Friday 25 October 2013

A Day in the Life of a Writer by Wendy H. Jones




Some time ago I entered a competition about the day in the life of a writer. I didn't win, I may add, but I thought it would be a bit of fun to post it here. Read on and see what happens on just one day of my life.

It’s 8 am and I spring out of bed with the speed of a striking snail, ready and eager to face another exciting day as a writer. “Cough, Cough, Cough”. Okay maybe I’d better start with some aspirin, cough mixture and a cup of coffee. I’ve decided the fact I’m ill warrants a day in my dressing gown. If it was good enough for Noel Coward, it may bring me a similar measure of inspiration.

Armed with Coffee I’m sitting at my computer and open up and read my work in progress. No Hang on I’ve got an idea for the fourth book in the series. Quick, write it down, where’s that notebook? Ah now that’s settled I can get on with the current novel. Actually, before I get going maybe I should just check Facebook, Twitter, et al. As an author I can’t let them fall by the wayside. My legions of adoring fans will expect it. What do you mean I’m still writing my first novel? It’s never too early to build up a fan base. Now I’ll get it done more quickly if you leave me alone.

Right that’s me back at the computer ready to get those keys smoking. I’m feeling a bit hungry though. Crumbs look at the time. No wonder I’m hungry I’d better take a break and have some lunch. No one can write on an empty stomach. I need food to fuel my brain.

Back at the keyboard but this next bit is quite tricky. I need to get the forensic evidence just right or I’ll have Police Officers, from Dundee to Auckland, writing in and complaining when my masterpiece is published. I crack open my browser and am immediately transfixed by a news item about a shooting in my area. I’d better read that. It could be good for research.

Oh no I’ve just realised I didn’t do my bible study this morning. Sorry God, I’m on it now. Thirty minutes later, cup of coffee in hand, I’m back at the keyboard and feeling much more energised and positive. Straight into the research I go. Forensic research is so interesting, all that blood and brain flying around. It’s a bit like Leviticus really. There always seems to be things flying around in that book. Usually pig’s bladders I’ll give you that, but a striking similarity never the less.

Now that I’ve got my blood stains sorted out, my fingers are flying across the keyboard. I’m thanking my long dead mother for all those typing lesson she made me take. Not that it was thanks coming out of my mouth at the time. My English teacher joins her in the hall of those who have helped me on my journey. Thanks Mrs Ferry. Never forgotten.

So by 5 pm I’m looking at my daily word count of 3000 words, happy but exhausted. It’s hard work sitting at your desk writing all day.

By the way this was written last winter so I am not ill before everyone starts worrying about the state of my health. I'm in fine fettle today. What's happening in my day today - writing this morning and reading a great mystery this afternoon. It's a writers life. By for now Bookaholics. See you soon. 

15 comments:

  1. Great to read this - thanks for posting :) And what a great idea too! Now I've got over the dreadful 'sting' of not winning ;) I think I might pinch the idea and put my entry up on my blog too ;D Hope you don't mind... xx

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  2. Please do Claire. Sometimes "failure" is just as motivating as winning. Heck, why should the world miss out on our immortal worlds :-)

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  3. An excellent description of your day, Wendy. I can see you are a good writer from the image in your very first sentence - the speed of a striking snail. And we know exactly what you mean! Thank you for a great piece of writing!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot

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  4. Enjoyed reading about your writer's day. Sounds so like my own!
    Well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you.
    Christine
    cicampbellblog.wordpress.com

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  5. Glad you enjoyed it Christine. It's great to hear from another writer and to know I am not alone in my chaos.

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  6. Made me smile and LOL, Wendy. Loved your natural, humorous insights. Sounds like my life...just throw in handling family concerns, personal and my husband's business finances, gratis tutoring for at-risk students, volunteer work for a local veterans organization, blah, blah, blah.... What writing?! Really enjoyed and needed your uplifting post today. Know I'm gonna love your writing style :-)

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    1. Thank you for your kind Words Diane. I am glad you enjoyed the post and it made you laugh.

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  7. That made me smile - 'It's a bit like Leviticus, really.' Brilliant!

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    1. Thanks Fran. It made me chuckle reading it.

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    2. Sorry I meant to say it made me chuckle writing it, not reading it. My brain is fried today

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  8. You get more done in just the time it takes me to complete that "now where's my notebook" stage. Spot on, by the way, about the process being an exhausting one (" ...happy but exhausted. It’s hard work sitting at your desk writing all day."). lt's a 'mental' or 'emotional' exhaustion; some days, I would almost wish that I was stacking bricks somewhere - but not often. :-)

    Wonderful post! And glad to hear that you're over that cough!

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    1. Thanks Tony. You're right it is mental exhaustion, but exhilarating and fun and a wild ride. I wouldn't swap it for the world.

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  9. I wish my fingers would fly on the keyboard but since i only use one frequently misdirected finger its slow going, bit the so is my thinking.

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    1. Jerry it's the end product which is important not the speed at which you do it. I'm sure your books are great and that's what counts

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