Post-its and pets are recurring themes in the writer’s cave feature. They appear in Margaret K Johnson’s piece today, as well as her love of early mornings. She’s celebrating having a new book out too!
Thanks so much for inviting me to appear on your My Writing Cave feature! I do have the ability to write pretty much anywhere if I’m feeling driven to write. My son is ten years old now, but in the past I have written at roller-skating rinks, in play areas surrounded by screaming children and even at swimming pools, although not, I hasten to add in the water, as I’ve found that makes the paper a bit soggy.
I am fortunate to have my own office and this, I’m afraid is often very untidy. But my absolute favourite place to write – and the place where I’m often most inspired, is sitting up in bed with a giant cup of coffee first thing in the morning, while my partner is out with the dog and my son is still asleep. Sometimes this can be as early as five-thirty am (which is probably why I need a cat nap later in the day!) I adore writing in my notebook at this time, occasionally glancing out of the window to see the sky getting lighter behind the trees. Sometimes the sunrises are amazing.
It’s bliss, despite the early hour, and the time I do my best work. After the school run I make another coffee and a slice of toast, and then I read through the previous day’s work, making a few changes and familiarising myself with it. Then I type up what I wrote that morning in my notebook and carry on writing on the computer until lunchtime, after which I take the dog out. A quick cat nap, a cuppa and some cake, and I’m off for another hour until the school run beckons again. The only thing that distracts me from writing really are sounds outside like roadworks, building or tree-felling – especially tree-felling since I adore trees so much. If there are any sounds like these I can carry on working if I play very loud music – usually something I’ve heard a million times before so I almost don’t hear it any longer. I love to brainstorm my ideas on a table in my office, and despite my office usually being untidy, I do my best to keep this area clear. If you’re wondering about the strange cut-out piece in the blind, that’s where our cat used to creep through – often changing the order of the scenes in my novel on her way – to get to the sunny spot on the window ledge. Sadly, she’s not with us any longer, but somehow I can’t bring myself to replace the blind.
I love to have all my useful books and files to hand as I work – fortunately, I know just where everything is!
I’m very excited because my latest novel, Taming Tom Jones is published by Crooked Cat Publishing today! I’ll be sitting at my computer from 1.30 – 7.30 for the online launch party. You’re very welcome to join me – here’s the link.
https://www.facebook.com/events/914730098613670/
And here’s a bit about Taming Tom Jones:
Jen’s partner Michael has never been in a relationship for more than four years, so with their fourth anniversary coming up, she’s getting understandably nervous. Especially as she’s just discovered she’s pregnant, and she knows Michael doesn’t want any more children other than Kyle, his teenage son. Jen means to tell Michael about the baby right away, but then he comes home on a brand new motorbike, having traded in his sensible car, and the moment is lost. Is Michael having an early mid-life crisis? Jen decides to do some detective work about Michael’s exes in an effort to save their relationship, and embarks on a journey that will take her as far afield as North Norfolk and Cuba. But she has no idea of the can of worms she’s about to open. Why do all Michael’s relationships break up? And what’s the big secret he’s hiding?
To Buy Links: Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com:
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/577133
Margaret K Johnson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretKJohnsonAuthor
Twitter: @margaretkaj
Website: www.margaretkjohnson.co.uk
Blog: www.margaretkjohnson.co.uk/blog
Thank you so much for sharing your writer’s cave with me Margaret – and the very best of luck with the new book. It sounds fabulous!
Thanks so much for having me, Georgia!
What a very civilised cave you write it, Margaret. Enjoyed the blog and best of luck with ‘Taming Tom Jones’