Now I’m going to tell you about the other side, and how selling my first book changed the space.
BEFORE, this is where I napped between bouts of writing and dreamed of one day becoming a published author.
Comfy, isn’t it?
Then came the big call. Weeks later, it was followed by the even bigger revision letter – four single spaced pages itemizing over fifty changes.
Suddenly, the days of napping in my office were over. I also needed a bigger screen (I only have laptops) for editing and more desk space.
Here’s an AFTER photo of what it’s looked like since I sold. I’ve dubbed it the “editing side”, where I do revisions, print and prepare to give my manuscripts a final send off.
Now tell me how your life (or surroundings) have changed since you sold your first book????
www.phyllisbourne.com
Well I now write from a desktop in a dedicated space instead of the bed. But that had more to do with a virus ridden laptop than selling my book.
ReplyDeleteThe real big change came in the process of writing. I once wrote freely without inhibition, now I'm constantly thinking of readers response to my first novel and editing to reflect what I think would work best.
I must say - it looks like some serious business is taking place at that desk. Love the size of the monitor. I too have a nice-sized screen. It helps. Also, what if any writing program do you enjoy?
ReplyDeletePB - What would you say the difference of the two spots has been, as far as your creativity goes?
@Jewel - I know what you mean about writing freely vs. writing when you know someone is going to read it. I froze up after my first book. Too busy worried about if my editor would like it.
ReplyDelete@Don - My Macbook is fine for most writing, but when I'm editing hooking it up to the big screen REALLY helps.
I usually write on an AlphaSmart Neo - www.alphasmart.com and upload first drafts of finished scenes into Word. I like the AlphaSmart because I can't get on the internet. Also, it only shows 4-6 lines of text, so I can't really go back and edit.
Right now, I'm experimenting with Mac only writing program called Scrivener - http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.html. I'm drawn to it, because I needed a better system of organizing.
The difference between the old/new spots is with two desks I can only work in the room. No more kicking back. So I have to FORCE myself to go in there.
LOL! Sometimes my dh has to play Supernanny - toss me in there and won't let me come out until the timer goes off.
Thanks for stopping by y'all.
Thanks - I checked out both links. So, THAT is what you took a picture of, on an older blog post!
ReplyDeleteI like the Corkboard on the Full Screen Evolved on Scrivener. Just an overall awesome writing program. I don't have a Mac though. *sad face*
Too funny @ force yourself. You are a born writer. This much is obvious.
Enjoy.
Phyllis, with you on the freezing up thing, and with Jewel on second guessing myself instead of just writing freely as before. :(
ReplyDeleteI no longer write in bed or at the dining table with the TV blaring a few feet away. I've got a proper desk and a dedicated nook in my bedroom, as well as a nifty little laptop to replace the dinosaur PC I used to bang away at. As a matter of fact, when I first started writing seriously (circa 1997) I didn't have a computer. I had a word processing typewriter that's gathering dust in a closet somewhere now.