I was talking to my older daughter and she was talking about Neil Gamin’s writing routine. That got me thinking.
First, I’ll start with pens. I’ve used a variety over the years often for their inspiring appearance and how they feel in my hand. My number one go-to pen is still the Uni-ball Deluxe Rollerball Pens, Fine Point (0.7mm), Black. I also use a thin pen with an amethyst crystal on top and a faux diamond topped pen.
Second, is the time I write.
- Ideally, I write as soon as I wake up since I write my books from dreams. Mornings especially before the rest of the family awakens is ideal.
- When I can’t do my ideal, as my life can be hectic at times, I write when I can. I’m fortunate that I’ve trained my mind to keep dreams in my head until I can get to pen and paper or a computer. I’ve written while in a doctor’s waiting room. I’ve written while in the hospital. I’ve written in hotel rooms at night after a conference. This is why I always keep a notebook and pens on me.
- All day with breaks. That happens when I’m deep in a novel and want to keep going.
- I have been inspired by music. I had seen the cello rendition of “Paint It Black” by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on the Netflix series Wednesday. I stayed up until one in the morning, playing it over and over, while I wrote a very intense battle scene in my next dragon book.
Third, is where I write.
- I did have an in-home office in the basement. I called it my dungeon. My family complained that they missed me with all the hours that I write, so I moved to a living room chair or the sofa.
- I tried having a desk in a corner of the bedroom. I also tried writing sitting on my bed to write. Both make me sleepy.
- Currently, I sit on the sofa with my laptop and write. I have the ability to completely zone in on my writing and not pay attention to the TV program the family is watching.
- I usually write in a journal and then transcribe it onto the computer. On rare occasions, I write a novel entirely on the computer. I have also written on a legal pad.
- Only you can determine the best place for you.
Fourth, is how many days I write.
I write every day. I do not keep a word count. I have as many as five manuscripts in process. Sometimes I write as much as I can on one and then switch to writing on another. Usually, my dreams start focusing on one and I write until I’m finished.
Fifth, how I back up my books.
1. I keep copies on Flash or thumb drives.
2. I email them in progress to my editor with the note “Keep Safe.” I have her permission to do this.
3. I emailed them to myself.
4. I print them out and put them into a binder. This comes in handy for editing. |
When you become a writer, you choose your own process. Have fun with this! Stay safe, my friends!
Truly,
Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
https://susanhannifordcrowley.com
https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG
EverNight for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).
for the return of the princess.
Nights of Passion 