Thanks so much for having me at Books-n-Kisses. I’m really excited to be here. Are you sure you want to know about my typical writing day? LOL It’s crazy. I procrastinate a lot. When I finally make myself get started, I procrastinate a little bit more.
First, I have to be situated just right on the loveseat. It’s in a corner of my bedroom. I put it back there because it’s a quiet place. If I need absolute quiet, I trek outside to my office, but then I have to drag my laptop and all the papers I need and that’s too much of a hassle.
Once I’m comfy I take a few deep cleansing breaths. That’s when I realize I didn’t scent the air. Yes, ridiculous, I know, but there’s something to be said about using certain scents to put your head in the right place. I either drag the Scentsy pot from the living room or light a candle or if I’m running out of time, a quick spray of nice scented air freshener.
Then I sit down and get comfy again. Except I usually remember I’m thirsty so I have to get up again, hurry to the kitchen and fill a glass with ice, a twist of lemon and water.
Now I’m ready, as soon as I have a stick of gum. Except if I’m out then I have to hunt around the house until I find a pack. I’m like a heavy smoker in search of a cigarette.
I have my water, my orange flavor sugar free gum, a comfy spot—and our neighbor’s dog decides to howl. It never fails. The dog isn’t dying, he just sounds like it. I know this because it has been going on for months and the dog is still alive. There’s a cure. No, I won’t shoot the dog. I’m an animal lover. Besides, I have a feeling our neighbor would get another one. This is their fourth animal and they all howl the same way—loudly. Ear buds and Enya singing block out the noise. Now I meditate a few minutes until the next scene begins to unfold.
I’ve engaged all my senses. I see the characters. I hear the soft music that will soon fade into the background. I taste the strong orange flavor of the gum. The aroma of the scent from the room spray, Scentsy pot or candle fills my space. My fingers lightly run across the keyboard and begin to tingle. I know I’ll bring my story to life.
Sometimes I won’t move from that spot for hours. Once I start typing, I get lost in the story. I want to know what will happen next as much as the reader.
And that’s my typical writing day. Revisions, editing, doing a light mapping of the story before I start writing—that’s a different process. I strive to have fun writing, though.
Again, thanks so much for having me today and Happy Reading! (On a side note—I just ordered Zumba CD’s LOL We’ll see)
Best Wishes,
Karen Kelley
Release Day Sept 1, 2012
Her Fantasies Were Wild But Buried Deep…
Haley Tillman words hard at being a good girl, hiding her rich fantasy life in the pages of her diary. But being good doesnt’ seem to get her anywhere with men, and her confidence is on a downward spiral. She’s ready to try something altogether different, but hasn’t a clue where to start. In a moment of desperation, she prays for a miracle…
He Might Take Her Beyond Them…
Ryder is the perfect combination of powerful angel plus normal hot–blooded man. Crossing into the mortal world could cost him his existence. But mortals are like a potent drug to Ryder, and Hayley is quickly becoming his drug of choice…
Fun post – I have the “procrastination” issues too….lol
hi karen!
loved reading your blog. i got a nice chuckle out of your writing process … i like the way you write … will be putting your new book on my “tbr” list … 😀
Loved the book description! Shopping time!!!
This sounds fantastic – poor Ryder. He’s screwed.
Funny post and interesting book blurb! How do you celebrate the release of a new book?
Love the cover. Can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for the great give away.
I enjoyed the blurb and the snippet!!!
This book looks really hot, I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Congrats on the new release! It sounds great. I loved reading about your ritual to get started writing. I think I would have to throttle the neighbor for not doing something about their dog barking (they should have corrected the behavior when it first started).
I can’t wait to read this book! Congrats again 🙂
June
Sounds like an excellent read. Hot blooded angels? Yes, please! What scents do you use when you write? Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for a great post and congrats on the new release! It sounds fabulous 🙂
Congrats on the new release. This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. It’s too bad your neighbors won’t train their dogs.
Fun post, but I am now worried about that dog. Why does it howl?
Great post please enter me into the giveaway
I totally want to read this book!
The book sounds good.
I want to win!! PICK ME!! PICK ME!!
Can’t wait to read it, thanks for the great contest and interview!
Hi Everyone!
Sorry about the mix-up! I thought I was supposed to be somewhere else. Thanks everyone for stopping by!
How do I celebrate the release of a new book? I’m usually swamped so I don’t have time. BUT when I finish a book I usually get out of town and hubby and I go somewhere fun.
LOL, this book is really hot! I’ve been told I have a warped sense of humor and a dirty mind. I smile and nod.
I really love the scents of Fall when I write. Pumkin Spice is one of my favorites.
LOL The dog howls at everyone who walks by. Now the other neighbors have a dog and they howl at each other. I’m thinking one is female and the other male.
I’m playing nurse today but I’ll stop by again tonight if anyone has questions!
Best,
Karen Kelley
I love the cover. Do you have input on the cover? Thanks for the giveaway!
wouwww!!!!
i love the cover, thanks for the excerpt
thanks for the chance 🙂
Looks interesting. Thanks for the interview and giveaway; it is great to know I am not the only procrastinator!
Hi Karen,
Every so often I may get away with procrastination, but not lately. It’s been super busy here at the school, learning a new Course Management System – Moodle, kids and professors coming back, getting ready for them to come back, dealing with events for Director of Executive Education, and all things that crop up in between. When I go home, I usually need quite for a short period and in my case that means reading.
I look forward to your new book and I hope you have a great evening.