So since each of us is likely aspiring to make writing a full-time gig, I thought I'd pick Sandra's brain and see what we can look forward to when our dreams sprout wings and our careers take off!
A day in the life of a
published author.
ALS: What's yours like?
SO: My Mondays to Friday are pretty routine. I try not to do
anything writing-related on Sundays, except read stuff from my critique
partners. Saturdays I usually write my blog post for Mondays and might spend a
couple of hours writing, more if I’m behind. The rest of my week typically
looks like this (with an occasional wild swing in times):
6:30 am rise and
stretch and tidy, maybe put in load of laundry
7:00 am walk my
dog with my neighbor
7:45 am eat, have
quiet time, check/respond to emails, shower etc.
9:00 am write,
plot, revise, brainstorm, rewrite, reread, work on edits etc. etc.
Noon eat lunch with hubby who cooks it! Check and
respond to emails, post a FB update at some point in the day, pick vegetables,
whatever needs doing
Afternoons vary – I’ll often spend a few
hours with my grandchildren, but many days I’ll write, or at least try to write, all afternoon.
Oftentimes I’m doing writing-related work, such as updating my website,
responding to reader letters, answering blog interviews, preparing speeches or
classes for special events, working on Art Fact Sheets for upcoming books or
the extras that I include on my website for each book. I’m not able to write
nearly as many words a day as it seems like I should be able to given the time
I’m at it.
5:00 pm Make
supper, spend time with family
7:30 pm If my
family is happily all doing their own thing, I’ll often write in the evening
and again respond to any emails, work on critiques for my critique partners
that can sometimes take several hours. Some nights, I’m on the computer until
midnight, other nights not at all! I’ve tried going to bed thinking about my
book, hoping my subconscious will work out what’s not working, but…most of the
time, it just keeps me from falling asleep.
Though, I'll admit, I get my best
ideas in the shower. J
ALS: There sure is a lot more to writing these days that just pounding out a story, isn't there! Okay, next question...
What is the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of
research?
My husband would say that asking the off-duty pilot sitting
next to us on a flight to Alaska how I could take down a plane was the
craziest. Guess, I should’ve mentioned that I was an author first.
Oops.
The
pilot laughed at my husband’s concern that they’d kick us off the plane, put us
on a no-fly list and we’d never make it home, except by Greyhound! In fact, the
pilot had tons of great ideas, even pulled out his iPhone and showed me pics of
the DC-10 he flies and where it could be sabotaged.
ALS: Ha! Lucky you were sitting next to such a great source of information.
What is your greatest pearl of wisdom for aspiring
novelists? In other words, your number one writing tip?
Don’t be in a hurry to get published. Take time to learn the
craft and enjoy the journey.
ALS: And what story do you have brewing next?
The finale of Port Aster Secrets. Since the characters
developed minds of their own in book 2, and the villain changed, and the story
veered in an unexpected direction, let’s just say I may be as surprised as
readers at how the series ends!
Thank you so much for being out guest Sandra! Looking forward to the next two books in the Port Aster Series!
Don't forget to check out Sandra's amazing new book, available now!
DEADLY DEVOTION
Sandra Orchard delivers a witty whodunit that will not
only keep you guessing but will cast every last character with credible
suspicion. Set in a charming town with the beautiful Niagara
backdrop, the story follows the feisty and impetuous redheaded researcher with
a heart of gold, Kate Adams, out to prove her friend and mentor didn’t take her
own life.
But when Kate drags Detective Tom Parker, a somewhat stoic
cop looking for a fresh start, into the web of suspicions, delightful chaos
ensues. With a finely woven thread of danger, and a sprinkle of romance, you
will sip down this story and become infected with Orchard’s addicting fictional
“poison.”
A must-read for mystery junkies!
Amy, thanks so much for inviting me to be your guest today. I love your review, and am delighted that you enjoyed the story.
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to have you here, Sandra! Congrats on your beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the success of your latest book! Love the cover so much.
I laughed at you saying that your best ideas come in the shower - that's where I get my best ones as well!
Continued success and congrats on the new grandbaby!
Cheers,
Sue
Thanks for sharing a day in your life, Sandra! I loved your craziest research answer...too funny!
ReplyDeleteHa! Must be a writer thing! One of my brainstorming hotspots is the shower too ;) too funny!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Amy and Susan.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Jill.
I've got to share for anyone who might be reading comments and is interested in my next Love Inspired Suspense, Fatal Inheritance, Today, July 19th, until midnight it can be purchased from the Harlequin site for 30% off using coupon code BRDES30, which is good for all books there today, and if you didn't know they have a lot of trade books like the Love Finds You series that they've added to their site. Here's the link to my particular book :) :
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=28664
I wish I was a morning person Sandra! LOL about asking the pilot
ReplyDeleteLove that story about the airplane--how funny!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you on the Alley, Sandra! Great post. :)
ReplyDelete