kirsch, and this is how I work.
I spent a couple years in Europe on fellowships I won for poetry writing (see?
Take us through a recent workday.
The very early hours are when I work the best.
I get up at 5 a.m. and work at home for a few hours.
If I have time Ill write a post.
By about 8 the writers start to get online and we chat about story pitches.
Then I meditate, exercise, shower, and go into the office.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
MacOS: Id be lost withoutQuicksilverthe keyboard shortcuts are as much a part of my muscle memory as typing.
I know there are newer, flashier alternatives, but this romance is deepthose johnny-come-latelies cant turn my head.
iOS: I loveNuzzel.
Im a crossword fanatic and marvel daily at how beautiful theNew York Times crossword appis.
Whats your workspace setup like?
Everything in its place.
I cant concentrate unless things are orderly.
Whats your best shortcut or life hack?
Take us through an interesting, unusual, or finicky process you have in place at work.
The Lifehacker editorial team, all of whom are answering this questionnaire right now too!
Theyre the smartest, kindest, most creative people in an industry known for cynicism.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
They should be paying me.
How do you recharge or take a break?
I do about three New York Times crossword puzzles a day.
Whats your favorite side project?
Im kidding.Sending out my poems for publication.
Its really rewarding to see my work from another life being appreciated.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
My favorite fiction writer is Deborah Eisenbergshe only has a few books and theyre all stellar.
She hasa new bookcoming out in 11 days.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?
How to keep my houseplants alive.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
