When I first started writing in 2008 my kids were considerably younger and demanded more of my attention. Writing happened at 4:30 in the morning before they woke and the chaos ensued. (I’m somewhat of an insomniac, so the stories and characters just woke me up that early too.) My writing took place wherever I could put “butt in chair” and manage to get words on page. In my bed, in the living room, in my car at boy’s football or baseball practice, the pick-up line at school, or anywhere it was quiet and I wouldn’t be disturbed.
Once the boys got older (and I sold a book), I realized I needed to treat my writing as a career. Get up and go to work like regular adults. No more makeshift office at the kitchen table or in a lounge chair or on a desk in the third garage where we store the junk. To take it seriously I needed a real place to work that wasn’t cluttered, where I could focus on just my writing. With a little rearranging of the guest room, moving the boy’s music room to the third car garage, I finally had MY writing space. My office. A place where I can lock the door and write. I love decorating probably more than I do writing. To finally get to see my beautiful space come to life was the most rewarding part. This office is perfect for me. The last year I’ve been incredibly productive in here. And I believe designating a time and place to write has contributed to that success.
Now every morning after I get the boys off to school, I grab my cup of coffee and tell my little dog Sookie, “Let’s go to work!” She happily pops up off the chair and trots down the hallway with me to my office.
Dana Elmendorf was born and raised in small town in Tennessee. She now lives in southern California with her husband, two boys and her tiny dog. When she isn’t exercising, she can be found geeking out with Mother Nature. After her family’s needs are met, you can find her dreaming up contemporary YA romances with plenty of kissing. Author of SOUTH OF SUNSHINE from Albert Whitman and Company, out now.
