Guest Post by Pepper Phillips

A Working Writer…A Day in the Life

When I start my writing day, it generally starts like this:

Pull up my manuscript on the computer.

Pull up my manuscript spreadsheet on the computer so I can check what I am supposed to do next or make notes as things change.

Pull up www.onelook.com on the web so I can check any words that I might need to check the spelling, or if it’s a compound word (my personal bug-a-boo).

Start reading the page where I left off. I also mark down the word count. I use it later to mark my progress sheet.

I’ll check my spreadsheet to see where I am in scene and sequel. Check out Randy Ingermanson’s article entitled ‘Writing the Perfect Scene’ – I use it in my spreadsheet to keep track of the effectiveness of each scene.

I write or if I’m editing, I’m rewriting.

Taking breaks every now and then, I might put on a load of clothes, or eat lunch. I do housework when I need to do some thinking, as it really works for me.

At the end of my writing day, I mark down the ending word count and add the daily word count to my progress sheet.

I save my work to Dropbox, my computer and a flash drive. Ask anyone who writes and has lost their work, they start to save their manuscript in different locations. I have one manuscript that’s locked in a ruined diskette…that so hurts.

When I’m done with my creative process, I start checking my emails, tweeting, and doing some promotion.

I believe that writers need to read as well, so I read, and I also have a craft book, usually in the bathroom that I read while I contemplate life and it’s mysteries.

At the end of the day, I check to see how many copies I might have sold that day and mark the amount on another spreadsheet, so I can keep on top of income and expenses for my accountant for tax season. I find it’s easier to keep up with everything daily than trying to gather it all together at the last minute.

The television is generally on when I write. I can easily tune it out, but it makes it less lonely. The dh was recuperating from minor surgery and was trapped in the house and ambles into my office and asks if I need any help. I glanced at the paragraph I’d just written and said, “Only if you know something about zombies or doppelgangers.” He sat there a moment and then stood, saying, “I guess you don’t need my help.” I killed myself laughing after he left and shared that moment with all my writer friends. Who knew life could be so entertaining!