I’ve been a corporate copywriter/editor for about 35 years. It pays the bills, funds relaxing massages, buys cat food, and lets me splurge on gifts. But, sometimes it feels like it’s sucking my soul away. That’s when I turn to creative writing – it’s like my mini-vacation. Creative writing is my escape. It lets me unleash my imagination, a total contrast to the strict rules of corporate writing. I swap facts and figures for creative freedom, finding joy in crafting stories despite life’s ups and downs.

My writing space? It’s a cozy spot that’s just comfy enough to keep me awake and dreaming.

My writing area might be small, but it’s just right for me. I dream of a bigger, fancier desk one day, but for now, this little table is all I need.

I have the plot of my first fiction book, A Viking’s Curse, on my wall. It keeps me focused and inspired, even though I write a lot for work. I’m committed to making this series perfect. Whenever I get distracted, I look at my plot map. It’s a visual feast of the story’s highs and lows, reminding me why I love writing. It helps me stay on track, aiming for my story’s finish line.

Studying the plot is like a boost for my writer’s brain. It’s a reminder to keep going, no matter how tough it gets. I’m determined to finish this story – Eric and Cate’s love depends on it. Eric must get the girl or else he’ll die. Cate must get her man, or she’ll wither away. Writing this series, my first complete fiction has become an integral part of my life and there’s no way I’m giving up on it anytime soon.

You can see two timelines there — one for Eric and another for Cate. These timelines help me track and organize the lives of my characters throughout the story. With a timeline, I can make sure that everyone’s on schedule without overwhelming myself. It’s like having an extra brain allowing me to track all the important details without having to remember everything at once.

Yep, very useful. I wish I could do the same for my kids and my cat.

A hot cup of coffee is my writing buddy. Not only does it help fuel my creativity, but it also brings me a certain amount of comfort as its aroma wafts through the air. I balance out all that caffeine with green juice and soup throughout the day, making sure to stay hydrated in between drafts and edits. The taste of these various liquids helps keep me on track, reminding me to take regular breaks and provide nourishment for both body and soul.

Research books lay scattered around my desk like breadcrumbs, each begging me to flip its pages and unearth a new discovery. I am currently researching Viking and English history for the series I’m writing, while setting aside a host of other topics that I hope to explore in the future – shapeshifting and warrior angels, the art of war and subterfuge, and more. My bookshelves are filled with an assortment of sources such as novels, non-fiction texts, academic journals, graphic novels – all jostling for space –but it is within their pages that my stories take shape. All these resources provide me with inspiration, ideas, and perspectives because I require my writing to be both informed and unique.

This is my sanctuary, the place where I come to find refuge and unleash my creativity. Every time I take a seat here, it’s like stepping into another world full of possibilities – one that I can shape and transform with every single word. Even when the going gets tough, this spot guarantees me inspired ideas and endless hours of productivity. It’s through this magical haven that I strive to craft stories just for you; stories meant to evoke emotion, inspire thought and remind us all of our shared humanity. This is my most productive and creative spot, even when things get tough, this is where I come to create a world just for you.