My Writing Process

It’s called procrastination. Not really. Well…. I’ll write more about it later.

I write most every day I’m not on vacation. I find the more I write the more ideas and words flow. I’m a believer in the notion that if you don’t use it you lose it. Who knows… maybe I’m wrong but I’m not willing to take a break and see. I’ve exercised long enough to understand that a week away from the gym causes great anxiety at the thought of returning and sore muscles afterward. Writing, like exercising, is part of my day. I enjoy it. Keeping the habit keeps me sane—as sane as any writer can be. After all, I spend a good portion of my time with imaginary characters.

My day begins with a cup of coffee and meditation or journaling. I read positive quotes or passages from inspirational books and visualize what I want to accomplish. Starting out this way helps erase the ever flowing to-do list in my mind. Then I get a second cup of coffee and that’s when the procrastination process begins. I check email, Facebook, email again, Pinterest, get a snack, a glass of water– take a deep breath and begin writing. Sometimes I have to play a little game with myself. I’m just going to write a first paragraph. It doesn’t matter if it’s any good…I’m just going to get it down. I can edit later. Usually, it works and within ten minutes I’m typing away. Two hours can feel like four. Just kidding, hours fly by and when I finish I feel like the luckiest person in the world to be able to pursue my dream job.

The greatest challenge for me this year has been dividing my time between my novel, blog posts, publishing ELLE & BUDDY and learning how to market my books. Even if I spend hours on a post I’ll still feel as though I haven’t accomplished enough if I don’t write or edit a few pages of my novel.

One of the best parts of being a writer is learning from, and working with, professionals in the field. I have a wonderful editor who continues to guide me. I can’t wait for her to read my new young adult romance. I’ve had the honor of working with, Muza Ulasowski, a talented illustrator, on our picture book ELLE & BUDDY. We’ve been collaborating for two years. It’s awesome having a partner who cares about a project as much as I do. Recently, I’ve met a publicist and a web designer who are excited to help me get my books out into the world. I’m very grateful for their help.

Well, it’s time for me to stop procrastinating and get to work on my novel… right after I check Facebook.