For anyone who thinks a writer’s life is always gilz’ n’ glam that is so not the case! I’m a busy mum to a two year old, and I work full time so for me a typical “day in my life of writing” is packed. It comes with late nights and early mornings, but I love it and would not change it for the world. Some sacrifice is needed, I barely watch TV- only now and again when I need some head space.
While I was writing A Stranger in France a typical day in my writing life would be:
5.30 a.m. I’d wake up start to get myself ready for the day.
6:00 a.m. cuddle and kisses time! My favourite time of the day, my son would wake up.
6.15 a.m. we’d have breakfast and catch up on the news channel and some much loved kid’s TV. I’d get my son ready for nursery.
7.00 a.m. prep dinner for that evening, a bit of house work, sneak a peek at what I wrote the night before.
7.50 a.m. we’d jump in the car I’d drop my son off at nursery school.
8.20 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. I’d be at work, day dreaming about getting back to my laptop to write.
Once back at home I’d get all mama duties out of the way and spend some quality time with my son. Once he was in bed normally about 8ish in the evening, I’d be back at my lap top either writing to meet my submission deadline or editing, until the early hours of the next morning- normally about 1:00 a.m. Then the whole routine would start again, this was Monday – Friday.
On a weekend I was able to fit in a teeny tiny bit more writing, as I would not have to go to work. Each chapter I completed really motivated me, as I was so excited about the story and the drama I was creating for my characters. If my son took a nap or spent time with other family members, rather than take some “me time’’ and go shopping, get a pedicure, or just relax and catch up on sleep, I’d sit my butt down and crack on! This was my routine for about six- seven months. It was a crazy time for my family, and I but I really enjoyed. So as you can see, a writer’s life (one who still works) is far from glam it’s bloody hard work but totally worth it.
What can I say, thank God for MAC under eye concealer and eye opening make-up artists’ ticks, the bags under my eyes could carry a week’s grocery shopping in. But I would not change a thing.
Author, Kim Knight 