Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Glamorous Life or Organized Chaos?!

Have you ever wondered where authors do their best work? I have. I've pictured E. L. James, author of Fifty Shades of Grey, writing in an exotic location sipping margaritas and laughing in between chapters.That's probably not the case, but who knows? I also see J. K. Rowling pecking away at the keyboard in a slightly chilly, dimly lit room. Again, probably not even close.

A few years ago, I took a tour of Ernest Hemingway's house on Whitehead St. nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West. I remember how great it was to get a peek at the place where this creative genius had written, A Farewell To Arms and For Whom The Bell Tolls. There was an old style typewriter and leatherbound books. I was in awe!

I'm not a famous author like E. L. James, J. K. Rowling, or Ernest Hemingway, but I still thought it would be fun to share where I create my stories.


My desk
(usually a lot more cluttered) 


Yep! This is where it happens!


I always keep a manila folder with pertinent information about my characters. I even go so far as cut out pictures of people who resemble my characters so I can refer back to them. In my current work-in-progress, the lovely Anne Hathaway resembles my heroine (lucky heroine) and country star, Jerrod Niemann resembles my hero (lucky hero)!

Also, notice the coffee cup! Without coffee I couldn't function.


Here are some of the folders for my stories. Kiss Me and One Small Fib (which I originally titled, The Frugal Billionaire).


Folders for Stay Close, Novac!, Lucky Ducks, and Three Days With Molly.

I am constantly looking for ways to stay organized. If you have any thoughts on the subject or would like to share how you organize the things in your life, I'd love to hear about them. Please leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of my latest ebook - Stay Close, Novac! (Be sure to leave your email address so I can notify you if your name is drawn)


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16 comments:

  1. You are so organized! And you write in your office!! Although I keep a well stocked desk in my office.... I tend to write everywhere else... usually that means the library because at home there are just too many excuses for me to do other things....like laundry, and vacuum!! Love your creative space! Besides the library, you can find me at ohwrite@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks, Tari! Some days I'm organized, some not so much. :-)) I've tried to write other places like out by the pond, at the library,in my car - none of those really work for me. I think I have a special attachment to this desk and chair!! I'm glad you dropped by and happy you left a comment. Have a great week!!

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  2. Wow, that looks pretty organized to me!

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    1. Thanks, PJ & Karen :-)) Don't let the photos fool you...some days I can't find the top of the desk!! ha ha As part of the title of this post suggests...my life is organized chaos!! Thanks for popping in & leaving a comment! Hugs, Jan

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  3. Hi Jan! Guess what? Anne Hathaway is also the perfect actress to play my book's main character. We'll have to fight for her when it comes time to cast our films :-O

    I can't suggest any org methods to you because clearly you're way ahead of me in that department, but LOVED seeing where you do your magic - thanks for sharing!

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    1. Molly, we'll just have to share Anne :-)) She's young so she can be the heroine's of both of our books and then go on to do the film projects. She's very energetic and versatile!! I'm glad you liked seeing the old bat cave...oops I mean my office!! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Greatly appreciated! Hugs, Jan

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  4. How to stay organised? I've no idea. I gave up trying - I seemed to spend so much time trying to do something I'm obviously not programmed to do. Life is much simpler (if cluttered) now!

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    1. Hi, Jo! Thanks for dropping by my blog! Happy to have you here :-))Some days there's more chaos than organization that happens at my desk. Haven't decided which way helps with the creativity!! ha ha Have a great week!!

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  5. Wow, Jan! I'm impressed. I love the way you doodled art on the covers of your folders. You don't look like you need any tips because you look pretty darn organized to me.
    Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing the pics. :)

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    1. Hi, Joya!

      You're so great about visiting my blog!! *virtual hug* Thanks for the sweet comments about how organized things look!! (perception, perception, perception!! ha ha) Some days I'm all about being organized, other days I can't even spell the word. Hugs, Jan

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  6. You have folders, sticky notes, labeled notebooks and a clean office... your organization beats mine! I'm more of a "pile" person. :o) I do love the giant sticky notes (I think they're 5x8") - when I start a new novel I use one for each of my main and secondary characters and stick them to the closet door in my office. I don't use them much after tha first week, but it's helpful to write it all out. That's about all I've got on organization! And I mostly write in our sunroom or on the deck, laptop in my lap. I dont' even have a desk in my office, just a big comfy chair.

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    1. Thanks so much for popping in & leaving some comments. I really like the idea of the 5 x 8" sticky notes! That's a great way to stay focused :-) My office area works for me, but it sounds like you have a great thing going with your sunroom & deck!!

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  7. Hi Jan...looks organized to me!...I'd have to clean my desk and get off the couch before I can take photos...

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    1. Hi, Tower! Thanks so much for dropping by my blog! It was fun to share my workspace photos!! (the post gave me an excuse to get things in ship-shape. *now if they would only stay that way* ha ha) Love your profile pic! You're smiling big and looks like you're having a blast! Hugs, Jan

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  8. Hi Jan,
    I love your writing space. I can't see my desk at home (never mind the top of it). If I don't have to dig through reams of paper to find that one-sentence note on one of my characters, something's wrong.
    Lately, I've taken to using binders with zippers. I'm clumsy and tend to drop things a lot. So when I drop my writing notes, at least it all stays in one place. :-)

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  9. So very neat!
    I always have to many thing cooking at one time to stay real neat for more than 5 minutes.

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