A typical Writing Day

Posted on by Diana Brandmeyer

A typical Writing Day
by Keli Gwyn
Diana invited me to respond to this prompt: “What does a typical writing day look like for you?”
I chuckle when I’m asked this question because I don’t have a typical writing day. I’d like to say that I bound out of bed full of energy, spend an hour in sweet communion with the Lord, and head to the computer to crank out a couple thousand words before lunch, but that scenario is a wee bit idealistic in my case.
In reality, I don’t think in terms of days—typical or otherwise. I think of my writing as happening in seasons. I have Research Seasons, Plotting Seasons, Drafting Seasons, Revising Seasons, and Editing Seasons. When my debut novel released this past July, I experienced the whirlwind of my first Promotion Season.
While I’m in the planning stages of a new story, I’ll spend countless hours devouring reference books. During the actual writing phase, I lose track of time as I immerse myself in the 1800s. I can get so into the period that hearing the phone ring or the dryer buzz startles me, since such sounds have no place in my story world.
I enjoy each season, but like so many writers, I have to allot time to respond to email, connect on social media, blog, etc., too. And then there’s housework, exercise, and family time. Finding a balance that works for me can be a challenge. I’m beyond grateful for my incredibly supportive husband, who understands when certain seasons consume me and certain chores don’t get done. Yup. He’s a keeper.
Thanks for hosting me, Diana. Spending time with you and your blog’s visitors is a pleasure.
I have a question for all of you: If you’re a writer, do you have a typical writing day, or do you tend to have writing seasons as I do?

Thanks for posting today, Keli.

Here’s some information about Keli and her new book, A Bride Opens Shop in ElDorado, California

Fun (and my favorite) version: Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.

When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.

To learn more about Keli, you can visit her Victorian-style cyber home at www.keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her parlor, study, carriage house, and more, along with her blog and her social media links.

BrideOpensShop-Small-Web.jpg

Widow Elenora Watkins is determined to provide for herself and her daughter without relying on anyone else. Can she run a successful business after falling for the competition? Miles Rutledge finds himself willing to do anything to keep Elenora in town. But can he win her heart while putting her out of business?

I liked this book. Elenora is not a wimpy character. She is a determined single parent making sure her daughter feels like they are family.

Keli is giving away a copy! All you need to do is leave a comment with your email address.
Here’s Keli’s question again.

“I have a question for all of you: If you’re a writer, do you have a typical writing day, or do you tend to have writing seasons as I do?”

My question is: If you aren’t a writer how to you get your reading time?
Diana

12 thoughts on “A typical Writing Day”

  1. I just squeeze it in whenever I can, which is rather difficult the last couple of months since my husbands been in the hospital and looking at a slow recovery at home now.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply

  3. I like your description of writing “seasons”, Keli. I could add an occasional “Barren Season”, too. LOL! There are weeks… even months… when my daily writing routine can be identified, but so much depends on the particular stage I'm at in a story's development.

    I'm away from home right now, but my mornings still start with some quiet devotional time, followed by a half hour of catching up on e-mail and favourite blogs. At home I'd move on to working on my current ms, but the interruptions of my current locale means that the serious writing doesn't usually happen until the last couple hours of the evening, after everyone else has gone to bed. I imagine there are as many different writing routines/schedules as there are different writers!

    Carol
    caroljgarvin@gmail.com

    Reply

    2. Carol, I've had Barren Seasons, too. They're no fun, are they?

      I applaud all those writers who have to fit writing in around day jobs and/or caring for children or elderly parents. I'm an Empty Nester and am blessed to be able to write full-time for now.

      Reply

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