When I’m not writing…
- My brain is resting, so that it can puzzle through character motivations, stylish yet deadly accessories, or possible new steampunk technology for my next scene.
- I’m researching for historical accuracy, so I can decide whether to break it in my next book.
- I’m listening to podcasts for information and inspiration pertaining to writing, or the business of being a writer.
- I’m cooking, grocery shopping, running errands, doing laundry, training the cat, all those things that everyone else does in their spare time, so that I am healthy and sane, so I can write regularly.
- I’m blogging here, so you know I’m accountable to my readers, so you continue to stay faithful and read what I write.
- I’m flipping through feedly for interesting things to post or tweet, I’m also reading up on how to better manage self employment to I can continue to afford the life of a writer.
- I’m answering calling cards, queries about my world, homework questions from my readers so they continue to read my books.
- I’m updating my website, so all my information is more accessible, so when someone asks me the same question for the hundredth time I can point them at the website and save hours in the long run to focus on writing.
- I’m emailing with foriegn translators, editors, conventions, bloggers, bookstores so that everything goes smoothly on the launch of the next book for you, the reader.
- I’m working on a writing schedule and consulting my calender, so I can decide on travel to meet you, who read what I write.
- I’m processing my budget, determining taxes, figuring out insurance, and fighting with credit card companies, so I an afford to live as a writer.
- I’m off at the library, or the shooting range, or up in a balloon, some other oddball place having fun but also doing hands-on research, so I can write more accurate descriptions.
- I’m reading someone else’s book, because I want to, and because maybe I can recommend it to my readers because I can, at best, only bring out one or two books a year and you need more than that.
- I’m stretching or exercising, so my body doesn’t fall apart, so I can stand at a computer for hours, or sit at a desk for days doing copy edits, so I make my deadlines without pain, so the book comes out on time.
And yeah, you know what?
- Occasionally, I am watching TV that has nothing to do with writing.
- Sometimes, I am watching TV, reading blogs, and chatting on Twitter because I need a break from the world of writing for a short time, so I can take a breather, build up momentum, and get back to it.
- Once a day, I’m drinking tea with a cat on my lap and thinking about outfits for my next event, because my brain hurts.
- And sometimes I’m sleeping.
You see, Gentle Reader, sometimes, I’m not writing. And that too is necessary, and right, and good, and important.
Crazy talk.
I leave you with one final thought…
It could always be worse.
You could be waiting a decade and I’d still kill your favorite character.
So, thank you for reading my books, and thank you for being patient between them. Meanwhile did you know I have a back catalogue of over 20 works of fiction? (As of 2018) Surely you can’t have read all of them, can you?
Yours in perpetual scribbling,
Miss Gail
You don’t have to take my word for it:
- Real Writers Plan Days Off
- Authors Don’t Owe You Books
- On Asking “When Will You Write Another Book?”
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Tags: Beginning Writers, FAQ
I do hope that this is not the result of some sort of "you are not writing fast enough for me" harassment! You should never have to justify yourself! I met you at a convention a few years ago, and you are very engaging and thoughtful toward your readers.
I know this seems like a bit of white-knighting, but I can usually judge a person's temperament well. And I find you so very nice that I really do not like the idea of someone being rude toward you.
I also must admit that your final thought caused me to choke on my tea. 😉
I love your tights and your sense of humor.
Fortunately I have many fewer of those than some of my author friends. And the few I get do mean well, and think they are being funny. And enthusiasm is always good right? But I do feel a little needled, sometimes. I appreciate your writing this, and I do try to be kind to anyone who reads my books. But, I admit, I did kind of write this post so I could direct the needlers somewhere.
I should like to hope that 90% of the time I treat others as I would like to be treated. And I try to remember what it was like when I was a young reader meeting an author I loved, or a new writer asking for advice. (Of course, the other 10% of the time I'm hungry and impossible.)
Thanks again,
Gail
Thanks!
Hi Gail,
It sounds like you've got a great system going for yourself, I'm glad you manage to find time for yourself with a cat and cup of tea (that's always my favourite time of the day, though my little girl gets difficult if I don't get her her saucer of lactose free milk first)
I just have one quick question:
BookDepository.com is currently claiming that Waistcoats and Weaponry is due for release November 4 this year (http://www.bookdepository.com/Waistcoats-Weaponry-Gail-Carriger/9781907411618)
Can you tell me if this is accurate or just a very safe estimate until a release date is actually organised?
Thankyou for your time 🙂
Rachel, that's a possible guess first Tuesday in November, but we have no release date set yet so far as I know.
Thank you for clearing that up. It's generally a pretty good site, but I couldn't find anything that confirmed or challenged it anywhere else.
Yesh, nothing goes live onto my site until it is confirmed. Because if I even mention a date people don't read the rest of the sentence and just assume that's the date. Then if it changes later, they get mad at me.