Writing Habits

http://morguefile.com

I hope everyone is enjoying our "meet the members" posts. I thought we would take a break before our next interview and talk about writing habits.

I have yet to meet any two writers who approach the process the same way. And if you are enjoying our interviews, you see what I'm talking about.

Like in this picture, some enjoy writing in a public place such as a coffee shop. While others prefer the solitude of home.

Coffee, tea or soda? Many writers need some sort of caffeine boost. Or, perhaps, like Hemingway, they require something with a bit more punch to get those creative juices flowing.

Pen and paper, or computer? Of course a computer is much easier to edit on, but some writers find the flow of words comes easier while writing long hand.

Music or not? Some writers create play lists and listen with ear buds or head phones. Others find music a bit too distracting.

The time of day we write differs for everyone. Just like some of us are morning people, others are night owls. The thing is to realize when you are the most creative and try to block off that time.

Share with us your writing habits. I bet no two will be alike.

Meet Our President

http://morguefile.com/

This is the first interview with one of our members. There will be many more to follow. So grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy getting to know Susan Keene. She is a very talented story teller, published author, and currently serves as president of our group.

First tell us a little about yourself. 

My education is in the medical field. I went to school at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis to be an X-Ray technician. The only reason I chose that field was because my dad didn't think girls should go to college and I was able to get a full paid scholarship.

I didn't like the work and after several years I went into sales for Sears Contract Sales and did some of their sales training.

I live in the country with lots of animals including sheep, horses, cows, mules, donkeys, cats and dogs. We have over three hundred fruit trees.

Sometimes, when I make the thirty-five mile drive to Springfield, I think it would be nice to live closer. When I come home to the quiet and beauty of it all, I change my mind.

What draws you to mystery/crime writing?

The world intrigues me, everything is a mystery. I think that is why I like to write them. My goal is to keep you guessing and hope you won't figure out who did it. I want each book to be a surprise. Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than the words, "Wow, I didn't expect that."

If you could have lunch with any author dead or alive, who would it be?

It would be fun to share a pint with Hemingway, but my favorite contemporary author is Harlen Cobin

Favorite food?

Boy, I love to eat so that is a tough one. It would be a toss-up between crab and pasta with white sauce.

What does your writing schedule look like?

I get up, grab a cup of coffee and go straight into my office. I write until my  particular train of thought is done and then go on with my day. Occasionally I write at the end of the day, but I am not as productive.

I am and have always been a creature of habit. Mess up my routine and it messes up my day.

You are the current president for Sleuths' Ink. What do you find enjoyable about the job and what bothers you? 

It is always fun to be the leader. I spend a lot of time thinking about the plot of the story I am writing. Presiding over the meetings keeps my mind in the present. The women and men who belong to Sleuths' are so talented, I am in awe to be around them.

I guess the downside is the preparation outside the meetings, like reserving the meeting room. I really do need a secretary.

Thanks Susan for sharing.

Please check out her links below.

http://amzn.to/1JURH0C   Link to Diggitty the Dog Saves Christmas

https://tinyurl.com//lxc5ngl    Link to Diggitty the Dog Finds A Friend

 http://amzn.to/1b3BuDL      Link to The Adventures of Diggitty the Dog

http://amzn.to/19IVg9H     Link to Tattered Wings