I often joke that the only consistent thing about my drafting process is that it is different with each book, and honestly, my writing routine is pretty similar. I write when I can and often do my best work when deadlines are looming.
I keep an office where I do the bulk of my writing. A few years ago, I broke down and bought an iMac that I absolutely love, and I always feel very luxurious writing on the enormous screen. I typically draft in Scrivener and edit in Microsoft Word, and I love to listen to music while I draft—I make playlists for each book that I listen to while working on them. Minimizing distractions is key for me, and I often write with headphones in.
My office is pretty bare to minimize distractions, but I do have my book covers framed on my wall. Whenever I’m having a tough day, I love looking at them as a reminder that I am living my dream job. It’s been a really fun way for me to celebrate the publication milestones.
I also have a treadmill desk in my office, and I like to work on my ancient MacBook Air (it’s come back from the dead a time or two) while I get a few steps in. I’m a lot slower on the treadmill desk in terms of drafting so if I’m on a tight deadline, it’s the desktop for me. The treadmill desk is great, though, for doing more administrative things like answering emails, monitoring social media, and handling publicity items while keeping me active.
When I’m facing a tough deadline and am stuck in the drafting or editing process, I like to change things up a bit and go to a coffee shop to write. Something about the change of scenery can often get the creative juices flowing.
Thanks for visiting my writing space!
Originally from Florida, Chanel Cleeton grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She loves to travel and has lived in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Chanel is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. The author of ten books, her latest novel, NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA, was published by Penguin/Berkley in February 2018.
