Everyone tells us writers that readers want to know more than your books; they want to know about your life. So here’s an example of my weekday:
4 am – Get up, make coffee, check email then work on edits, new story or promotion.
7:30 am – Take shower, get dressed and leave house by 8.
8:00 am – 6:00 pm work 8 of those 10 hours at my day job as an Insurance Sales Producer, the other hour is traveling time and of course one hour for lunch (about my only real time to relax!)
6 – 8 or 9 pm Write, edit, promote – take an occasional night off to watch a movie with hubby or read.
Weekends – basically follow above procedures except during 8am – 6pm in lieu of going off to work, I spend the majority of those hours writing, editing or promoting.
I do, however, take time off to spend with hubby and/or granddaughter and when the occasion arises, extended family.
Oh, of course, I take time to attend church services on a semi-regular basis. Prayer time? Unceasingly with occasional spurts during my day for longer conversations with the Lord (hello-I get an hour for lunch). J
Is this crazy or what!?
If you read my introductory post, you’ll see that I’ve been writing for more than 25 years and for that entire time, this has been my routine (even when writing in 5-subject notebooks). The exception was when I worked different shifts at a local hospital…during those years (when on evening shift), I wrote from about 7:30 am until 1pm then got ready in order to be to work @ 2:30.
About the only time I really take a break is when we go off on vacation…and then I still manage to at least check email at least once-a-day.
I’ve often considered purchasing a laptop, however knowing myself so well, if I did, I’d NEVER rest and probably end up a divorced recluse LOL!
Why do we writers put ourselves through this?
As with most authors, that answer is multi-faceted. Though “with an edge,” I write inspirational, therefore I write to glorify God and to get His message of love, hope, faith, trust and forgiveness to a hurting world. But no matter for what other reasons an author may write, they all boil down to one main focus: You – Dear Readers!
So the next time you pick up a book from your favorite author….realize what goes into that story (besides our heart and soul).
Writers, I’d like to hear more about your day!
Readers leave a comment and one lucky person will win a pdf (your choice) of any of my titles!
"Inspirational with an Edge!"
Wow, 4:00 a.m., you've got me beat. When I plan to get to the gym, my alarm is set for 4:30, though it is usually closer to 5:00 a.m. before I drag out of bed. I work at a public library and we close for lunch and I usually stay during that hour for my quiet time. I am a very unhappy camper without it. I have three kids and a husband who take much of my home time and patrons who take up my work time, so I love my one hour more or less to myself. I know what you mean about your schedule being crazy, but that is what we do for the things we love. There has to be a sacrifice somewhere in our lives. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteDeidre
sounds like you have very long days
ReplyDeletei hope you take time for a coffee break
I know what you mean,Diedre about having children in the house. My youngest graduated in 2001 so for many years I worked around their schedules also. That is about the ONLY thing I liked about the 2:30 -10p shift...I could get them off to shcool and write. Of course I didn't see them as much, but I got a lot of writing done.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. :-)
Yes, Peggy, I get plenty of coffee...though I usually drink it at the computer LOL!
Thanks for commenting, Ladies!